The DAAD Munich Aerospace PhD Scholarship 2026 offers a fantastic opportunity for talented graduates to pursue a fully funded doctorate in aeronautics in Germany. Funded through a collaboration between the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and Munich Aerospace e.V., this programme supports junior researchers in focusing entirely on their PhD research while benefiting from integration into leading research groups and an in-house graduate school.
This scholarship enables networking within aerospace disciplines and across fields, helping scholars complete their degrees efficiently at top institutions.
Programme Overview
Munich Aerospace e.V. is a Bavarian research network founded in 2010, uniting key players in aerospace:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- University of the German Armed Forces Munich (UniBwM)
- German Aerospace Center (DLR) – Oberpfaffenhofen institutes
- Bauhaus Luftfahrt (BHL)
The programme pools expertise to foster synergies in research, graduate training, and teaching.
Research topics are proposed and publicly advertised by Munich Aerospace Research Groups. Successful applicants join a recognised research group and participate in the graduate school for interdisciplinary and subject-specific networking.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD Munich Aerospace Scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold a university degree in a subject related to aerospace technology (or equivalent) with a final grade of “good” (or better, typically 2.5 or equivalent in the German system)
- Meet the doctoral admission requirements at TUM or UniBwM
- Ensure no more than 3 years have passed between the date on their university degree certificate and the scholarship application date
- Apply only to currently open calls for specific research topics (no general applications)
The programme targets university graduates aiming to earn a doctoral degree in aeronautics at TUM or UniBwM. It appears open to international applicants, as it’s listed in the DAAD international scholarship database.
Scholarship Benefits
This is a fully funded PhD scholarship with:
- Monthly stipend: 1,575 EUR
- Duration: Minimum 12 months, up to a maximum of 3 years
- Additional funding: On submission of receipts, extra subsidies may cover project-related expenses (e.g., learning materials, travel, research costs)
Scholars can dedicate themselves fully to research without financial worries.
Required Documents
Prepare and submit the following:
- Completed application form (available via the official Munich Aerospace site for open calls)
- Scholarship motivation letter focused on the chosen research topic
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two recent letters of recommendation
- Certified copies of relevant degree certificates
How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Applications are handled on a rolling basis or according to specific open calls (deadlines vary by advertised research topic/research group; no fixed annual deadline for 2026, but check current openings promptly).
- Visit the official sources to review current open calls and advertised research topics:
- Munich Aerospace scholarship page.
- DAAD programme detail: Here.
- Select an open position — Only apply for publicly advertised topics from Munich Aerospace Research Groups.
- Gather your documents — Ensure they are complete and tailored to the chosen topic (especially the motivation letter).
- Submit your application — Email all required documents to [email protected], addressing the contact person named in the specific call.
- Monitor updates — Check the Munich Aerospace website regularly for new calls, as opportunities arise based on available projects.