Honorary doctorate: an award, not a degree.
A Dr. h.c. honours a lifetime’s achievement. It is awarded without a doctoral process, and this has specific implications for how it may be conferred.
An honorary doctorate is awarded by a faculty in recognition of outstanding achievements, without the need for a dissertation or examination. It may only be used with the suffix ‘h.c.’ or ‘E.h.’; inclusion in identity documents is also subject to this suffix. Offers promising an honorary doctorate in return for payment do not constitute an academic honour.
How a genuine honorary doctorate is awarded
The initiative comes from the faculty, not from the person to be honoured. This is followed by deliberations and a decision by the relevant bodies – often involving several faculties – and a public award ceremony with a laudatory speech. You cannot apply for one, and certainly cannot pay for it.
Universities award honorary doctorates sparingly, often only a few each year. It is precisely this restraint that makes the honour so valuable.
How it is used
In Germany, an honorary doctorate may only be used with the suffix ‘h.c.’ or ‘E.h.’. Without this suffix, its use is prohibited, and unauthorised use of the title is not a trivial offence.
The same applies to honorary doctorates from abroad: they may only be entered on identity documents in the permitted form with the suffix, and only if the awarding institution is recognised.
The parallel market
A market has developed, particularly in Dubai, Doha and India, where honorary doctorates are awarded at mass events in return for fees, sometimes with hundreds of honourees in a single evening. The awarding institutions are often not recognised higher education institutions, and the title is therefore not valid for use.
This can be verified in a matter of minutes: Is the institution listed in anabin with the status H+? Is there a transparent procedure involving a committee decision? Is a contribution, fee or donation expected? The third question usually answers everything.
Why this is important to us
We provide support exclusively for genuine doctoral programmes. We cannot and do not wish to arrange honorary doctorates, and no one can offer them in a reputable manner, as the decision rests solely with the committees of a faculty.
Anyone wishing to obtain a valid doctoral degree cannot avoid producing their own academic work. That is precisely what gives the degree its validity, and that is exactly what sets it apart from everything else handed out at these events.
Frequently asked questions.
Can an honorary doctorate holder use the title ‘Dr’?+
Only with the suffix ‘h.c.’ or ‘E.h.’. Without this suffix, the title may not be used.
Can one apply for an honorary doctorate?+
No. The nomination comes from the faculty; the decision to award the degree is made by the relevant bodies.
Are purchased honorary doctorates a criminal offence?+
The award itself is not necessarily a criminal offence. However, the unauthorised use of the title – for example, without the suffix ‘h.c.’ – may be a criminal offence.
Can an honorary doctorate be entered on an identity card?+
Only in the permitted form, with the suffix, and only if the awarding institution is recognised.
Is an honorary doctorate worthless?+
A genuine honorary doctorate from a recognised university is a high honour. However, it is no substitute for a properly earned doctoral degree and is listed differently.
How can I recognise a dubious offer?+
Look out for fees, application opportunities, mass-market events, and the fact that the institution is not listed with an ‘H+’ in anabin.
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