Ignite Your HPC Career at Leading German Research Centers
Scholars receive a tax‑free monthly stipend of €2,200 for up to 36 months, beginning April 1, 2026 and ending March 31, 2029. The package includes access to state-of-the-art supercomputers and HPC infrastructure, supervision by leading researchers, and rich professional development through annual summer schools, soft skills workshops, career coaching, and mentoring An integral feature is a six‑month secondment at a different NHR Center—enabling interdisciplinary exposure and expanded collaboration across Germany
You’re eligible if you hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in computer science, mathematics, natural or engineering sciences, or a related discipline showing strong alignment to HPC or numerical modeling. Proficiency in English is required (with TOEFL iBT ≥ 79, IELTS ≥ 6.5, or equivalent), though German language ability is not mandatory
The application window closes on September 15, 2025 (23:59 CEST). The cohort welcome begins April 1, 2026, with funding lasting a full three years regardless of exact start date Final decisions are expected by January 2026 following evaluations between September and December 2025
The application requires submission of a single PDF (max 10 MB) via email to with subject line “Application NHR Graduate School”. Include a completed application form, letter of motivation (1–2 pages), CV (up to 2 pages), research statement (1–2 pages detailing your dissertation idea and preferred NHR Centers ranked), academic transcripts (in English or German), proof of English proficiency, and one academic recommendation sent directly by your referee
These scholarships offer far more than financial support—they offer access to Germany’s foremost HPC research hubs, rich training and mobility opportunities, and networks that launch global research careers. Whether your interests lie in parallel algorithms, climate modeling, bioinformatics, AI, or quantum computing, the NHR Graduate School provides the infrastructure and community to turn ideas into impact
To begin, explore the NHR Center profiles and align with potential supervisors, then craft a focused research proposal reflecting interest in HPC applications. Prepare application materials carefully and submit before the September 15, 2025 deadline to start your doctoral journey in Germany in April 2026.