Hi dear forum friends, I have done my PhD in a university in Germany, have 1 published book chapter, 1 published paper, and have submitted my thesis 5 years ago. According to the rules of university, it is enough to have the thesis to be able to do the final examination and publication is not obligatory.
However, my supervisor is not letting me finish. He has never read my thesis in these 5 years, he will not tell me what other project he expects me to do, he just does not want me to defend and get my degree. My supervisor is completely aware of what I did during my PhD, the content of my publications, and has been present in several conferences were I presented my work.In these 5 years I have been going part-time to university to publish my first and second papers and he knows about it (self-funded in these years)
I am not the first one, 3 other guys left the department without being able to defend their thesis, one of them left after 6 years.
I heard there is a university in Netherland where one can defend his/her thesis by just having 3 publications. Is it true? I cannot find such university by searching on Google. Could you give me any advice what to do? Thanks a lot.

Dear Pinat, I am really sorry to hear about your situation, but you are not alone there are many students facing that. However, could you please elaborate more about situation, it is quite strange that you submitted from five years and you didnot get your degree( it is first time to hear that), did you manage to go for ombudsman or lodging complaint.

'I heard there is a university in Netherland where one can defend his/her thesis by just having 3 publications. Is it true? I cannot find such university by searching on Google. '

I dont know what you imply by that, are you able to transfer your PhD there, I think your story has missing parts.

Dear Pinat,

I hope you can resolve that very soon and get your degree. I wonder if you can still in assertive not aggressive way with your supervisor before going to other directions. If I didnot work with him, you must go to head of school and refers to the other three students, you must find another supportive professor who can support your case. I really you can really you can get your degree sooner.

Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestion.