Germany is known for its innovation and academic excellence, attracting bright minds from around the world. If you’re a prospective PhD student considering research in Germany, understanding its funding landscape is a good place to start.
This guide tells you everything you need to know about the German Research Foundation (DFG), a key player in supporting doctoral researchers in Germany.
While the DFG doesn’t offer direct scholarships or fellowships to PhD students in the same way some other organisations do, it helps shape the research project landscape. Its funding programmes create a strong environment for doctoral candidates to thrive.
This article summarises how the DFG works and how its various initiatives provide indirect but significant funding opportunities for researchers like you.
What is the German Research Foundation (DFG)?
The German Research Foundation, or DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), is the central self-governing organisation for science and research in Germany. Its primary mission is to fund and promote outstanding research achievements across all disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to engineering and the life sciences.
With an annual budget of approximately €3.9 billion, sourced primarily from the federal government (69.7%) and state governments (29.4%), the DFG supports a vast network of research institutions and fosters a culture of excellence.
Unlike other funding bodies, the DFG’s focus isn’t on individual scholarships for students. Instead, it provides research grants to established researchers and institutions, which, in turn, create opportunities for junior researchers, including doctoral candidates.
Understanding DFG’s Approach to PhD Funding
The DFG research grants awarded to principal investigators often include provisions for hiring doctoral researchers as part of the research team.
This means that while you won’t apply to the DFG for a personal scholarship, you can become an integral part of DFG-funded projects, securing a funded position to pursue your doctorate. These are known as individual projects.
DFG Funding Avenues for Doctoral Researchers
The DFG offers several avenues that indirectly support PhD students through broader research initiatives. Here are the key funding programmes you should be aware of:
Research Training Groups (RTGs)
Research Training Groups are university-based programmes designed to support early career researchers. They offer a structured research and qualification programme at a high level. These groups are funded for up to nine years, providing a stable and enriching environment for doctoral researchers to complete their PhDs.
Key features of RTGs include:
- Structured Curriculum: RTGs provide a well-defined curriculum, often including specialised courses, workshops, and seminars.
- Close Supervision: You’ll benefit from close mentorship from a team of experienced researchers.
- Significant Funding: RTGs receive substantial funding from the DFG, which covers salaries for doctoral researchers, research expenses, and travel costs.
- International Focus: Many RTGs have a strong international orientation, attracting international students and fostering international research training. Some are specifically designated as International Research Training Groups, emphasising collaboration with research institutions abroad.
Collaborative Research Centers (CRCs)
Collaborative Research Centers are long-term university-based research institutions, established for up to 12 years, in which researchers work together within a cross-disciplinary research programme. CRCs (or SFBs) allow researchers to tackle innovative, challenging, complex and long-term research projects. TRRs are CRCs spread across different locations.
Key features of CRCs include:
- Large-Scale Projects: CRCs focus on ambitious, interdisciplinary research projects that require significant resources and collaboration.
- PhD Positions: Many CRCs include designated positions for doctoral researchers, providing them with the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research.
- International Collaboration: Like RTGs, CRCs often engage in joint projects with international partners, creating opportunities for global networking and collaboration.
Individual Research Grants
While primarily aimed at established researchers, DFG research grants for individual projects can significantly benefit PhD students. Principal investigators who secure these grants often hire doctoral researchers to work on the funded research project.
Key aspects for PhD students include:
- Project-Based Positions: You can find advertised PhD positions within these funded projects.
- Competitive Salaries: These positions typically offer competitive salaries, letting you focus on your research without financial strain.
- Access to Resources: You’ll have access to modern equipment, facilities, and resources necessary for your research.
Graduate Schools
Graduate Schools are similar to RTGs in that they offer a structured doctoral training programme. However, they typically focus on broader research themes and may involve multiple faculties or even universities. These programmes are often part of larger initiatives, such as the German Universities Excellence Initiative, that promote outstanding research in Germany. These provide a platform for German research.
Key features of Graduate Schools to be aware of are:
- Broad Research Themes: You’ll find opportunities in diverse fields, often within interdisciplinary settings.
- Structured Doctoral Programmes: Like RTGs, Graduate Schools provide a well-defined curriculum and close supervision.
- Networking Opportunities: You’ll be part of a larger cohort of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.
Clusters of Excellence
Clusters of Excellence are large-scale, interdisciplinary research projects funded under the German Universities Excellence Initiative. They bring together top researchers from various institutions to address complex scientific challenges. These clusters often involve Graduate Schools and provide opportunities for doctoral researchers to take part in cutting-edge research.
