The NHR Graduate School awards up to nine PhD scholarships annually to applicants from all over the world who hold a master’s degree in computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, or an equivalent field and have a strong interest in High-Performance Computing (HPC). The NHR Network PhD Scholarship enables selected candidates to pursue a doctoral degree at one of Germany’s NHR Centers, which are internationally recognized in high-performance computing, numerical simulation, and artificial intelligence.
Scholarship Details
-
Funding institution: NHR Graduate School – NHR Alliance.
-
Type of Funding: Fully funded (Monthly scholarship of €2,200 for PhD students + training benefits).
-
Duration: Up to 36 months (3 years).
-
Number of Scholarships Available: Up to 9 scholarships per year.
-
Application Deadline: September 15, 2025.
-
Start of Funding: April 1, 2026.
-
End of Funding: March 31, 2029.
Who Can Apply?
- Applicants holding a master's degree (or equivalent) in computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, or engineering.
- Must meet the doctoral admission requirements of the supervising NHR Center.
- Must fulfill any additional conditions set by the university-specific PhD regulations.
- The NHR Alliance strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds and genders to apply.
Benefits
- Monthly stipend of €2,200, provided for up to 36 months.
- Research supervision by globally recognized experts and opportunities to work on groundbreaking HPC projects.
- Top-tier training and workshops in cutting-edge HPC technologies.
- Secondment: A six-month research stay at another NHR Center to expand expertise and networks.
- Extensive networking opportunities within the global HPC community, plus soft skills workshops and mentoring.
Required Documents
- Online Application Form: Via this link (Incomplete or emailed applications will not be accepted).
- A one- to two-page motivation letter: outlining academic plans and research interests.
- A curriculum vitae: maximum two pages, including educational background and academic achievements.
- Research Statement: 1 to –2 pages summarizing the proposed dissertation topic and the nominated research center (with the ranking of centers if more than one is available).
- Authenticated academic records: Bachelor's and Master's degrees or equivalent (in English or German).
- Proof of English language proficiency: Official certificate for TOEFL iBT ≥79, or IELTS ≥6.5, or Cambridge C1/C2 (≥180).
- Academic recommendation letter: Sent directly from a university professor/supervisor to the program email.
Note: Documents (1) to (6) must be combined into one PDF file (size ≤10MB) and sent to [email protected] with reference to: <Application NHR Graduate School>.
Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence and GPA.
- Research experience and quality of the research statement.
- Publication record (5 publications preferred for highest score).
- Alignment of research interests with the focus areas of NHR Centers.
How to Apply
- Complete the online form fully before the deadline: September 15, 2025.
- Prepare a single PDF file containing all required documents (1–6) and email it as instructed.
- Ensure your recommender sends the letter of recommendation directly to the program email.
- Await the selection outcome. Selected candidates will begin their scholarship on April 1, 2026.
