The German doctorate enjoys an outstanding reputation in all disciplines. In Germany, almost 30.000 graduates successfully complete their doctoral studies every year – far more than in any other European country.

Most universities in Germany are not certified to issue Ph.D. titles in Engineering. These universities also offer good master's programs, but if graduates want to acquire a Ph.D., they must apply to a different university after graduation, for example to one of the „Technischen Universitäten“ (www.tu9.de). The TU Berlin belongs to the group of universities where a Ph.D. can be done.

Usually in Germany and also at the TU Berlin, a doctorate in engineering includes a research period of three to five years. During that time, the Ph.D. students / Ph.D. candidates work on their university research projects advancing their dissertation topic.

After a successful Ph.D., most of Germany's doctoral graduates go to work in the industry where they assume leadership positions. After a successful Ph.D., GPE graduates often return to universities and research institutions in their home countries to pursue an academic career.

Annually about 400-500 students obtain a Ph.D. at the TU Berlin, of which roughly a fourth are women. About 10% of GPE graduates also opt for a doctorate and pursue an academic career. Presently GPE alumni are doing a Ph.D. at the TU Berlin, the Fraunhofer Society, the University of Cambridge, the University of Bremen, the University of Freiburg, and the University of Bielefeld.