Key features of Clusters of Excellence:
- Cutting-Edge Research: You’ll be involved in highly innovative and impactful research projects at the forefront of scientific discovery.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: These clusters promote collaboration across disciplines, exposing you to diverse perspectives and methodologies.
- World-Class Facilities: You’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, enabling you to conduct high-quality research.
Eligibility and Requirements
While the DFG doesn’t directly fund PhD students, the eligibility criteria for doctoral researchers within DFG-funded projects are generally determined by the principal investigator or the specific programme (e.g., RTG, CRC). However, some basic requirements typically apply:
- Master’s Degree: You’ll need a strong Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field. Outstanding research achievements are always looked at favourably.
- Research Proposal: A well-developed research proposal that aligns with the project’s goals is essential.
- Language Proficiency: Depending on the programme, proficiency in German or English may be required.
- Institutional Affiliation: The principal investigator and the project must be affiliated with a German research institution.
For Individual Research Grants, the principal investigator (who must hold a doctorate) is responsible for submitting the proposal to the DFG. Doctoral candidates are not eligible to apply directly for these grants.
The Application Process
Since you won’t apply directly to the DFG for a scholarship, the application process will vary depending on the specific programme or project you’re interested in. Here’s a general overview:
- Identify Opportunities: Explore open positions within DFG-funded projects, RTGs, CRCs, Graduate Schools, and Clusters of Excellence. University websites, research job portals, and the DFG’s own project database (GEPRIS) are excellent resources.
- Contact Principal Investigators: Reach out to the principal investigators of projects that align with your interests. Express your interest in joining their team as a doctoral researcher.
- Prepare Application Materials: The specific documents required will vary, but generally include:
- CV: Highlighting your academic background, research experience, and relevant skills.
- Motivation Letter: Explaining your interest in the project, your research goals, and your qualifications.
- Research Proposal: A detailed outline of your proposed research within the framework of the larger project.
- Transcripts: Academic transcripts from your previous degrees.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically, two or three letters from academic referees who can attest to your research potential.
- Submit Application: Follow the specific application instructions provided by the programme or principal investigator.
- Selection Process: Applications are usually reviewed by a selection committee, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
Funding Details and Coverage
The specific funding provided to doctoral researchers within DFG-funded projects varies depending on the programme and the principal investigator’s budget. However, you can generally expect:
- Salary: A competitive salary that covers your living expenses in Germany. The specific amount will depend on factors such as the programme, your experience, and the cost of living in the region.
- Research Costs: Funding for research-related expenses, such as equipment, consumables, and software.
- Travel Costs: Support for attending conferences, workshops, and research stays abroad.
It is worth noting that the Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes provides PhD budget for highly qualified students in Germany and that acceptance into a doctoral programme at a German university is required, despite nationality. The application can be submitted at any time and must include a developed exposé, and the scholarship must start within 6 months of approval.
Obligations and Expectations
As a doctoral researcher within a DFG-funded project, you’ll have certain obligations and expectations to fulfill:
- Project Commitment: You’ll be expected to dedicate your time and effort to the research project, working towards its objectives.
- Regular Reporting: You’ll likely need to provide regular progress reports to your supervisor and the DFG.
- Thesis Completion: While contributing to the larger project, you’ll also work towards completing your own doctoral thesis within the funding period.
- Dissemination of Results: You may be required to present your research findings at conferences and publish them in academic journals.
- Adherence to Guidelines: You must follow the DFG’s guidelines and regulations regarding research ethics, data management, and publication practices.
Success Rates and Competitiveness
DFG research grants are highly competitive. The overall success rate for DFG applications was around 32.2% in 2023, but this can vary significantly depending on the specific programme and the research field. Single Project Funding had a success rate of 30% in 2017, with higher rates in engineering.
Similarly, securing a position within a DFG-funded project or a structured programme like an RTG or CRC is also competitive. Selection committees look for candidates with strong academic records, compelling research proposals, and a demonstrated commitment to research.
Conclusion
While the German Research Foundation doesn’t offer direct scholarships to PhD students, its funding programmes create many opportunities for doctoral researchers.
By understanding the different avenues, like Research Training Groups, Collaborative Research Centers, and Individual Research Grants, you can strategically position yourself to benefit from DFG funding and start on a rewarding doctoral journey in Germany.
Remember to research available opportunities, make compelling applications, and show your passion for research. Your path to a successful PhD in Germany may very well be paved by the funding opportunities provided through the German Research Foundation.