Germany offers exceptional opportunities for international researchers and scholars through Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany for 2025. These roles span top-tier institutions and prestigious research centers in fields such as Political Science, Artificial Intelligence, Materials Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Management, and more. Whether you’re looking to kickstart your academic journey or elevate your research career, this guide lists the latest Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany for 2025 that offer generous stipends, international exposure, and professional growth.
1. Postdoctoral Researcher – Comparative Political Behavior | Humboldt University of Berlin
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Institution: Humboldt University of Berlin
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Role Type: Postdoctoral Researcher (Full-time, TV‑L E13)
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Start Date: October 1, 2025 (approx.)
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Term: Until August 31, 2028
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Deadline: July 31, 2025
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Salary: ~€5,200/month gross (TV‑L E13), inclusive of social security and health insurance
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Research Focus: Causal inference, survey & field experiments, with thematic preference for gender or far‑right politics
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Eligibility: PhD in Political Science or related field; strong quantitative and experimental research skills; English fluency
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Why It Matters: This Fully Funded Postdoc Position in Germany for 2025 offers dynamic collaboration with top scholars in a renowned comparative politics research group, career development funding, and conference support.
How to Apply:
Send one PDF including cover letter, CV, certificates, two writing samples, and two referee contacts to: sekretariat.polverh@hu-berlin.de
🔗 Humboldt University Listing
2. PhD in Human-AI Interaction | TU Dortmund University
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Institution: TU Dortmund University, Center for Trustworthy Data Science and Security
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Position Type: Fully Funded PhD Position (TV‑L E13)
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Deadline: July 29, 2025
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Location: Dortmund, Germany
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Research Areas: EEG and eye-tracking, physiological computing, adaptive VR/AR environments
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Candidate Profile: Master’s in Computer Science, Cognitive Science, HCI, or Neuroscience; experience with Python/MATLAB preferred
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Funding: Fully funded via university or research grants aligned with Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany for 2025 funding scale
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Why It Matters: This unique program merges neuroscience and HCI, placing you at the intersection of emerging technologies and cognition.
How to Apply:
Email required documents to: sarah.keuter@tu-dortmund.de
🔗 TU Dortmund Position PDF
3. WHU PhD Positions in Business, Management & Data Science
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Institution: WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management (Vallendar and Düsseldorf campuses)
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Openings: Up to 11 fully funded PhD slots
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Fields Covered: Supply chain analytics, AI in business, sports analytics, digital marketing
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Funding: Fully funded under TV‑L E13 salary scale as part of Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany for 2025 roster
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Eligibility: Master’s in Business, Economics, or equivalent; strong analytical and research aptitude
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Program Highlights: Research engagement from day one, access to top industry data and international research networks, doctoral courses and international workshops WHU
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Why It Matters: Recognized as Germany’s top private research business school, WHU offers exceptional support, networking, and research supervision.
4. PhD in Catalyst Development | Helmholtz Institute ERN
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Location: Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
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Institute: Helmholtz Institute Erlangen‑Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN)
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Position: Fully Funded PhD in Catalyst & Reactor Design (TV‑L E13)
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Funding: Full stipend under Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany for 2025 schemes
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Focus Areas: Hydrogen storage, reactor design, catalyst development for green energy
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Eligibility: Master’s in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related area; strong chemistry or engineering skills
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Why It Matters: Work at the forefront of clean energy research, with access to cutting-edge labs and collaborations in Germany’s renewable energy sector.
5. Bonus: Ghent University (Belgium) PhD & Postdoc Roles
Location: Ghent, Belgium
Programs: Fully funded, no tuition fees
Language: English-taught programs
Research Areas:
- AI, Biomedical & Life Sciences
- Environmental Science
- Social Sciences & Law
Benefits:
- Centrally located in Europe
- No IELTS required
- Competitive stipend and social security benefits
Application Tips for Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany for 2025
To make your application stand out for Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany for 2025, follow these expert strategies:
Customize Each Application
- Mention project-specific keywords.
