NHR Scholarships in Germany 2026: Fully Funded HPC PhD

Joining a high-tech research team in Germany! The NHR (Nationales Hochleistungsrechnen) Graduate School is offering NHR Scholarships in Germany 2026 – fully funded PhD fellowships in high-performance computing. Each year, up to nine outstanding new graduates (master’s in CS, engineering, math or related fields) can earn a three-year scholarship to pursue innovative research projects at top German universities. This all-expenses-covered program pays a €2,200 monthly stipend for 36 months and provides top-tier supervision, advanced HPC training, and networking opportunities. If you have a passion for computational science and a master’s degree, this could be the career-defining opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Overview of the NHR Graduate School Program

The NHR Graduate School is a joint initiative by Germany’s leading supercomputing centers. It supports qualified national and international students in high-performance computing (HPC) by offering three-year, full-time PhD scholarships. As a scholar, you will be based at one of the NHR-affiliated universities (e.g. RWTH Aachen, TU Dresden, KIT and others) that match your research interests. Besides funding, the program includes an annual summer school and workshops covering key HPC topics (architecture, algorithms, applications) as well as soft-skills training and mentoring. This ensures you not only get financial support, but also comprehensive training and community-building throughout your PhD.

Eligibility Criteria

• Academic Background: Completed or soon-to-be-completed master’s degree in computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, engineering or a closely related field. (Outstanding academic records are encouraged – the Graduate School often selects candidates with excellent master’s grades.)
• Admission Requirements: You must meet the doctoral admission rules of the chosen NHR center/university. (Each university may have specific criteria, so check those early.)
• English Proficiency: Applicants need to prove strong English skills. If English was part of your education, a certificate or official letter suffices; otherwise provide a language test (e.g. TOEFL iBT ≥79 or IELTS ≥6.5).
• Diversity Friendly: The NHR alliance welcomes candidates of all genders and backgrounds. There are no nationality restrictions – it’s a truly international scholarship program.

Scholarship Benefits

• Full Funding (3 years): A monthly stipend of €2,200 for up to 36 months. This covers living costs while you focus on research.
• Research Resources: Access to cutting-edge HPC facilities and collaboration with internationally renowned experts. You’ll work on real-world projects in numerical simulation, AI/ML and related domains.
• Secondment Opportunity: A 6‑month research stay at another NHR center (your “secondment”) expands your experience and network. This interdisciplinary exchange is unique to the program.
• Training & Mentoring: First-class training workshops in HPC methods and software, plus career coaching and soft-skills seminars. You’ll build both technical and professional skills.
• Community & Networking: Become part of the NHR community of scholars. There are many chances to attend conferences, summer schools and collaborate with other PhD students and researchers in Germany and abroad.

How to Apply – Step by Step

1. Explore Research Fields: Review the thematic areas of each NHR center (announced on the NHR website). Identify which centers and topics align with your interests. No prior contact with professors is required, but it helps to mention preferred centers in your research statement.
2. Gather Documents: Prepare the following materials:
   • Completed Application Form (available on NHR site)
   • Motivation Letter (1–2 pages) explaining your academic and career goals
   • Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages), with education, publications, achievements
   • Research Statement (1–2 pages) outlining your intended dissertation project and naming preferred NHR center(s)
   • Official Transcripts (master’s and bachelor’s; English or German; or certified translation)
   • Proof of English proficiency (school certificate or IELTS/TOEFL score)
   • Recommendation Letter: One from a professor/academic referee (sent separately by the recommender).
3. Submit Application: Merge documents #1–6 into a single PDF (file size ≤10 MB). Email this PDF to scholarship@nhr-verein.de with the subject line “Application NHR Graduate School”. Your recommender should email the letter of recommendation directly to the same address, also quoting “Application NHR Graduate School”.
4. Follow Up: Double-check you meet the admission requirements of your chosen center. Ensure all parts are complete and sent by the deadline. (Tip: Reach out if you have any questions – contact information is on the NHR website.)

Apply Now for NHR Scholarships in Germany 2026 – don’t miss the deadline!

Important Deadlines

• September 15, 2025: Final deadline to apply for the 2026 cohort. Scholarship funding will start on April 1, 2026 and run for 36 months (until March 31, 2029).
• September 15, 2026: A second application round for funding from April 2027 to March 2030. Keep this in mind if you need more time to prepare.
  Remember to submit your complete application by the deadline (no extensions). It’s a good idea to apply early in the cycle.

Tips for Applicants

• Align with Centers: Read about each NHR center’s research focus. In your application, explain why their expertise fits your project.
• Show Your Passion: Use the motivation letter to convey your enthusiasm for HPC. Highlight any research projects, internships or courses that demonstrate your skills.
• Be Clear & Concise: Write a focused research statement. Define a clear problem, objectives and methodology for your PhD topic. Even though you can name multiple centers, prioritize the one that best matches your idea.
• Strong References: Choose a recommender who knows your work well (e.g. your master’s advisor). Give them plenty of time to write a detailed letter.
• Mind the Details: Proofread all documents carefully. Follow the instructions exactly (PDF merge, email subject, file size). Incomplete or poorly formatted apps may be rejected.
• Stay Positive: The competition is tough, but even if you have minor doubts (like missing a perfect test score), go ahead and apply. The NHR team looks for potential and passion as well as formal qualifications.

Conclusion

The NHR Scholarships in Germany 2026 offer a unique gateway into the world of supercomputing research. This fully funded PhD program can launch your international career, equip you with cutting-edge skills, and connect you with a vibrant scientific community. If you have the drive to explore HPC and make an impact, don’t hesitate – prepare your application now and spread the word. Share this opportunity with peers or mentors who might also qualify.

Now is the time to take the leap – apply for the NHR Scholarships in Germany 2026 and start your high-performance computing adventure. Your future in research awaits!