Ceremonial promotion: Osnabrück University honors doctoral students in the city!

Ceremonial promotion: Osnabrück University honors doctoral students in the city!

On July 4, 2025, 54 doctors were ceremoniously honored at the University of Osnabrück. University President Prof. Dr. Susanne Menzel-Riedl congratulated the newly graduated doctorates, while the Vice President for International Affairs, Diversity and Scientific Qualifications, Prof. Dr. Andrea Lenschow, who recognized the exceptional achievements of the graduates. The event took place in the festive atmosphere of the castle auditorium, before a parade through the city center to the town hall.

The psychologist Lena Schmeiduch, one of the new doctors, spoke in her acceptance speech about the importance of international collaborations during her doctorate. She emphasized the support from her mentors and the appreciation she feels for working with other institutions. A special highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of an academic scarf made of red silk on black cotton, which was designed by students of the Textile Design course. This scarf symbolizes the deep connection between the university and the city of Osnabrück.

Symbolism and celebrations

The scarf, which shows the Osnabrück Peace Wheel, a lily and the university logo, represents a special honor that visually underlines the success of the doctoral students. Mayor Katharina Pötter welcomed the doctoral candidates to the town hall and highlighted the close relationship between the city and the university in her speech. Pötter invited the newly qualified doctors to a champagne reception and offered the opportunity to sign their names in the doctoral book.

The doctoral opportunities in Osnabrück are diverse. There are various financing options at Osnabrück University, both at the Osnabrück location and in Lingen. Many doctoral students decide to finance their doctorate through a 50% position as a research assistant. A regular review of the advertised positions at the university is recommended in order to find suitable funding. In addition, scholarships from foundations and other funding institutions can provide valuable support.

Financing options for doctoral students

• Option A: Kooperative Promotion an der Hochschule Osnabrück mit Aufenthaltsort in Osnabrück oder Lingen. Die Finanzierung erfolgt häufig über eine Teilstelle als wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in.
• Option B: Kooperative Promotion an einer kooperierenden Universität, bei der Kurzzeitstipendien genutzt werden können.
• Option C: Promotion an einer externen Universität mit der Möglichkeit, Forschungsaufenthalte ohne formale Beteiligung an der Hochschule Osnabrück durchzuführen.

The university's Welcome Center offers support in finding and applying for scholarships, although confirmation of academic support is usually required. Information about funding opportunities is also provided in a list, which is not exhaustive. It is advisable to look for suitable scholarships early and specifically in order to ensure financing for your doctorate.

In addition, the website of the German Research Foundation (DFG) provides information about funding opportunities for international doctoral students and the importance of scholarships. The DFG offers a comprehensive overview of programs that aim to promote scientific exchange and academic collaboration.

The events at the University of Osnabrück and the initiatives to support doctoral students demonstrate the institution's commitment to a strong academic community and the promotion of young scientists.