Participation in the qualification program is in line with the objectives of the overall strategy formulated by KIT with regard to the qualification and promotion of young scientists. The program is designed for 3 years, but can also be completed more slowly if the doctorate takes longer. It is based on the recommendation of the DFG that a maximum of 4-5 SWS/year should be spent on qualification in addition to the doctorate. 1 ECTS corresponds to approx. 30 working hours.

Membership in CuKnow continues until the doctorate is completed or a withdrawal from CuKnow occurs. If the minimum requirements for the certificate are not met, a trimmed down certificate can be issued.

In general, doctoral students are invited to organize interdisciplinary events on their own initiative: Study days, lectures, reading circles, etc. International collaborations are also encouraged. The own organization of an event, seminar or workshop will be evaluated more extensively than if only "participating" in a seminar. The ECTS, therefore, depend on the degree of preparation and follow-up as well as the duration of an event.

Travel budget

The Graduate School Cultures of Knowledge will be able to award grants for travel in Germany and abroad. Each enrolled member of CuKnow can apply for an annual budget of max. 750,- € for travel expenses/conference costs. Up to €3,000 per doctoral candidate will be funded for the entire duration of membership of the graduate school, subject to sufficient funds being available. The trips must be related to the respective dissertation or research project.

A business trip application must be submitted for each trip. Transportation, accommodation, daily allowance, conference costs, etc. are reimbursed as travel expenses at KIT.

Here is the link to the most important information and the Handout zum Landesreisegesetz.

CuKnow scholarships

The KIT Graduate School CuKnow awards short-term scholarships for CuKnow members. The funding is intended to further strengthen cross-institute interdisciplinary cooperation in the CuKnow graduate school. The first round of calls expired on 15.06.23. Another round was announced in June 2025, with payments made from September to December 2025. Future scholarships can only be provided if sufficient funds are available. If you have any questions, please contact Coordinator Hoai Truong.