The NHR Graduate School, backed by the National High-Performance Computing (NHR) Alliance, is accepting applications for the NHR Graduate School PhD Scholarships 2025. These prestigious, fully funded scholarships are designed for international students passionate about High-Performance Computing (HPC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and numerical simulation. Selected scholars will conduct research at one of the nine elite NHR Centers across Germany.

Why Study in Germany with the NHR Graduate School?

Germany is a global hub for innovation, technology, and advanced scientific research. The NHR Graduate School connects top-tier research facilities, world-renowned faculty, and real-world computational challenges. Successful applicants will benefit from hands-on access to supercomputing infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaborations, and expert mentorship, laying the foundation for a robust career in academia or industry.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Germany

• Host Organization: NHR Graduate School / NHR Alliance
• Degree Level: PhD (Doctorate)
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Number of Scholarships: Up to 9
• Monthly Stipend: €2,200 (tax-free)
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
• Scholarship Duration: Up to 36 months
• Start Date: April 1, 2026

Key Benefits of the NHR PhD Scholarships

Monthly Financial Support

• €2,200 per month (tax-free) to cover living expenses in Germany

Access to Research Infrastructure

• Use of Germany’s most advanced supercomputers and HPC software
• Collaborative research environment within a designated NHR Center

World-Class Supervision

• One-on-one guidance from renowned experts in HPC, AI, ML, and numerical sciences

Training and Development

• Annual summer school (3-5 days)

• Hands-on workshops, seminars, and tutorials
• Training in numerical methods, parallel computing, interdisciplinary sciences

Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities

• Six-month secondment at a different NHR Center to promote collaboration and broader research exposure

Professional & Career Growth

• Soft skills workshops (e.g., leadership, communication, project management)
• Career coaching sessions
• Mentorship programs for academic and industry preparation

Travel and Networking Support

• Funding to attend conferences, workshops, or research visits (subject to approval)
• Networking with industry partners, alumni, and fellow researchers

Inclusive and Equal Opportunity Program

• Open to all genders, backgrounds, and nationalities

Eligibility Criteria for NHR PhD Scholarships 2025

To qualify for the NHR Graduate School PhD Scholarships:

Academic Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following:
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
  • Any discipline with a strong connection to HPC, AI, ML, or numerical simulation

Research Focus

• Clear academic or project experience in High-Performance Computing or related fields

Language Proficiency

• Proficiency in English (no strict test score required if academic program was conducted in English)
• German is not mandatory

Additional Requirements

• Meet admission standards of the university affiliated with the selected NHR Center

• No concurrent full-funding from another institution

NHR Research Fields

NHR Graduate School supports research in the following domains:

• Computational Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
• Numerical Modeling and Simulations
• Big Data and Visualization
• Parallel and Scalable Algorithms
• Climate Modeling and Environmental Simulations
• AI and ML Integration in HPC
• Quantum Computing (select centers)

How to Apply for the NHR Graduate School Scholarships 2025?

Step 1: Research NHR Centers

Identify a center that matches your research interests. Each of the nine centers focuses on specific HPC domains. Visit the official NHR website for detailed information.

Step 2: Contact a Supervisor

Reach out to a potential PhD supervisor at the NHR Center you are interested in. Share your research ideas, academic background, and check for mutual research alignment.

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

Create a single PDF file (max 10 MB) including:

• Completed Application Form
• Academic Transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages)
• Detailed Research Proposal (3-5 pages)
• Additional Documents (if required by the selected center)

Step 4: Submit Letter of Recommendation

• One academic/professional referee should send a recommendation letter directly to: scholarship@nhr-verein.de
• Subject line: Application NHR Graduate School

Step 5: Email Your Application

• Send your PDF file to scholarship@nhr-verein.de by September 15, 2025

• Use subject line: Application NHR Graduate School

Timeline and Important Dates

• Application Deadline: September 15, 2025 (23:59 CEST)

• Review Period: September – December 2025
• Final Decision: January 2026
• Start of Funding: April 1, 2026
• Duration: Up to 36 months (till March 31, 2029)
• Annual Summer School: June or July (dates may vary)

NHR Centers and Their Affiliated Universities

Selection Process

Step 1: Initial Screening

• Review for eligibility and document completeness

Step 2: Evaluation by Committee

• Quality of Research Proposal
• Academic performance and past research experience
• Fit with the NHR Center’s research priorities
• Motivation and contribution potential

Step 3: Final Selection

• Top 9 candidates selected and offered admission with full funding

FAQs – NHR Graduate School Scholarships 2025

How many scholarships are awarded?

Up to 9 fully funded PhD scholarships are available annually.

What is the stipend amount?

Scholars receive a monthly stipend of €2,200 (tax-free).

Do I need a separate university application?

No. The scholarship includes admission to the partner university affiliated with your chosen NHR Center.

Is prior HPC experience required?

While not mandatory, prior exposure through coursework or projects is highly desirable.

Can I apply if I already hold a PhD?

No. Only first-time PhD candidates are eligible.

Do I need to speak German?

No. English proficiency is sufficient for the program.

Apply by September 15, 2025 and take the first step toward an impactful research career in Germany.

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