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PrepDoc 2025: Kick-start your doctoral journey at TUM. Photos: Andreas Heddergott/TUM, TUM-GS; Andreas Heddergott/TUM

PrepDoc Program 2025

You have a passion for research and consider a doctoral degree from your Alma Mater, TUM? Would you like to know how to approach a potential supervisor and explore the various paths to a doctorate?

Look no further than the PrepDoc program, offered by the TUM Graduate School, designed to provide invaluable insights into planning for your doctorate. Whether it's understanding funding opportunities, identifying suitable supervisors, refining research strategies, or delving into other crucial aspects before embarking on your doctoral journey at TUM, this program has you covered.

The program for TUM master’s students is entirely free of charge and comprises a comprehensive lineup of events:

  • Introductory Event: Join our introductory event (Main campus or Garching/hybrid) where we share important information about the doctoral process at TUM and insights from TUM doctoral candidates and alumni.
  • Workshops: Dive deeper into specific topics such as international mobility or doing a doctorate as a first-generation academic, with a series of workshops (virtual/hybrid/in person), each addressing crucial elements of doctoral research and academia. Attend as many workshops as you like, tailored to your interests and schedule.
  • Networking Opportunities: Seize your chance to expand your professional network and benefit from exchanging with TUM doctoral candidates and academics.

Stay informed by regularly visiting our website for updates. You can register for workshops in your area of interest and kick-start your doctoral journey at TUM!

Our events and workshops take place between 5 May and 27 May 2025.

Are you currently finishing your Master’s Degree at TUM? You have a passion for research and a doctorate may be an interesting option for you? Are you considering staying at TUM for your further journey into research and science?

Join us for our introductory event, “Your Doctorate at TUM” as part of our extensive PrepDoc program 2025 at TUM campus Garching-Forschungszentrum (hybrid). We will introduce you to the unique doctoral model of TUM, as well as to the tailor-made services and offerings by the TUM Graduate School. We will also talk about the different paths and possibilities of becoming a doctoral candidate, different ways of financing your doctorate, and what it takes to become a doctoral candidate at TUM.

We are thrilled to welcome our guest speaker, Prof. Johannes Betz, who will share his own personal insights on the reasons, possibilities, and opportunities that a doctorate may offer. In addition, current doctoral candidates will talk about their doctoral journey and share their personal experiences of doing a doctorate at TUM.

A doctorate at TUM offers an exciting possibility to enhance your skillset, work with experts in your research field, learn new techniques and methods and contribute to research projects, but it also opens up new career opportunities and perspectives. So come along, especially if you are still undecided if a doctorate at TUM is the right choice for you!

Participation is only possible upon registration. Please register by 02.05.2025. 

Kick-Off Event: Your doctorate at TUM – TUM campus Garching-Forschungszentrum/ hybrid

  • When? Monday, 05.05.2025, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Where? TUM Graduate School, Boltzmannstrasse 17, Garching; Ground Floor, Room E003 or online via Zoom
  • Registration: https://collab.dvb.bayern/x/EAEAB (in person as well as online)
  • Contact: TUM Graduate School Welcome Office

This event will be held in English.

 

- an event by the Graduate Center of the TUM School of Life Sciences -

For all interested or undecided students, the Graduate Center of Life Sciences offers an information event about a doctorate at TUM School of Life Sciences on Freising Campus.

On the agenda:

  • How to find a doctoral position
  • How to find a supervisor
  • How to fund your doctorate
  • How to apply for the doctoral candidacy list
  • Being a member in the TUM Graduate School
  • Being a member in the Graduate Center of Life Sciences
  • Training elements and milestones in the mandatory qualification program
  • Overview of Graduate Center of Life Sciences services and financial support
  • Meet and Greet with the Weihenstephan Doctoral Representatives
  • Q&A session

Please register via e-mail in order to participate.

- in cooperation with the TUM Graduate Council -

The relationship between doctoral candidates and supervisors is unique in several ways. For many doctoral candidates, their supervisor will not only be involved in the scientific work, but at the same time be their employer, provide professional guidance and introduce them to the scientific and academic world. Due to this important relationship, choosing a supervisor for your doctoral research should be a conscious decision.

In the workshop “How to Choose Your Supervisor,” representatives from the TUM Graduate Council will share their experiences and discuss various questions relating to the choice of your supervisor and doctoral supervision, such as:

  • What are the factors to take into account when considering a scientifically well-respected supervisor?
  • What is the difference between supervision at large chairs and small chairs?
  • How is the TUM supervision agreement implemented into your daily research life? 

After a short presentation, the workshop will be driven by questions from the participants.

Please register by 08.05.2025 at:

Being the first in the family to study or do a doctorate? Statistics show that this is by no means a matter of course. First Generation Academics are less likely to pursue higher education after completing their secondary education – and the percentage of First Generation Academics decreases even further by the time they reach the doctoral phase.

First Generation Academics in the TUM Community have already overcome many challenges and forged their personal path. With our new event format for Master's students and doctoral candidates, we want to further support First Generation Academics by creating networking opportunities, discussing potential challenges faced during the doctoral phase, and providing tools to overcome them. The program includes brief insights into relevant topics, practical tips, and an introduction to support services tailored to First Generation Academics. Additionally, successful First Generation Academics will share their experiences, and there will be plenty of time for exchange and networking.

The event will be conducted in English. 

Please register by 15 May 2025 at:

Childcare: During the event, a retreat room in the same building will be available for children. Please let us know via email if you require childcare.

Are you interested in pursuing a doctorate but uncertain about how to finance it? Join our workshop, "How to Fund My Doctorate," where we'll delve into the various funding options available for financing a doctorate at TUM-

In this session, we'll cover essential topics such as the administrative implications of scholarships and employment contracts. We'll also explore the practical aspects of how funding can impact your everyday work within the chair/research group, your relationship with your supervisor, and your overall role in the academic environment at TUM.

Key Questions We'll Address:

  • What are my options for doctoral financing at TUM?
  • How can I enhance my chances of securing financing?
  • What are the implications of different funding models?

This workshop will follow an interactive format, allowing ample time for participants to discuss their individual questions related to doctoral financing.

Please register by 09.05.2025. 

Are you a master's student or doctoral candidate eager to globalize your academic journey? We cordially invite you to our informative and networking event, "Internationalize Your Doctorate."

This event offers valuable insights and practical tips on how to integrate an international research stay into your doctorate. Are you drawn to the USA, Australia, or Sub-Saharan Africa? Learn more about funding opportunities and exchange programs! You will also have the chance to connect with alumni from TUM GS research exchange programs and gain first-hand insights from their experiences.

Please register by 23 May 2025: 

The language of the event is English.

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