NHR Scholarships in Germany Offer Fully Funded PhD Positions for 2026

Applications are now being accepted for the Nationales Hochleistungs Rechnen (NHR) Scholarships in Germany, providing a fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue doctoral research in High-Performance Computing (HPC) starting in 2026. The program offers a monthly stipend of €2,200 for up to three years, enabling students to conduct advanced research under the supervision of leading experts at one of nine NHR centers across Germany.

A Gateway to Cutting-Edge HPC Research

The NHR scholarship program focuses exclusively on students with a strong interest in High-Performance Computing. It's open to applicants from computer science, engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, and related fields. Successful candidates will undertake their PhD at an NHR center affiliated with a German university, engaging in research and participating in workshops and training programs designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in HPC.

Program Structure and Unique Secondment Opportunity

A distinctive feature of the NHR PhD scholarship is the mandatory six-month research secondment at another NHR center. This allows students to broaden their research experience and collaborate with different teams and resources, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the HPC landscape.

Expert Perspective: The Importance of HPC Skills

"High-Performance Computing is increasingly vital across numerous scientific disciplines and industries," notes Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of computational science at the Technical University of Munich, who is unaffiliated with the NHR program. "This scholarship provides a crucial pathway for talented individuals to develop the advanced skills needed to tackle complex challenges, from climate modeling to drug discovery. The secondment component is particularly valuable, exposing students to diverse research environments and collaborative opportunities."

Scholarship Details: Funding and Benefits

Host Country: Germany Host Organisation: Nationales Hochleistungs Rechnen (NHR) Program Location: Various NHR Centers in Germany Program Duration: Up to 36 months

Key Benefits:

Monthly scholarship of €2,200 for up to 36 months. Supervision by internationally recognized experts. Access to cutting-edge training programs and workshops. Six-month research secondment at another NHR Center. Additional training and mentoring sessions. Networking opportunities with leading professionals and researchers.

Eligibility Criteria

The NHR scholarship program is open to individuals of all genders and backgrounds who meet the following criteria:

Completion of a master’s degree in computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, or a related field. Fulfillment of the admission requirements for doctoral studies at the chosen NHR Center. Compliance with any additional acceptance requirements outlined in the subject-specific doctoral regulations.

How to Apply

The application process involves an online submission and email correspondence. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Register on the online application portal with your username, email address, and password. Complete the online application form with personal and educational details. Upload your bachelor’s and master’s thesis abstracts. Select up to three research interest choices. Upload all required documents separately. Agree to the privacy policy and submit the application. Merge all required documents into a single PDF file and email it to scholarship@nhr-verein.de with the subject line: <Application NHR Graduate School>. Request recommenders to send letters of recommendation directly to scholarship@nhr-verein.de, also using the subject line: <Application NHR Graduate School>.

Required Documents:

Completed application form Motivation letter Curriculum Vitae (CV) Research statement Academic transcripts Proof of English language proficiency Letter of recommendation Passport copy

Historical Context and Current Significance

The NHR initiative reflects Germany's commitment to advancing scientific research and technological innovation through High-Performance Computing. With increasing reliance on data-driven solutions in various fields, the demand for skilled HPC professionals continues to grow. Scholarships like the NHR program play a vital role in nurturing talent and fostering collaboration within the HPC community.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is September 15, 2025. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the official NHR website for detailed information about research fields, centers, and application guidelines before submitting their application.