Rising doctoral students at universities in Thuringia experience a consistent trend - Increasing number of doctoral candidates at universities in Thuringia
In the heart of Germany, the state of Thuringia has seen a significant increase in the number of doctoral candidates over the past few years. One of the key contributors to this trend is the University of Erfurt, located in the capital city of Erfurt. Established in 1379, the University of Erfurt is one of the oldest universities in Germany, boasting a diverse student and faculty population of 13,987 and 1,562 members respectively, as of December 1, 2024.
The University of Erfurt specialises in research related to early modern history and humanities, reflecting strong interest in these areas among doctoral candidates. The university emphasises interdisciplinary networking and knowledge transfer, fostering academic diversity among doctoral candidates in fields connected to social sciences and humanities.
Another major player in Thuringia's academic landscape is the Friedrich-Schiller-University in Jena. This institution is particularly popular among doctoral candidates, with more than two-thirds of those pursuing a doctorate choosing to study there. The university supports cutting-edge research in thematic clusters such as "Balance of the Microverse" and "Imaginamics," indicating growing doctoral activity in natural sciences and innovative interdisciplinary research.
While exact numbers on foreign doctoral candidates in Thuringia were not found, the general trend in Germany shows universities attracting international doctoral students. Thuringian universities' participation in broader European initiatives like the "European Doctoral Day" also indicates an inclusive international environment for doctoral studies.
The gender distribution of doctoral candidates in Thuringia is slightly skewed, with slightly more than half being male. Contemporary German doctoral programs typically focus on promoting gender equality and diversity through fair supervision and support frameworks.
As of December 1, 2024, the University of Erfurt in Thuringia does not have a high percentage of foreign students or faculty members. The university offers a wide range of degree programs, including Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral degrees.
The trend towards obtaining a doctorate in Thuringia has been ongoing for several years, and the number of individuals pursuing a doctorate in Thuringia has increased by nearly 1,000 since 2018. As of December 1, 2024, 6,351 individuals were working on their doctoral dissertations in Thuringia.
The University of Erfurt in Thuringia does not have a specific focus on any particular field, offering a diverse range of academic programs. The university's commitment to fostering academic diversity, promoting gender equality, and attracting international students and researchers positions it well to continue contributing to the growing trend in doctoral studies in Thuringia.
The University of Erfurt, in its commitment to fostering academic diversity, extends vocational training programs that cater to education-and-self-development, including online-learning, alongside traditional fields; thus, encompassing a wide range of learning opportunities. As part of its community policy, the university encourages individuals to pursue vocational training in addition to doctoral studies, further enhancing the trend of increased doctoral candidates in Thuringia.
