Fully Funded PhD Fellowships 2026 in Cologne, Germany

Are you ready to take your research career to the next level at one of Europe’s most dynamic hubs for life sciences? The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) has just opened its prestigious PhD programme for worldwide applicants to join the class of 2026.

This is not just another PhD—this is a ticket into an elite international research cluster dedicated to ageing and age-related diseases, powered by the University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, and the Max Planck Institutes for Biology of Ageing and Metabolism Research.

Why Apply?

This highly competitive programme offers 12 fully funded PhD positions, giving talented graduates the chance to thrive in a world-class research environment. Cologne has become a global leader in ageing research, bringing together 49 interdisciplinary groups working on cutting-edge projects. As a fellow, you’ll enjoy:

• An international research environment with state-of-the-art labs and facilities.
• A structured PhD training programme with superb supervision and academic guidance.
• Employment contracts of 3+ years, paid according to the German public sector scale (TV-L E13, 65%).
• Mentorship & career coaching to prepare you for academic and industry success.
• Fully English-taught programme in one of Germany’s most vibrant cities.
• Conference travel grants & workshops to expand your skills and network.
• Dedicated support for international students in administrative and relocation matters.

Who Can Apply?

CGA is looking for outstanding Master’s degree holders (or equivalent) in:

• Biology, Molecular/Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics
• Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, Genetics
• Medical Biology, Neuroscience, Translational Medicine.

Applicants with a medical degree and sufficient research experience are also encouraged to apply.

The requirements:

• Excellent academic performance and strong research motivation.
• Proficiency in English (C1 level). A formal language certificate is recommended but not mandatory.

Selection Procedure

• August–November 2025: Online applications open.
• December 2025: Up to 80 candidates invited to online panel interviews.
• February 2026: Around 25 finalists invited to a recruitment week in Cologne.
• July–October 2026: PhD positions officially begin.

All accepted students will be enrolled at the University of Cologne.

Apply: https://www.ageing-grad-school.de/phd/applications.

Application Deadlines

The application period runs from August 12, 2025, to November 3, 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute—this programme is highly selective, and early applications stand out.