Cologne Graduate School Of Ageing Research Offers 12 Fully Funded PhD Fellowship Opportunities -

About the Cologne Graduate School PhD Fellowships 2026

The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) in Germany is now accepting applications for 12 fully funded PhD fellowships for its 2026 intake. Recognized as one of the leading international research environments in ageing and age-related diseases, CGA combines excellence in scientific training with state-of-the-art research facilities.

This highly selective programme is a joint initiative of the University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, and the Max Planck Institutes for Biology of Ageing and Metabolism Research. It aims to prepare ambitious young scientists for successful careers in academia or industry, offering world-class supervision, early research independence, and access to 49 interdisciplinary research groups.

Application Opens: August 12, 2025
Application Deadline: November 3, 2025

Eligible Fields

The PhD programme is open to applicants with academic backgrounds in:

Biology / Molecular & Cell Biology
Biochemistry & Biophysics
Genetics & Bioinformatics
Bioengineering
Medical Biology
Neuroscience
Translational Medicine
Other life science-related disciplines

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

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this fellowship, applicants must:

Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific field.
Demonstrate excellent academic performance and strong motivation to pursue ageing research.

Have English proficiency at C1 level (a formal certificate is recommended but not mandatory, as the entire programme is taught in English).

Selection Process

The admission process is rigorous and competitive:

August – November 2025: Online application review of academic qualifications and research proposals.
December 2025: Around 80 candidates invited for online panel interviews.

February 2026: Approximately 25 finalists invited to a recruitment week in Cologne.
July – October 2026: Successful candidates begin their fully funded PhD positions.

Eligible Countries

The programme is open to applicants worldwide. Students from all nationalities are encouraged to apply, reflecting CGA’s diverse international research community.

Documents Required

Applicants must prepare the following materials for submission via the CGA PhD portal:

Statement of prior research experience and motivation for joining the programme.
Detailed research proposal, including a clear plan of your intended study.

Choice of three preferred host laboratories within CGA.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) with academic history and research achievements.
Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
Contact information for two referees (one must be your MSc/BSc thesis supervisor).

Benefits of the Cologne Graduate School PhD Fellowships 2026

Successful applicants will receive:

Fully funded 3+ year employment contracts under TV-L E13 (65%).
No tuition fees for the duration of the PhD.
Structured training programme with personalized mentorship and career development support.

Access to world-class research infrastructure across the University of Cologne, University Hospital, and Max Planck Institutes.
Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities with 49 advanced research groups.
Travel grants, workshops, and conferences to expand professional networks.
Relocation and administrative assistance for international students.
A dynamic, English-taught programme set in one of Germany’s leading research hubs.

How to Apply

Visit the official application portal
Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.

Select three potential host laboratories from the CGA network that align with your research interests.
Submit the application before the deadline: November 3, 2025.

Required Documents at a Glance:

Research statement and motivation letter
Research proposal
Choice of host labs
CV and transcripts
Certificates of academic qualification
Contact information for referees

Final Thoughts

The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research PhD Fellowships 2026 offer one of the most prestigious and competitive PhD training programmes in Europe. With 12 fully funded positions, access to top-class laboratories, and mentorship by globally recognized scientists, this is a unique opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research in ageing and age-related diseases.

Whether your background is in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, bioinformatics, or medical sciences, CGA provides the resources, structure, and international network to launch a high-impact scientific career.

Application Opens: August 12, 2025
Deadline to Apply: November 3, 2025
Programme Start: July – October 2026