Before you apply, check that you are eligible to apply and meet the requirements:

• you are a non-German citizen;
• you have not been resident in Germany for more than 15 months as per 31 May 2026 (refugees are exempt);
• you hold an above-average Master's degree (or equivalent) in a discipline relevant to the chosen project and belong to the best 10% of your graduation class.
• you have sound knowledge of the chosen research field;
• you have very good English skills and are willing to learn basic German;
• the exam for you last final degree (Master's or equivalent) has taken place in the six years preceding 31 May 2026.

The application procedure is split into three steps. Please read this information carefully.

1. Read the call text.
2. Choose your preferred scientist from the list
3. Read the information about the research topic by this scientist and write a half-page project idea of the doctoral research project you propose. It should fit well within the topic proposed by the scientist.
4. Collect all necessary application information and documents (see checklist)
5. Use the online form to submit your application by 31 January 2026 at 12 o'clock noon (CET).
6. Should you have convinced your potential supervisor with your project idea, you will be contacted by them by 15 February, 2026.
7. Promising candidates will be invited to develop your project idea further and prepare a max. 8-page project proposal for their potential supervisor.
8. The deadline for the submission of the 8-page project proposal (incl. any figures and references) of each candidate/supervisor team is 15 March 2026 (maximum 2 candidates per supervisor).
9. Online interviews with short-listed candidates will take place in April 2026.
10. The GSGS will nominate candidates to the DAAD by 31 May 2026.
11. Candidates nominated by the GSGS will have to submit their application to the DAAD through https://www.mydaad.de/en within 3 weeks after receiving a positive reply from the GSGS.
12. Nominated candidates wait for the final admission by DAAD (estimated mid-June to mid-August 2026).
13. Please note that admission to studies and receipt of a scholarship will be subject to assessments by both the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Cologne and the DAAD, respectively.
14. When admitted by the DAAD: start of scholarship between 1 July and 1 December 2026.

GSGS information meetings for GSSP applicants

If you have any further questions, please attend one of the two GSGS information meetings for GSSP applicants. They will take place online via Zoom on Tuesday, 13th January, 2026 at 16h00-17h00 CET and on Thursday, 15th January, 2026 at 10h00-11h00 CET. 

The access data will be sent to you after filling out the following form.