Germany continues to be one of the leading destinations for international researchers pursuing a doctorate. With world-class universities, non-university research institutions, and strong links to industry, the country offers a wide range of opportunities — from individual PhD paths to structured international programmes.

Discover how to do a PhD in Germany

The PhD section on Research in Germany provides a comprehensive overview of the German doctoral landscape. Learn about the two main routes to a doctorate — the individual path and structured programmes — and explore how to search for positions, apply, and find funding opportunities. You will also find useful databases, job portals, and guidance from research organisations.

Current calls and opportunities

Apply by: 15 June 2026
(Future) PhDs: all disciplines
DBU doctoral scholarships
Go to German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU)

Apply by: 23 July 2026
(Future) PhDs, Postdocs & Advanced researchers: all disciplines
CAIS College Fellowships
Go to Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS)

Apply by: various deadlines (depending on applicant’s country of origin)
(Future) PhDs: all disciplines
Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes in Germany
Go to German Academic Exchange Service

Apply by: any time
(Future) PhDs: all disciplines
Doctoral scholarship from the German Academic Scholarships Foundation
Go to Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes

Apply by: first come, first served (programme starts 13 May 2026)
Students, PhDs & Postdocs: health and life sciences
GUILD Women in Entrepreneurship Academy 2026
Go to DWIH San Francisco

Virtual Events & Ressources

Ruhr University Bochum
Online info session on 9 June: tips and insights for a PhD in Germany

Ruhr University Bochum
PhD exchange scholarships for doctoral researchers from abroad

Forschungszentrum Jülich
Growing through research: a PhD journey in Germany

Doctoral Centre for Applied Computer Science (PZAI)
Discover stories from our doctoral researchers

Research in Bavaria
For the love of snow: doing a PhD in a research training group

Combining research with real-world application for safe autonomous mobility

Many people think you have to decide between doing a doctorate and gaining industry experience, but in Germany, you can do both at the same time! Universities of applied sciences (UAS) combine practical science and application-oriented research. This is also why Mohamad Mofeed Chaar chose to pursue a PhD at Aschaffenburg UAS. As a doctoral researcher, he works on autonomous driving under severe weather conditions as part of an international team. Read the full article to learn more about the project and discover the benefits of doing a PhD at a UAS.

Inside PhD life in Germany: research, realities and opportunities

If you want a real insight into doctoral research in Germany, the Offspring Magazine Podcast by the Max Planck Society PhD network will deliver just what you are looking for. Hosted by doctoral candidates themselves, the podcast explores life as a PhD researcher in Germany, career opportunities beyond academia and current research topics, ranging from marine biology to gender equality. Each episode features a different scientist who shines a light on their area of expertise and shares insights into their academic career path. Tune in to the podcast and learn from their first-hand experience!

A special highlight is the PhD Pathfinder, an interactive tool designed to help international graduates navigate the German research system and identify suitable doctoral opportunities. Each year, around 28,000 researchers complete their doctorate in Germany, supported by a diverse and internationally oriented research environment.