The NHR Scholarships 2026 in Germany offer a remarkable opportunity for international PhD students to engage in world-class research in High-Performance Computing (HPC). Funded by the Nationales Hochleistungsrechnen (NHR) network, this scholarship program is aimed at highly motivated candidates eager to contribute to advancements in computational science, software engineering, data analytics, and related HPC domains.
The program supports full-time PhD studies in Germany at one of the nine leading NHR centers, each affiliated with prestigious German universities. Scholars benefit from cutting-edge computing facilities, personalized supervision, academic workshops, and professional training designed to prepare them for leadership roles in research and industry.
NHR PhD Scholarship Program 2026 Overview
- Host Country: Germany
- Funded by: National High-Performance Computing (NHR) Network
- Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
- Program Duration: Up to 3 years (36 months)
- Eligible Applicants: International students from all countries
- Application Deadline: 15 September 2025
What Does the NHR Scholarship Cover?
The NHR Graduate School provides a comprehensive scholarship package that supports both academic excellence and career development:
- Monthly stipend of €2,200 for a full 36-month doctoral program
- Supervision by leading HPC researchers at top German institutions
- Access to high-performance computing infrastructure and labs
- Participation in scientific workshops, summer schools, and mentoring programs
- 6-month secondment at a different NHR center for broader research exposure
- Career coaching and soft skills training
- Collaborative research opportunities across multiple disciplines
Where Will You Study? NHR Partner Universities in Germany
PhD candidates will be hosted at one of the nine prestigious NHR partner universities:
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
- RWTH Aachen University
- Technische Universität Dresden
- Technische Universität Darmstadt
- Zuse Institute Berlin
- University of Paderborn
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena
- University of Leipzig
Research Focus Areas
Applicants may pursue their doctoral research in one or more of the following fields:
- High-Performance Computing Systems and Applications
- Computational Sciences and Scientific Simulation
- Software Engineering for Parallel Systems
- Numerical Algorithms and Methods
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in HPC
- Data Science and Big Data Analytics
- Quantum Computing and Hybrid HPC Architectures
- HPC Visualization and Workflow Optimization
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Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the NHR PhD Scholarship 2026, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Hold a Master’s degree in:
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Physics or Natural Sciences
- Or any closely related discipline
- Demonstrate a strong academic background and research motivation
- Fulfill the doctoral admission criteria of the host NHR university
- Submit a complete application by the deadline
- Proficiency in English (official proof required)
Application Requirements
Applicants must prepare the following documents in English or with certified translations:
- Completed online application form
- Motivation letter clearly outlining your interest in HPC and career goals
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including academic and research history
- A concise research proposal or statement of interest
- Abstracts of Bachelor’s and Master’s theses
- Official academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
- One letter of recommendation sent directly by your referee
- Copy of a valid passport
How to Apply for the NHR Graduate School 2026?
The application process includes two submission steps:
1. Online Submission:
- Visit the NHR Graduate School application portal
- Create an account using your email address
- Fill in personal, academic, and research-related information
- Select up to three preferred research topics or partner universities
- Upload the required documents in the designated sections
- Review and submit your application before the deadline
2. Email Submission:
- Combine all application documents into a single PDF file
- Email the file to: [email protected]
- Subject line:
Application NHR Graduate School - The recommender must send their letter separately using the same subject line
