Germany is one of the world’s best places for doing a PhD—top‐quality research, many English-language programs, relatively low tuition fees, and many funding opportunities. Here are two of the top universities + major scholarship programs you should know about, and actionable info on how to apply.
1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Why TUM is a Great Choice
Reputation & Research Power: TUM is among Germany’s top universities in engineering, natural sciences, business & life sciences. It participates heavily in national and European research programs and has excellent infrastructure.
Strong international environment: lots of collaborations, joint projects, and opportunities to work with internationally renowned supervisors.
Scholarship / Funding Opportunities at TUM
TUM itself does not provide doctoral scholarships directly through its Graduate School. Instead, doctoral candidates are expected to apply for external funding (foundations, state or national funding agencies, or from their home country).
The Graduate School at TUM suggests several external organizations such as DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) and the German federal & state foundations (“Begabtenförderungswerke”) as sources of funding.
TUM also publishes “Scholarships and Financial Aid” pages, including Deutschlandstipendium and travel grants, thesis/dissertation grants, etc. For example, TUM’s “TUM Scholarships” overview includes standard scholarships, travel stipends, grants for printing, etc.
There are often fully funded PhD positions advertised (e.g. project‐based roles at TUM, junior researcher positions) in different departments. For instance, there was a fully funded PhD position in the Chair Group of Production & Resource Economics (for a project) offering salary etc. ScholarshipsAds
How to Apply at TUM
Find a Supervisor / Project
Before applying, identify a professor or research group whose area matches your PhD interests. It helps to contact them with a research proposal or project idea, transcript, and CV.Check for an Available Funded PhD Position
Especially for project‐funded roles. Sometimes positions are advertised via TUM’s website, academic job boards, or via scholarship portals.Apply for external funding
Apply for scholarships from DAAD, foundations (Begabtenförderungswerke), or government research agencies. Often you can apply while applying for admission, or just after you secure a supervisor.Prepare relevant materials
Strong research proposal / exposé
Good (preferably excellent) academic record
Proof of English language (if required)
Letters of recommendation
Watch deadlines
Scholarship calls and project funding often have fixed deadlines many months ahead. Begin early.
Useful Links
2. RWTH Aachen University
Why RWTH Aachen is Strong
Known particularly for engineering, applied sciences, and tech‐oriented research.
Has been designated an “Excellence University” under Germany’s Excellence Strategy, which means extra funding for graduate schools, clusters of research, etc.
Strong infrastructure and many funded research training groups, international graduate schools.
Scholarship / Funding Opportunities at RWTH Aachen
RWTH offers Graduate Support (“Graduiertenförderung”) for doctoral candidates. If you have an above‐average degree and a research proposal, you may be eligible.
A list of scholarships and funding programs is available via the RWTH portal. These include external grants, internal scholarships, and support programs.
There are also fully funded PhD positions under research training groups. For example, RWTH’s DFG-funded Research Training Groups (RTGs) often have openings lasting 3 years. One such group offers doctoral positions supported for 3 years (with terms in English) in fields such as Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, etc.
How to Apply at RWTH Aachen
Search for PhD projects or RTGs
Check the RWTH’s website and job boards for advertised PhD positions. Make sure you read whether they are fully funded and what the duration is.Meet the eligibility criteria
Typically you’ll need a master’s degree (or equivalent), sometimes with above-average grades. Also, proficiency in English or German depending on program. A well-written proposal, CV, and recommendation letters are essential.Apply to the funding
If the position is funded, the position advertisement will often contain the funding/applicant instructions. If not, you can apply for external scholarships or internal support.Submit required documents
Research proposal
Academic transcripts and degree certificates
Recommendation letters
Language proficiency (if required)
Possibly a motivation letter describing why you choose RWTH and the project
Consider residency, insurance, etc.
Many packages include salary or stipend plus coverage or help with health insurance, travel or conference support. Make sure to check all benefits.
Useful Links
3. Major Scholarship Programs in Germany for PhD Students
Besides specific universities, there are national / foundation level programs that are excellent for international PhD applicants.
| Scholarship / Funding Body | What It Offers | |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) | Grants for PhD candidates from almost all countries. These often cover stipend, health insurance, sometimes travel and research costs. Use the DAAD scholarship database. Prepare academic documents, research proposal, language proof. Follow DAAD’s specific deadlines. | |
| Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German Academic Scholarship Foundation) | One of Germany’s most prestigious foundations. Offers doctoral scholarships with monthly stipend (~€1,550 or more) plus research/travel support. Highly selective; outstanding academic record, recommendations, good proposal. Check their open calls and apply directly. | |
| Other foundations / “Begabtenförderungswerke” | Many foundations based on religious, political, social criteria offer stipends to support doctoral candidates. Also support from state or thematic foundations (e.g. focused on STEM, environment etc.). TUM and RWTH both point to these as primary funding sources. |
Which One to Choose & Some Tips for Success
If your field is engineering, natural sciences or technology, RWTH Aachen and TUM are especially strong.
If you prefer an English-language environment and international projects, see which departments offer that.
Begin early: finding a supervisor, funding source, and putting together documents can take several months.
Tips:
Write a strong research proposal.
Get excellent letters of recommendation.
Show potential, not just grades: research experience, publications (even small), motivation.
Check funding packages carefully (stipend amount, duration, insurance, travel / conference support).
Language: even if the PhD is in English, knowing German helps in daily life; some programs may require German or at least good proof of English.
Germany offers many high-quality universities and funding opportunities for international students doing PhDs. TUMand RWTH Aachen are two of the top ones where external scholarships + project positions are quite feasible. Combine that with DAAD or Studienstiftung (or other foundation) funding, and you can often get a fully funded PhD with stipend, research support, and good living conditions.
If you like, I can pull together a list of 5-10 active PhD scholarships in Germany right now in your field so you can apply directly. Do you want me to do that?
