Once you have been selected for a research assistant position or awarded a CGS scholarship, the first step is to seek admission to doctoral studies and enrollment in the doctoral study programme. During the first year of your doctoral studies, you will discuss the supervision of your academic work with your main supervisor and a second supervisor that is fixed in a supervision agreement signed by all parties. It comprises a time and work plan. After having completed your doctoral study programme, you start working on your dissertation. The dissertation is submitted to be reviewed by at least two reviewers (usually first and second supervisor). The doctoral procedure continues with an oral exam (defense). Once the dissertation has been published, doctoral students are awarded their degree (Dr. rer. pol or PhD, depending on the programme).