Germany has opened a rare, fully funded PhD opportunity for international students aiming to pursue advanced research in neuroscience and human medicine. The University of Bonn, in collaboration with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), is inviting global applicants to apply for the Research Training Group (RTG 3151) PhD positions for the 2026–2027 cohort.
Lets Get Familiar With This Opportunity First!
This is a fully funded, full-time PhD program under the Research Training Group titled “Development and epileptogenesis of dysplasias in the interplay of distinct CNS cell types.” The program is funded by the German Research Foundation and designed for students who want to work at the intersection of neurodevelopment, brain disorders, and clinically relevant neuroscience research. The structured doctoral program will run for four years, starting on 1 September 2026, and will be conducted entirely in English in Bonn, Germany.
Is This for You?
This opportunity is ideal for international master’s degree holders with a strong academic background in neuroscience-related life sciences and a clear interest in neurodevelopmental disorders, epilepsy research, and translational medicine. Up to 10 fully funded PhD positions are available for highly motivated candidates worldwide.
What does the Scholarship offer?
Selected PhD candidates will receive a comprehensive funding and training package, including:
- A fully funded PhD position with a 4-year employment contract
- A competitive salary based on TV-L E13 (65%), aligned with the German public sector pay scale
- A structured PhD program delivered in English
- Research training at one of Europe’s leading neuroscience hubs
- Dedicated academic supervision through thesis advisory committees
- Career mentoring, transferable skills training, and advanced research method courses
- Conference participation and travel support
- Extensive support services for international researchers relocating to Germany
Lets Find Out Its Eligibility Standards
You are generally eligible if you:
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, neuroscience, medicine, or a closely related field
- Have strong academic results in your undergraduate and postgraduate studies
- Show a clear research interest in neurodevelopment, epilepsy, or CNS cell interactions
- Possess advanced English proficiency (minimum C1 level)
- Are motivated to conduct interdisciplinary and clinically relevant neuroscience research.
Interested? – Apply: https://epilepsyresearch.de/rtg3151/apply/#offer
The application period for the RTG 3151 PhD scholarships at the University of Bonn runs from 1 December 2025 to 15 February 2026. The last date to apply is 15 February 2026, and the selected candidates will begin their PhD studies on 1 September 2026, continuing for a total duration of four years.