PhD Scholarship Germany 2025 Fully Funded

., Scholarships, Scholarships

A funded scholarship for pursuing a PhD at the University of Cologne in Germany and how to obtain the scholarship for the year 2025. This article provides details about the scholarship, the application process, and answers to any questions you might have, guiding you step by step.

Everything You Need to Know About the PhD Scholarship at the University of Cologne

The PhD scholarship at the University of Cologne is one of the most prominent educational opportunities for international students. The Graduate School for Ageing Research offers an exceptional research environment for students to achieve their academic ambitions.

The scholarship program is characterized by providing an inspiring and innovative environment for scholars, along with continuous supervision and all the resources needed to ensure early independence for researchers.

The program is highly selective, inviting outstanding university graduates who wish to pursue a PhD in the field of aging and age-related diseases to become part of the vibrant international research community in Cologne.

Why Choose to Study in Germany?

Germany is known as the "Land of Ideas" and its PhD programs enjoy an excellent reputation. German universities, research institutions, and companies warmly welcome international researchers, and PhD programs often have a strong international focus, with English frequently being the working language.

The University of Cologne, founded in 1388, is one of Germany's leading comprehensive research universities and a member of the GermanU15 group. Students at Cologne come from 180 countries, and the university comprises 6 faculties and 16 research and teaching centers.

Graduates from the University of Cologne are highly regarded in research and the broader market. Each year, more than 28,000 graduate students complete their PhDs in Germany—far more than in any other EU member state. Annually, nearly 5,800 international researchers are awarded PhDs from German universities.

Overview of the Scholarship

Country: Germany
Duration: 3 years or more
Degree: PhD
Eligible Countries: Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Djibouti, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Comoros, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen, and all countries worldwide.

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Scholarship Benefits

This scholarship is designed to support PhD students and provide an engaging, interactive environment through numerous benefits, such as:

Structured Curriculum: Includes a series of lectures, journal clubs, focused meetings, and exclusive, intensive training in both scientific and soft skills.
Personal Career Mentorship Program: Participation in a tailored career mentorship program.
Annual Travel Grant: Access to an annual travel grant of €1500 for attending conferences.
Skill Development Beyond Scientific Content: Opportunities to develop skills outside of scientific content, including event organization, fundraising training, and the chance to invite and interact with internationally renowned guest speakers.
Administrative Support: The university provides assistance with all personal and administrative matters, including visas, residence permits, accommodation, opening bank accounts, insurance, contracts, and any other aspects related to your PhD studies.
CGA Welcome Days: The university organizes "CGA Welcome Days" to introduce you to everything you need to know to start your PhD, giving you the chance to meet students and faculty members on campus and in Cologne.
Supervision: Upon starting your PhD, you will have a primary supervisor and two co-supervisors, with whom you will hold regular, documented advisory meetings to ensure smooth progress in your PhD journey.
Language and Integration Support: The program is entirely in English, and to help you integrate into Germany, free German language courses are offered.
Work-Life Balance Support: The scholarship supports PhD students in achieving and maintaining a good work-life balance by promoting family-friendly working conditions and a family-oriented organizational culture.
Support for Students with Disabilities: Assistance is available for students with disabilities across all collaborating institutions.

Financial Support for the PhD

All PhD students receive a 3-year employment contract, including social benefits. Students receive a gross monthly salary of approximately €2750 in the first year, provided the requirements under the collective bargaining law are met, or on an equivalent PhD support contract from the Max Planck Society.
If the PhD project is not completed within 3 years, the principal investigator will fund the student for at least one additional year or until the completion of the PhD under the same conditions.
There is a social fee of around €320 per semester, which includes the cost for student cafeteria use, general student committee fees ('ASTA'), a public transport ticket valid throughout Germany, and university sports.

Accommodation in Cologne:

Various accommodation options are available in Cologne. A single apartment in student housing costs about €350 per month. In the private market, apartments cost around €600 per month, depending on size, location, and facilities.

Application Requirements for the Scholarship

Educational Background: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or its equivalent in fields such as biology, biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, bioengineering, pharmacology, neuroscience, medical biology, or a related field. Alternatively, applicants with a medical degree may also apply, provided they have sufficient relevant research experience.
English Proficiency: Excellent written and spoken English is required (level C1). If possible, please provide a language test certificate on the application platform to demonstrate your English skills.
Alternative Proof of English Proficiency :If you do not have an English language test certificate, you can submit a written statement explaining why you believe you are proficient in English.

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Documents needed for PhD Application

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV):Detailed CV including your academic background (mandatory).

2. Academic Records and Certificates: Transcripts and diplomas for your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, or their equivalents, in chronological order (mandatory).

3. Supporting Documents: Additional documents such as:

General certificates
Proof of scholarships and awards
Certificates from previous employers
Proof of language proficiency and GRE test scores
Proof of disability (if applicable, not mandatory).

How to Apply for the Scholarship?

1. Online Application:

The application portal will be open from August 12 to November 4, 2024. The program will start between July 1 and October 1, 2025.Applications will only be accepted and processed through the online application portal. You can access your individual application form to add or change information until you submit it.

2. Academic Details and Degrees:

In the "Academic Details" section of the application form, list all your previous and current academic degrees, such as Bachelor's and Master’s degrees.

3. Host Laboratories:

Carefully consider the available host laboratories. In the "Host Groups" section of the application form, select three host groups that interest you. Your application will be reviewed online by these groups. All invited candidates will visit the three selected laboratories to help them make an informed decision about their preferred PhD group.

4. Documents:

Start gathering your documents (CV, transcripts, certificates, etc.) and contact potential referees early. Allow sufficient time for referees to write their recommendation letters.

5. Referees:

Once you have selected referees in the relevant section, they will automatically receive an email linking them to the recommendation form. You can track the status of referees' submissions in your application profile. It is your responsibility to contact referees and ensure they submit their recommendations by the deadline (one week after the application deadline). Late recommendations will not be considered. Applicants cannot submit recommendation letters on behalf of referees.

Responsibilities of Referees and How to Choose Them

You are required to provide two reference letters for the application:

1. First Referee:
Should be your current or most recent academic supervisor, such as the supervisor for your Bachelor’s project.

2. Second Referee:
Should be a former supervisor, not necessarily from the same academic institution, but from a work environment related to science. The second referee can also be a post doctoral researcher, provided they hold a PhD.

The referee must use the link sent to them to evaluate the applicant and submit the recommendation letter in English through the online application portal before the specified deadline.

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