The Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Bengkulu, organized a workshop entitled “PhD System in Germany and Europe” on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, held in the department’s meeting room. The event took place from 8:30 to 9:30 AM and featured a distinguished guest speaker, Prof. Dr. Stefan Handke, Professor of Public Management at HTW University of Dresden, Germany. The workshop was attended by young lecturers from the Department of Management who are being prepared to pursue doctoral studies in the near future.
In his presentation, Prof. Handke comprehensively explained the academic career system in Germany and Europe, as well as how the doctoral (PhD) education structure is implemented at various universities. Participants were introduced to the differences between the traditional individual research-based PhD and the increasingly popular structured PhD programs in Europe. This provided valuable insights for young lecturers on the study pathways available according to their research interests and academic goals.
One of the key points highlighted in the workshop was the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies in Germany with tuition fees entirely waived. This is a unique advantage of the German higher education system, which exempts doctoral students from paying tuition. Nevertheless, Prof. Handke emphasized the need for strong academic readiness and research preparation, as the admission process at European universities remains highly competitive.
In addition to tuition waivers, participants were introduced to various other funding opportunities, such as the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) scholarships. These scholarships are well-known among international academics, although the selection process is highly competitive. This information encouraged the young lecturers of the Department of Management to prepare their research proposals and academic portfolios more seriously at an early stage.
The workshop was attended with great enthusiasm, with participants actively asking questions about research opportunities, administrative requirements, and strategies to improve their chances of securing scholarships. The Head of the Department of Management stated that this event is expected to motivate and open pathways for young lecturers to pursue doctoral studies in Germany and other European countries. With the knowledge gained, the Department of Management is optimistic that more future PhDs will emerge, strengthening academic quality and research at the University of Bengkulu.
