GRADUATE

ACADEMY

In Germany, the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG), the law about fixed-term working contracts in academia, provides the conditions for fixed-term contracts for academic and artistic staff (doctoral and postdoctoral time).

The regulations of the WissZeitVG briefly explained

At a German higher education institution, scientific and artistic staff can be employed for a maximum of 12 years (without a fixed term) using budget funds (15 years in medicine). A maximum of 6 years is allowed for the doctorate. If the doctoral period is shorter than 6 years, the fixed-term period for the postdoc phase is extended accordingly.

All fixed-term employment contracts at German universities or research institutions as well as periods of fellowships count towards this fixed-term rule.

The explanation for the time limit in the 12-year rule (medicine: 15-year rule) is scientific qualification.

There are possibilities for extension due to childcare (2 years per child) or a disability/chronic illness (one-time 2 years).

Regulations at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

At Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg there are additional regulations on contract periods and length of employment. These are stated in the guideline for the structuring of fixed-term employment relationships of employees of Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg [PDF, 131 KB] (in German only).

Further information

Further information on the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (law about fixed-term working contracts in academia) can be found on the pages of the Bundesministeriums für Bildung und Forschung (in German only).