All Faculties at the University of Göttingen offer the possibility to earn a doctoral degree. Candidates must already have a Diplom, Master or Magister degree or proof of comparable academic achievement. By graduating with a doctorate, candidates prove their ability to conduct independent in-depth scientific work. Graduates are entitled to carry the title of "Dr." with an addition indicating the subject.

Doctoral studies at the University of Göttingen take place within structured programmes in three graduate schools (Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences). All doctoral programmes, Master/Ph.D. intensive programmes, as well as the DFG research training groups, are consolidated within these three graduate schools. They aim at optimizing the research and learning conditions for doctoral candidates and promote the development of a new generation of excellent scientists by means of intensive coaching and seminars.

The Ph.D. (Doctorate of Philosophy or Philosophiae doctor) is the degree conferred upon completion of the intensive research-oriented doctoral programmes. Alternatively to the Ph.D., a doctor's title may be conferred by the respective Faculty, if desired.