RWTH Aachen University, established in 1870, is one of Germany’s leading technical universities, located in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia. It is internationally recognized for engineering, technology, computer science, and research. RWTH is ranked #104 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and #92 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. For doctoral researchers, RWTH offers university scholarships, funded research positions, and faculty-specific opportunities.

Important PhD Scholarships at RWTH Aachen University

1. RWTH Graduate Support / Doctoral Scholarship
2. Garg Foundation PhD Scholarship

1. RWTH Graduate Support – Doctoral Scholarship

The RWTH Graduate Support provides financial support for doctoral candidates at RWTH Aachen University. RWTH’s published information states that doctoral scholarships can provide €1,500 per month for up to 36 months. However, the current Faculty of Medicine funding page notes that no new doctoral scholarships are currently being awarded, so applicants should check the latest university announcement before applying.

Benefits

• €1,500 per month
• Funding for up to 36 months
• Initially awarded for 12 months, with possible extensions
• €400 per month child allowance may be available
• Scholarship holders may work part-time for up to 10 hours per month, subject to the applicable rules.

Eligibility

1. Must pursue a doctoral project at RWTH Aachen University.
2. Must have an above-average university degree.
3. The qualifying degree should normally have been obtained no more than one year before the start of the scholarship.
4. The proposed doctoral project is expected to make an important contribution to the field of research.
5. Must meet the relevant doctoral admission requirements of RWTH and the responsible faculty.

Required Documents

Applicants should generally prepare:

• Application form
• CV
• University degree certificates
• Master’s degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Confirmation of admission to doctoral studies
• Doctoral research proposal/project information
• Passport or identity document
• Child-related documents, if applicable
• Other documents are required under the current scholarship guidelines.

Deadline

The published RWTH Graduate Support regulations specify application deadlines of 15 March for a funding start on 1 May and 15 September for a funding start on 1 November. However, because the current RWTH Faculty of Medicine page states that new doctoral scholarships are not currently being awarded, applicants should not assume these dates represent an open 2027 call.

2. Garg Foundation PhD Scholarship

The Garg Foundation Scholarship is a university-linked opportunity available through the DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials at RWTH Aachen. The foundation supports talented young researchers, including PhD students. One category specifically supports young scientists starting their PhD studies at DWI, with particular encouragement for young researchers from outside Germany.

Benefits

• Financial support for eligible PhD researchers
• Support for young scientists beginning doctoral research
• International research experience
• Opportunity to conduct research within the DWI/RWTH research environment

The exact scholarship amount and duration depend on the relevant funding call.

Eligibility

1. Must be a young scientist beginning or undertaking a PhD at DWI.
2. Must have a strong academic and research profile.
3. International applicants, particularly researchers from outside Germany, are encouraged to apply for the relevant category.
4. Must have a suitable doctoral research project.
5. Must meet the requirements of the particular Garg Foundation funding call.

Required Documents

Depending on the specific call, applicants may need:

• CV
• Academic degree certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Research proposal
• Motivation letter
• Recommendation letters
• Information about the proposed doctoral project
• Other documents requested by DWI

Deadline

The deadline depends on the specific Garg Foundation call. Applicants should check the DWI/RWTH research funding announcement for the current 2027 opportunity rather than relying on an old deadline.

Funded PhD Positions at RWTH Aachen

In addition to scholarships, prospective PhD students should also look for paid doctoral research positions at RWTH. Many RWTH research groups employ doctoral researchers rather than funding them through scholarships.

For example, the RWTH COMSYS research group states that its PhD students are employed on fully funded positions and paid according to the TV-L salary guidelines.

This means that applicants should search not only for the word “scholarship”, but also for:

• PhD positions
• Doctoral researcher positions
• Research assistant positions
• Research associate positions
• Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter positions
• Funded doctoral projects

How to Apply for a PhD at RWTH Aachen

1. Choose your research field and doctoral topic.
2. Search for a suitable professor, research group, or doctoral program.
3. Find a potential supervisor or an advertised, funded PhD position.
4. Prepare a strong research proposal where required.
5. Check the doctoral admission requirements of the relevant faculty.
6. Prepare your Master’s degree, transcripts, C, and research documents.
7. Apply for the relevant scholarship or funded research position.
8. Complete the formal doctoral admission process at RWTH Aachen.
9. Apply for a German visa and residence permit if required after receiving admission/funding.

Conclusion

The RWTH Aachen University PhD Scholarships 2027 offer doctoral researchers several potential routes to financial support. The RWTH Graduate Support Doctoral Scholarship is the main university-linked doctoral funding opportunity, while the Garg Foundation Scholarship at DWI provides another option for selected young researchers.

Because doctoral funding at RWTH is often tied to specific research groups and projects, prospective students should also look for funded PhD positions and research assistant vacancies, in addition to traditional scholarships. This can be particularly valuable for international applicants seeking fully funded doctoral study in Germany.

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