First Steps
Submit Documents
Send your CV, passport copy, UoS PhD transcripts, master’s and bachelor’s transcripts and certificates, plus a photo to the coordinator. These will be forwarded to the International Office for review.
Certificate Review
If accepted, you can proceed. If not, the Scientific Committee will advise how to make up missing credits.
Your Guide to Enrollment & Supervision
This section provides all the essential information and steps you need to find a Principal Investigator (PI), complete your enrollment, and set up access to university services at the University of Lübeck. Follow the process here to ensure a smooth and successful start to your exchange program.
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Thesis & Research Registration
After you’ve enrolled, take the next step by registering your thesis, confirming your Co-PI, and completing the necessary agreements and CDSL registration.
Structured Supervision meetings
This section outlines the requirements and procedures for your structured supervision meetings during the PhD program. Learn how to organize, document, and submit your meetings with your Individual Thesis Committee to ensure continuous progress tracking and meet all graduation requirements at the University of Lübeck.
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Credit Requirements
Credits form the foundation of the structured doctoral framework and the dual degree program. Completing your 6 credit points through courses, supervision, and research activities strengthens your academic profile and develops you into a well-rounded, independent researcher. Registration and credit management are coordinated through the Centre for Doctoral Studies Lübeck (CDSL).
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Online Resources
Your studies, schedule, and campus tools — all in one place. With your IDM account, the Uni Lübeck App, and your NAH.SH semester ticket, you can manage university life easily from your phone. It’s a simple, streamlined way to stay organized and connected throughout your time in Lübeck.
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Research Stay
Spend your summers in Lübeck for research, collaboration, and cultural exchange. Experience the city’s unique mix of history, innovation, and student life during your annual research stays.
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Enrollment and Supervisor Coordination
This section covers everything related to your registration at the University of Lübeck. Here, you’ll find guidance on enrolling, selecting your Principal Investigator (PI), and completing the contract process with your PI. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful start.
Find a Supervisor (PI)
With support from the program coordinator, find a suitable Principal Investigator (PI) at the University of Lübeck. To assist in this process, send a brief project description outlining your research goals, expectations, and any specific methods or materials you will need.
PI Confirmation
Once your PI has been confirmed, a signed supervision agreement is required. Please download the Supervision Agreement document and follow the Step-by-Step Guide to complete it correctly. After the agreement is signed by both you and your PI, you can proceed to plan your research stay and next steps.
Enrollment
Once a Principal Investigator (PI) has been assigned, you can proceed with your enrollment. Please download the required documents below, complete them, and obtain your PI’s signature and stamp.
The following documents are needed for enrollment:
After all forms have been completed and signed, submit them to the program coordinators in Lübeck.
Get University Access
After enrollment, you will receive your IDM (Identity Management System) account, which provides access to your university email, course registration, and other services.
Thesis Registration and Research Preparation
After enrollment, you must register your thesis before beginning any research work. This step is mandatory and should be completed as early as possible to ensure proper supervision and administrative approval.
Co-PI from Lübeck
You are required to have a designated Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) based at the University of Lübeck. Your Co-PI will support your research and coordinate with your home supervisor. If you need assistance finding a suitable Co-PI, please contact the program coordinator for guidance.
Thesis Registration
Complete the Thesis Registration Form by filling in your thesis title and obtaining all required signatures. Once complete, submit the form to the program coordinator.
- Download the Thesis Registration Form
- English Guide to filling out the Registration Form
- More detailed information can be found here
Supervision Agreement
Finalize the Supervision Agreement with your Lübeck PI and Co-PI. Collect all required signatures and send the signed document to the program coordinator by email.
- Download the Supervision Agreement Form
- Instructions for Completing the Supervision Agreement
Project Abstract / Exposé
Submit a one-page (approximately 300-word) abstract of your project to the program coordinator. A template is available upon request.
Structured Supervision Meetings
For graduation at the University of Lübeck, you are required to complete six structured supervision meetings with your Individual Thesis Committee. These meetings ensure continuous academic guidance and support throughout your doctoral studies.
Download the Structured Supervision Meeting Document
1. Organize the Meeting
Your Individual Thesis Committee consists of your PIs from Lübeck and Sharjah. Meetings must be held twice a year, in March and September. You are responsible for scheduling and organizing these meetings.
2. Document the Meeting
After each meeting, fill in the corresponding page of the Structured Supervision Meeting document (e.g., 1. Structured Supervision Meeting, 2. Structured Supervision Meeting, etc.). The document is available for download below.
4. Final Submission
At the end of your doctoral studies, collect all required signatures on the final page of the document and submit the fully signed version to the administrative assistant. The document will then be forwarded to the Center for Doctoral Studies Lübeck (CDSL).
