The prerequisite for entering the PhD program is a master‘s degree (or any equivalent such as a diploma). In case your degree is not a master‘s degree obtained from a mathematics program in Germany further prerequisites might be set by the the PhD Examination Board. 

The courses are taught in English and German. Knowledge of the German language is not required to enter the PhD program, although it is highly recommended to learn German during the first two years of the PhD program. The PhD thesis can be written in English or German.

PhD students are registered as students of the University of Duisburg-Essen. There is no tuition but an administrative fee. Registered students receive a student ID card which allows them to use the University library and to have lunch at reduced prices at the cafeteria. Free public transportation on buses, trams and local trains within the province of Northrhine-Westfalia as well as reduced admission to some public events is also granted to holders of a student ID card. 

Doctoral candidates are responsible for finding their own academic supervisor and proposing a scientific topic. The faculty does not provide fellowships, thus there also is no general application deadline for the program. For openings of PhD positions please check the respective webpages of the research teams. General information on the application process can be found here.