A curated selection of prestigious, fully funded scholarship programs in Germany specifically designed to support international doctoral candidates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These opportunities provide financial coverage for living expenses, research, and travel, enabling global talent to pursue advanced studies at world-class German institutions.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
A national scholarship program supporting talented students with a monthly stipend of 300 euros. While partially funded by private sponsors and the federal government, it complements other income sources and offers networking opportunities across all disciplines, including STEM fields.
Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service, this grant supports individual research stays or full doctoral studies for qualified foreign university graduates. It covers monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel allowances, making it a cornerstone for international STEM researchers.
Specifically targets excellent international PhD students in mathematics, physics, computer science, and electrical engineering. The foundation provides monthly stipends and covers living costs for up to three years, often requiring applicants to be nominated by their German supervisors.
While not exclusively STEM-focused, this prestigious foundation awards scholarships to outstanding doctoral candidates who align with its values. It provides a monthly stipend, travel grants, and extensive networking events, often supporting candidates in interdisciplinary science and technology policy roles.
Primarily supports young academics in the first years after their doctorate, but often overlaps with late-stage PhD or postdoctoral transition periods. It provides significant funding for research projects in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, fostering academic independence.
DFG funds structured doctoral programs known as Research Training Groups (GRKs). These provide fully funded positions with salaries or scholarships, supervision, and interdisciplinary training, specifically tailored for STEM PhD candidates in Germany.
Targets researchers who have already completed their doctorate but is often cited for late-stage PhD candidates transitioning to postdoc roles. It provides generous funding for research stays in Germany, covering living expenses and travel, and is highly prestigious in the STEM community.
EU-funded programs that offer fixed-term contracts or fellowships for PhD candidates working in cross-border industry-academia partnerships. MSCA Doctoral Networks are highly competitive, offering high salaries and training, with many projects hosted in German STEM institutions.
Offered by the pharmaceutical and chemical giant Bayer, this scholarship supports doctoral candidates in natural sciences, particularly chemistry and biology. It provides financial support and opportunities for internships within the company, bridging academic research and industrial application.
Directed at promising doctoral candidates in engineering, computer science, and natural sciences. The program offers financial support and mentorship, often linking recipients with Siemens' diverse technological divisions, providing a strong pathway to industrial research careers.
Supports excellent doctoral candidates who demonstrate leadership potential and social engagement. While interdisciplinary, it frequently accepts STEM candidates involved in socially relevant research, providing a monthly stipend, participation in seminars, and networking opportunities.
For outstanding doctoral candidates who are politically active and committed to Christian democratic values. It offers a monthly stipend, travel grants, and intensive political education seminars, suitable for STEM candidates interested in science policy and public service.
Targets doctoral candidates who are socially and politically engaged, aligning with social democratic values. It provides a monthly stipend, travel grants, and seminars, and is open to international students in Germany, including those in STEM fields with a social dimension to their work.
Supports doctoral candidates from working-class backgrounds or with a focus on social economics and labor. It offers a monthly stipend, seminars, and travel grants, and is open to international students in Germany, including those in engineering and tech with labor market relevance.
Fully funded PhD programs offered by the Max Planck Society in various scientific fields. These schools provide salaries, tuition waivers, and travel funding, offering a rigorous research environment with international supervisors and a structured curriculum.
Offers doctoral programs in partnership with Fraunhofer Institutes, focusing on applied research in engineering and natural sciences. Candidates often receive a salary or stipend while working on industry-relevant projects, blending academic theory with practical application.
The alliance of nine leading German Institutes of Technology offers various structured doctoral programs. Many of these schools provide funding positions or scholarships for international PhD candidates, particularly in engineering, computer science, and applied natural sciences.
Supports doctoral candidates in physics and electrical engineering who show outstanding academic achievement. The foundation provides financial support and encourages international exchange, making it a valuable resource for STEM PhD students in technical disciplines.
Awarded to promising doctoral candidates in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It provides a one-time grant or stipend for research, supporting students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and innovative research approaches in STEM fields.
Specifically targets doctoral candidates in computer science and information technology. The foundation supports young scientists with financial aid and networking opportunities, fostering innovation in the digital and technological sectors in Germany.