Funded by the NHR Alliance (National High-Performance Computing), this scholarship program awards up to nine fully funded PhD positions each year. These are hosted by nine NHR Centers affiliated with leading German universities renowned for their excellence in HPC, artificial intelligence, and scientific computing.
Overview of NHR Graduate School:
The NHR Graduate School is part of a national initiative to advance research and innovation in HPC by training the next generation of computational scientists. The program connects students with world-class institutions and mentors, giving them access to some of the most advanced research infrastructure in Europe. The program is aimed at fostering international collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and practical applications in fields like AI/ML, numerical simulations, scientific computing, and more.
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Scholarship Benefits:
The NHR Graduate School PhD Scholarships offer generous funding and access to exclusive training, research tools, and professional development.
1. Monthly Financial Support
A stipend of €2,200 per month, tax-free, for a maximum of 36 months Designed to fully cover living expenses, insurance, and academic needs.
2. High-Level Academic Mentorship
Supervision by internationally recognized experts in HPC and related fields. Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in simulation, AI, computational sciences, and more.
3. Training & Development
Access to specialized workshops and seminars conducted by top HPC professionals. Training in parallel programming, data analytics, advanced algorithms, and domain-specific applications.
4. Interdisciplinary Secondment
A six-month research secondment at a different NHR Center within Germany. Enhances academic collaboration and exposes students to diverse research perspectives.
5. Networking and Career Support
Integration into a strong HPC research community. Opportunities to present at conferences, publish in journals, and participate in knowledge-transfer activities. Access to career coaching, mentoring, and soft skills training.
Who Should Apply?
The NHR Alliance values diversity and equal opportunity. Students from all genders, cultures, and academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Academic Requirements:
Completion of a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in:
· Computer Science.
· Mathematics.
· Engineering.
· Natural Sciences.
· Or a related, computationally intensive field.
Admission Requirements:
1. Applicants must meet the doctoral admission criteria of their preferred NHR Center (German university).
2. Individual centers may have additional conditions based on their doctoral regulations.
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NHR Centers across Germany:
The program is delivered in collaboration with nine NHR Centers, each based at a German university. These institutions offer exceptional resources for research in high-performance computing, AI, and data science. You may select one or more NHR Centers as your preference during the application process. A ranking of your choices should be included in your research statement.
Required Application Documents:
1. Online Application Form:
Fill out the official application form online.
2. Letter of Motivation (1–2 pages):
Describe your academic background, professional interests, and your motivation for applying. Explain why HPC is important to your goals and how this scholarship fits into your career path.
3. Curriculum Vitae (Maximum 2 pages):
Include academic history, degrees, research involvement, programming skills, publications, and any relevant achievements.
4. Research Statement (1–2 pages):
Explain your proposed PhD topic, its significance, and how it relates to the research at the NHR Centers. If you mention more than one center, rank your preferences clearly.
5. Academic Transcripts:
Submit official transcripts for your most recent degree. If they are not in German or English, a certified translation must be included.
6. Letter of Recommendation:
This must come from a professor, faculty member, or university lecturer who knows your academic capabilities well.
7. Proof of English Proficiency:
Accepted tests include:
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79.
• IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.5.
• Cambridge English C1 or C2: Minimum 180/Grade C.
• Alternatively, submit a certificate from your institution confirming English was the language of instruction.
Note: Applicants may not submit this letter themselves. Recommenders must email the letter directly.
Why Choose Germany and NHR for Your PhD?
Germany is home to some of the most advanced HPC infrastructure and has a strong reputation for academic excellence. The NHR Centers are known for innovation in areas such as AI, climate modeling, quantum computing, material science, and biomedical engineering. Choosing to study in Germany through the NHR Graduate School offers:
1. A globally respected PhD degree.
2. Access to a vast research network across industry, academia, and government.
3. The chance to collaborate on real-world projects.
4. High quality of life, cultural diversity, and safe cities.
Tips for a Successful Application
1. Start your application process early gather your documents, write your statements, and reach out to recommenders well before the deadline.
2. Clearly demonstrate your interest in HPC, data science, or a specific domain of research in your motivation and research statements.
3. Highlight any prior experience in computational research, programming, or simulations
4. Show initiative and understanding of the research at the NHR Centers.
5. Proofread all documents and ensure consistency in format and presentation.
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How to Apply for the NHR Graduate School PhD Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps to prepare a competitive and complete application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
1. Merge documents 1 through 6 into a single PDF file.
2. Email your application PDF to: scholarship@nhr-verein.de.
3. Use the subject line: Application NHR Graduate School.
4. Recommenders should send their letters separately to the same email, using the same subject line.
5. Applications received without recommendation letters will not be considered.
Important Dates for the 2026 Cohort
· Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
· Start of Funding: April 1, 2026
· End of Funding: March 31, 2029
Please note that even if the scholarship period starts later than April, it will still conclude on March 31, 2029.
Conclusion:
The NHR Graduate School PhD Scholarships 2026 are a unique and competitive opportunity for students passionate about high-performance computing and computational science. With full funding, world-class training, and the chance to be part of Germany’s top HPC research hubs, this scholarship opens doors to a successful research career. If you're ready to take your academic journey to the next level, begin your application today and join a network of future leaders in high-performance computing. So to apply and know more visit the NHR Graduate School PhD Scholarships 2026 official link here.