- Adjust your CV to reflect relevant research skills.
Secure Recommendations
- Ask professors and supervisors early.
- Build connections with labs offering these roles.
Required Documents
- Updated CV
- Motivation Letter (mention how you found the listing)
- Academic Transcripts
- Reference Letters (2 ideally)
Prepare for Interviews
- Know the supervisor’s publications.
- Be ready to explain your Master’s thesis or past projects.
Bonus Spotlight: WHU Leadership & Program Insights
While not a PhD or postdoc, WHU’s doctoral ecosystem exemplifies what Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany for 2025 offer across fields:
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Rolling admissions, no tuition fees for internal doctoral candidates
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Dual-advisor supervision model and requirement to draft an exposé within months
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Modular doctoral coursework including causal inference, game theory, data analytics, and qualitative methods.
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A collaborative research environment deeply connected to business, finance, and management networks
Why Choose Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany for 2025?
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Comprehensive Funding: The TV‑L E13 pay scale typically ranges from €2,500 (for PhDs) to €5,200/month (for postdocs), including benefits.
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English-Medium Access: Most positions are conducted in English and welcome global candidates.
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Academic Excellence: These roles are embedded in Germany’s top research and graduate institutions like Humboldt, WHU, Helmholtz, and TU Dortmund.
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Professional Growth: Expect conference travel, publication support, networking opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
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International Work & Study Environment: Germany’s academic ecosystem supports cross-border collaboration and global exposure.
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As these openings illustrate, Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany for 2025 combine financial security, academic prestige, and impactful research—making them ideal for scholars worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Germany continues to lead in global research and higher education. For 2025, Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany for 2025 present transformative opportunities—across political science, AI, materials science, HCI, and management.
Whether you’re an emerging PhD hopeful or a postdoctoral researcher aiming for excellence, these positions offer top-tier financial backing, research freedom, and a ladder to global scholarship. Start preparing today—applications are open, and your academic journey awaits.
External Links:
- Humboldt University Postdoc
- TU Dortmund AI PhD
- ResearchersJob Catalyst PhD
- WHU PhD Program Info
- Ghent University Careers
Also Study:
🔗 Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany 2025–26 | PhD, Research & Faculty Opportunities
🔗 DAAD Scholarship Eligibility (2025) for Global Applicants; DAAD scholarship eligibility
FAQs: Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Positions in Germany:
Q1. Who can apply for fully funded PhD and Postdoc positions in Germany?
Answer: Anyone with a completed Master’s degree (for PhD) or a PhD degree (for Postdoc) in a relevant field can apply. Most positions are open to international students, provided they meet the academic and research criteria of the host university or research institute.
Q2. What do fully funded PhD and Postdoc positions in Germany typically include?
Answer: Fully funded positions often cover:
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A monthly stipend (usually €1,200–€2,600 depending on the program)
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Tuition waiver
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Health insurance
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Research funding and conference travel grants
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In some cases, relocation allowance and family benefits
Q3. Is German language proficiency required to apply?
Answer: Not always. Most PhD and Postdoc positions in STEM and international programs are offered in English. However, having basic German knowledge can be useful for daily life and communication, especially in non-urban areas.
Q4. How can I find fully funded PhD and Postdoc positions in Germany?
Answer: You can find opportunities on:
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DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): www.daad.de
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Euraxess Germany: www.euraxess.de
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University websites, such as TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, Heidelberg University, etc.
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Research Institutes like Max Planck Society, Helmholtz Association, Fraunhofer Society
Q5. When should I apply for 2025 PhD/Postdoc positions in Germany?
Answer: Applications typically open 6–12 months before the start date. For 2025 positions, you should begin preparing your application materials and contacting potential supervisors by late 2024 or early 2025. Each institution may have its own deadlines, so check them carefully.