The postdoctoral habilitation qualification

Those with a doctoral degree who wish to follow a career path in research and higher education may continue with the habilitation qualification to become a professor. 'Habilitation' is the name of the postdoctoral qualification required to teach at universities in Germany and other countries whose higher education systems are influenced by Germany; it serves as proof that you possess the academic expertise and pedagogical skills to teach students as a professor in your academic discipline.

The aim of the habilitation procedure is to give qualified academics the chance to autonomously teach and conduct research at an early stage of their career. The candidate works under the tutelage of three experienced university professors, and should complete this qualification within about four years. Habilitations are only possible in subjects represented by a professor at the Faculty of Law.

After the candidate has successfully demonstrated the ability to teach by successfully completing the habilitation procedure, the University will, upon application, bestow the right to lecture (venia legendi) upon the candidate. Once the candidate has gained venia legendi, he or she may use the title 'Privatdozent' (male) or 'Privatdozentin' (female).