The University of Cologne (Universität zu Köln) offers several funding opportunities for international doctoral researchers. Unlike the university’s €300 monthly scholarships for Bachelor’s and Master’s students, doctoral funding is generally provided through dedicated graduate schools, research programmes, foundations and external scholarship organisations.
1. Cologne Graduate School (CGS) Doctoral Scholarship
The Cologne Graduate School (CGS) offers doctoral scholarships through the University of Cologne’s Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences (WiSo). The programme is aimed at outstanding graduates with excellent academic and research potential.
Benefits
- €1,515 per month, tax-free
- Funding for up to 3 years
- €3,000 research budget
- No tuition fees for doctoral researchers
- Additional child allowance may be available
- Opportunity to participate in research seminars, workshops and interdisciplinary activities.
Eligibility
- Master’s degree or equivalent, completed or close to completion
- Excellent academic performance
- Strong research potential
- Research interests should fit the relevant CGS research areas
- For the Social Sciences scholarship, applicants are expected to rank among the top 10% of their cohort.
2027 Deadline
For the October 2027 intake, applications are scheduled from 15 December 2026 to 15 March 2027.
How to Apply
Applicants submit their application through the relevant CGS doctoral programme. Required documents include a CV, motivation letter, degree certificates and academic transcripts.
2. DAAD Hilde Domin Programme – PhD
The DAAD Hilde Domin Programme is another opportunity for international doctoral candidates, but it has specific eligibility requirements. It is intended for students and doctoral candidates who are at risk of having their educational or other rights denied in their country of origin.
The University of Cologne’s International Office can nominate eligible doctoral candidates for this programme.
Benefits
- €1,300 per month
- Funding for up to 48 months
- Additional benefits may be available
- Designed to support doctoral studies and living costs.
Eligibility
- International doctoral candidates
- Must meet the programme’s specific at-risk criteria
- Candidate must be eligible for nomination through the University of Cologne
- A suitable doctoral project/admission arrangement is required in accordance with the programme rules.
How to Apply
Prospective PhD candidates interested in the Hilde Domin Programme should contact the University of Cologne International Office regarding the nomination process. The university specifically provides a contact for doctoral candidates interested in this programme.
Important Note for 2027 Applicants
The University of Cologne affirms that, as doctoral candidates are not eligible for the normal Deutschlandstipendium, they cannot apply for it. Instead, PhD candidates should seek out funded research posts, graduate school funding, and specialised doctoral grants.
The CGS Doctoral Scholarship is especially significant for candidates in disciplines like management, economics, and social sciences. Since funding opportunities differ by discipline, applicants in other fields should consult their graduate school or faculty. Additionally, the university lists chances for graduate school and supported PhD programs.
Why Choose University of Cologne for a PhD?
The University of Cologne provides several routes to doctoral funding, including scholarships, research-assistant positions and structured graduate programmes. Doctoral researchers can also be employed at the university as research assistants, with positions advertised through the university’s job portal.
Best options to highlight for a 2027 PhD article
- Cologne Graduate School (CGS) Doctoral Scholarship — €1,515/month + €3,000 research budget
- DAAD Hilde Domin Programme — €1,300/month for up to 48 months, for eligible at-risk doctoral candidates
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