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Dear reader,
May has arrived, and that means it’s time for our annual PhD newsletter! Germany remains a leading destination for international researchers pursuing a doctorate, with top research institutions and many programmes offering an international environment. This is why Germany is popular among foreign scientists, awarding a doctoral degree up to roughly 5,800 international scholars every year.
In this newsletter edition, you will find everything you need to get started on your doctoral journey in Germany. Explore key information on doing a PhD, gain insights from those already on the path and discover useful tools and resources. Of course, there are also plenty of current calls and events for PhD candidates.
If you already completed your doctorate or are interested in other parts of academia and life in Germany, we have something for you as well – from rules for the road to advice for researchers on LinkedIn. Have fun reading and exploring! | | | | |
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| Wherever you see this tag, the post connects to our monthly spotlight topic. | | | | | | |
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Apply by: 29 May 2026
(Future) Postdocs & Advanced researchers: all disciplines, researchers from Brazil | | | | |
CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship | | | | |
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Apply by: 1 June 2026
(Future) Postdocs & Advanced researchers: humanities, cultural studies and social sciences | | | | |
Hannah Arendt Fellowships | | | | |
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Apply by: 1 June or 1 October 2026
(Future) Postdocs: historical humanities | | | | |
PhD fellowships from the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds | | | | |
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Apply by: 15 June 2026
(Future) PhDs: all disciplines | | | | |
DBU doctoral scholarships | | | | |
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Apply by: 23 July 2026
(Future) PhDs, Postdocs & Advanced researchers: all disciplines | | | | |
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Apply by: various deadlines (depending on applicant’s country of origin)
(Future) PhDs: all disciplines | | | | |
Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes in Germany | | | | |
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Apply by: any time
(Future) PhDs: all disciplines | | | | |
Doctoral scholarship from the German Academic Scholarships Foundation | | | | |
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Apply by: first come, first served (programme starts 13 May 2026)
Students, PhDs & Postdocs: health and life sciences | | | | |
GUILD Women in Entrepreneurship Academy 2026 | | | | |
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A spotlight on: doing a PhD in Germany | | | | |
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Everything you need to know about doing a PhD in Germany
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Thinking about pursuing a PhD in Germany? The country offers a wide range of opportunities for international researchers, including universities and leading research institutions as well as industry-driven projects. But where to start?
The PhD section on our website offers you all the information you need. Learn about the two main paths to a doctorate in Germany – the individual route or a structured programme – and find out how to search and apply for positions. You’ll also discover key funding options, organisations and useful resources such as databases and job portals.
Another great way to explore PhD opportunities in Germany is our PhD Pathfinder, a tool designed for international graduates interested in doing a doctorate in Germany. It will help you find your way through the German PhD landscape and might be the first step towards joining the 28,000 graduate students who complete a doctorate in Germany every year. Start exploring your options now! | | | |
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Groundbreaking research from Germany | | | | |
Germany is home to some of the world’s leading research institutions. We highlight contributions from a few of them, giving you a closer look at pioneering projects and discoveries. Find more on our website!
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A closer look: work in Germany | | | | |
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| 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. | | | | | | |
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| 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! | | | | | | |
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The bigger picture: life in Germany | | | | |
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| Getting around in Germany often raises a few everyday questions, such as how public transport works and where you are allowed to cycle. The German Road Safety app is a free smartphone app for everyone who wants to get to their destination safely. Whether on foot, by bus and train, by bicycle or by car, the app helps you understand the most important rules of the German road system. Designed as an animated compact guide, it gives you an overview of key traffic regulations – available in 14 languages. Check it out and get around Germany safely and confidently! | | | | | | |
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| Finding the right starting point is often one of the first challenges when planning a PhD abroad. The PhDGermany database by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) brings together PhD positions and research opportunities across universities and research institutions in Germany. It allows users to search and filter offers by discipline, topic and location, making it easier to find suitable doctoral projects and get an overview of the German research landscape. Explore now! | | | | | | |
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| When planning to study, conduct research or work in Germany, it is important to know if your higher education qualification is recognised. This explanatory video by Make it in Germany shows you how to use the anabin database to check and compare international degrees with German standards. Learn how to search for universities and qualifications and how to interpret whether a degree is recognised, partially comparable or requires further assessment. | | | | | | |
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| Building a professional online presence is becoming increasingly important for researchers at all career stages. This article provides ten practical tips of how researchers can use LinkedIn more effectively to connect with peers, present their work and build visibility within the academic and professional community. It offers ten practical suggestions, ranging from profile optimisation to networking strategies, helping early-career and experienced researchers alike to use the platform for career development and exchange. Read the full article and become a LinkedIn expert! | | | | | | |
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20.05./29.05.
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MAY 2026 · ONLINE | | | | |
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30.05.
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MAY 2026 · BERLIN / GERMANY | | | | |
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10. – 14.06.
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JUNE 2026 · BERLIN / GERMANY | | | | |
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20. – 23.09.
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SEP 2026 · BERLIN / GERMANY | | | | |
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Let’s stay in touch
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| Get updates about research career options and funding opportunities in Germany, the latest research news, interesting research projects and upcoming events. | | | |
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This newsletter has been prepared by:
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V. (DAAD)
Kennedyallee 50
D-53175 Bonn
Tel.: +49 228 882-0
Fax: +49 228 882-444
E-Mail: webmaster@daad.de
Internet: https://www.daad.de/en/ | | | | |
Authorised Representative of the Executive Committee:
Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee
District Court of Bonn
Register of associations,
number VR 2107
Sales tax number: DE122276332
Person responsible according to
§ 18 Abs. 2 MStV: Dr. Kai Sicks
Kennedyallee 50, 53175 Bonn | | | | |
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Editors:
Dr. Berenike Schröder (responsible), DAAD e.V.
familie redlich AG – Agentur für Marken
und Kommunikation | | | | |
Liability notice:
We are not liable for the content of any website run by third parties. This remains solely the responsibility of the third parties. | | | | |
Copyright © by DAAD e.V.
The content of this newsletter is copyright-protected. All rights reserved. The full or partial reproduction of a text or images without prior permission by the DAAD is prohibited. | | | | |
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