PhD and Research in Germany

Germany offers excellent research opportunities for EU/international PhD students and researchers. Universities and other higher education institutions as well as public- and private-sector non-university research institutions and large research funding organisations support international researchers with postdoctoral jobs and fellowships. Interesting development opportunities for international researchers also exist in research-intensive industry and with small and medium-sized enterprises. Many companies also work closely with universities and research institutions in application-oriented research and development.

International researchers work in the laboratory with test tubes.

Doing a PhD in Germany

Information for PhD Students

Read more about the different ways of doing a PhD in Germany, your funding opportunities and some practical advice to prepare for your doctoral visit.

More at research-in-germany.org

Research

Information for Junior Researchers

Germany offers many opportunities for Postdocs: You can become eligible for appointment to a professorship by completing the habilitation process, work as a junior professor or lead a junior research group. Industry also offers alternative career opportunities.

More at research-in-germany.org

Three researchers view content on a laptop in the test lab.

International Experience

Information for Senior Researchers

Germany offers international researchers a diverse research-oriented higher education landscape, globally recognised research institutions and a research-intensive industry that leads the world in many areas.

More at research-in-germany.de

Researcher tests investigative device at the German Aerospace Centre in Cologne.

Finding the Right Institute

Research Institutes

Find out about Germany’s different types of research institutions: universities, universities of applied sciences, non-university research institutes, companies and federal as well as state (Länder) institutions. Profiles of each type of research organisation can be found here.

More at research-in-germany.org

Financing

Research Funding

Research funding in Germany is provided by government bodies, various organisations, including many of the large non-university research institutions, and industry. Here you find a wide selection of funding programmes for international PhD students and researchers.

More at research-in-germany.org

DAAD FUNDING PROGRAMME

Green Hydrogen Research Tour 2024 for PhD Candidates and Postdocs

The DAAD invites advanced PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from the European Research Area (ERA) and partner countries including Australia to join an exclusive Research Tour on green hydrogen research and technology in Germany. From 15 to 21 September 2024, fellows can visit renowned German research institutions, gain first- hand insights into the latest advancements in the field, and connect with experts actively contributing to green hydrogen research. If you have an academic or professional background in green hydrogen and are interested in a research cooperation or stay in Germany, apply by 17 June 2024.

Find more information and apply here!

DAAD VISITING LECTURER PROGRAMME

Assoc. Prof. Edwards’ guest lectureship at the Fulda University of Applied Sciences

Changes in perspective help us to gain new insights and promote the exchange of knowledge. This was also the experience of Assoc. Prof. Niki Edwards, a DAAD Visiting Professor from the University of Southern Queensland. Prof. Edwards is a lecturer and researcher in the field of social work, health, and well-being and came to teach at Fulda University of Applied Sciences in the winter semester of 2022/23. Prof Edwards’ guest lectureship also opened opportunities to stimulate and initiate collaborations between researchers and universities. “I return to the University of Southern Queensland with innovative approaches to curriculum design, teaching, and innovations in pedagogy. There are research partnerships that are being explored and that will be activated.” Her teaching visit was funded by the DAAD Visiting Lecturer Programme. (Photo: Assoc. Prof. Niki Edwards and Prof. Karim Khakzar, President Fulda University of Applied Sciences)

German Studies Institute Partnerships Worldwide (GIP weltweit)

Dr Stefan Hajduk presents the first German Studies Institute Partnership (GIP) between a German and an Australian university

The first German Studies Institute Partnership (GIP) between a German and an Australian university was established at the beginning of 2024. The University of Adelaide, German Studies, and the University of Hamburg, German Studies, are now working together on the internationalisation of higher education. As part of their cooperation, they will focus on promoting the training of a new generation of young researchers and teachers. Dr Stefan Hajduk, Senior Lecturer in German Studies at the University of Adelaide, talks about the beginnings and aims of the new partnership and how it can serve to maintain and strengthen the teaching of German language, literature and culture across Australia.