Since the 2009 Fall semester, the URPP Asia and Europe has offered a structured doctoral program. The goal is to establish the optimal framework for a discipline-specific yet interdisciplinary doctorate, intended for qualified young academics. The core of the program is the writing of a dissertation whose questions are formulated in the context of the three URPP Asia and Europe research fields. Complementing the program is an offering of curricula that serves to deepen and expand interdisciplinary, disciplinary, and technical competencies with a minimum requirement of 30 credit points (corresponding to the European Credit Transfer System ECTS). Participation in the program is linked to an internationally advertised and competitive selection process that typically awards three-year doctoral positions. Accepted applicants may receive additional funding through third-party applications.