3. Submit for Tracking
After each meeting, send a copy of the unsigned document to the administrative assistant in Lübeck. This allows progress tracking throughout your studies.
Credit Requirements
To graduate from the University of Lübeck, all doctoral candidates must complete 6 credit points (CP) as part of the structured doctoral program. These credits form a key component of the dual degree framework, promoting academic breadth, professional development, and research excellence. Credit management and registration are coordinated through the Centre for Doctoral Studies Lübeck (CDSL).
Credit Requirements
To graduate, you must complete 6 credit points (CP) as part of the structured doctoral program.
Mandatory Curriculum (2 Credit Points):
- Project Exposé – 0.5 CP
- Structured Supervision Meetings (6 total) – 1.0 CP
- Good Scientific Practice Course – 0.5 CP
Good Scientific Practice Course
Completion of the Good Scientific Practice course is mandatory for all doctoral candidates.
This course can be completed online and should be taken as early as possible, as places are limited and fill up quickly.
Please register for this course as soon as possible via the education portal. The login to the website will be done with your IDM access data you received during your enrollment. The field "abweichende Rechnungsadresse/Lieferadresse" can be ignored
Additional Credit Requirements (4 Credit Points)
The remaining 4 credit points can be earned through a variety of academic and professional activities, such as:
- Attending workshops or courses
- Participating in conferences or congresses
- Publishing as first or second author
- Other approved academic achievements
A full overview of eligible activities and their corresponding credit values is available on the CDSL main webpage.
After completing any activity, please inform the program coordinator and provide proof (e.g., DOI number or certificate of attendance).
Centre for Doctoral Studies Lübeck (CDSL)
The Centre for Doctoral Studies Lübeck (CDSL) is responsible for managing all matters related to credit points and the structured doctoral program.
It organizes qualification courses, reviews and approves credit-earning activities, and evaluates the eligibility of coursework, certificates, and other academic achievements.
Registration with the CDSL is mandatory for all doctoral candidates after enrollment. This registration ensures that your courses, credits, and progress are officially recognized.
Online Resources
The University of Lübeck provides a range of online tools and guides to help you navigate enrollment, research registration, and academic requirements. These resources include step-by-step tutorials, digital forms, and access links for university systems and services. Use them to stay informed and manage your doctoral journey efficiently.
IDM Account (Identity Management System)
Once you have completed your enrollment, you will receive your IDM account, which is your personal login for all university systems.
Your IDM credentials allow you to:
- Access your university email account
- Register for courses and exams
- Log in to internal services such as Moodle, Webmail, and the Library Portal
For detailed setup instructions and troubleshooting, visit the IDM Account Guide.
Uni Lübeck App
Download and install the Uni Lübeck App to manage your digital student life in one place. The app connects directly to your IDM account and gives you mobile access to key services.
With the app, you can:
- Access your digital student ID
- Navigate the campus map and find buildings
- Check your course schedule and library account
- Receive updates and notifications from the university
Find download links and setup instructions on the Uni Lübeck App Tutorial Page.
NAH.SH Semester Ticket
Your semester ticket gives you access to public transportation throughout Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg. It replaces the travel function of your student ID and must be activated digitally.
Steps to activate your ticket:
- Download your student ID in the Uni Lübeck App.
- Visit NAH.SH to activate your semester ticket.
- Use the digital ticket for travel on: public buses, regional trains (RE and RB), ubways (U-Bahn) and trams (Straßenbahn), ferries (excluding North Sea routes)
More information can be found on the Semester Ticket Info Page.
Research Stays in Lübeck
As an integral component of the Dual-Degree Program, doctoral candidates are required to complete annual research stays at the University of Lübeck. Each stay takes place from early July to the end of September and is designed to strengthen academic collaboration, ensure consistent supervision, and foster an active research community among participants.
Timeline:
1st Stay: Research stay (3 months)
2nd Stay: Research stay (3 months)
3rd Stay: Final examination period (approx. 4 weeks)
Experience German Culture
During your stays, you will also have the opportunity to engage with German culture and everyday life in Lübeck. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city combines centuries of architectural and cultural heritage with a dynamic academic environment. Its historic charm, modern infrastructure, and vibrant student community make Lübeck an ideal setting for focused research and intercultural exchange.
For More Information
Visit our Research Stay in Lübeck page for detailed guidance on planning your stay. There you will find practical information and tips on accommodation, travel arrangements, visa procedures, and what to expect during your time in Lübeck. The page also includes advice from previous participants and links to student support services to help you prepare for a successful and enriching research experience.
- Dual Degree Program
- Overview
