The Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) is now accepting applications for its Fully Funded PhD Fellowship Program 2026 in Germany. Open to talented international candidates from all nationalities, this highly competitive program offers 12 fully funded PhD positions. It provides young researchers with the opportunity to thrive in one of Europe’s leading life science hubs and work alongside world-class experts in ageing and age-related research.
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Cologne has become a global leader in ageing research, bringing together 49 interdisciplinary teams working on groundbreaking scientific projects. The CGA PhD Program is more than just a doctoral degree—it’s an opportunity to be part of a prestigious international research hub powered by:
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Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing
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Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research
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University Hospital Cologne
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University of Cologne
This four-year program provides comprehensive PhD training in ageing research with intensive supervision, cutting-edge facilities, and a fully international environment.
Fellowship Details
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Host Institution: Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research
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Degree Level: PhD
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Scholarship Coverage: Fully Funded
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Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities
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Location: Germany
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Deadline: November 3, 2025
Financial Benefits
Successful fellows will receive:
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An international research environment with state-of-the-art laboratories.
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A structured PhD training program with strong academic guidance.
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3+ year employment contracts with salaries based on the German public sector scale (TV-L E13, 65%).
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Mentorship and career coaching to prepare for future success.
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A program taught entirely in English.
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Funding for conferences, workshops, and courses.
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Administrative and relocation support for international students.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Strong academic record and clear motivation for research.
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A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in one of the following fields:
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Biology
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Molecular/Cell Biology
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Biochemistry
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Biophysics
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Bioinformatics
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Bioengineering
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Genetics
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Medical Biology
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Neuroscience
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Translational Medicine
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English proficiency (C1 level) – a certificate is recommended but not mandatory.
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Medical degree holders with significant research experience are also eligible.
Application Timeline
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12 August – 3 November 2025 → Online application period.
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December 2025 → Up to 80 candidates invited for online interviews.
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February 2026 → About 25 finalists attend a recruitment week in Cologne.
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July – October 2026 → Official start of PhD positions.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply online between August 12 and November 3, 2025. Early applications are strongly recommended, as the program is highly selective.
[Visit the official website to apply]
