MUNICH SCHOOL FOR DATA SCIENCE (MUDS)
Munich School for Data Science (MUDS) PhD Scholarships
full · phd
- ~€40,000-55,000/year salary (est.)Doctoral salary contract
- Salary contract, not stipendFunding type
- 4 partner institutionsHelmholtz, DLR, TUM, LMU
- Health & social security includedBenefits
- Funded international research staysMobility
- All nationalitiesOpen globally
At a glance
full
Funding
€55k
Max amount
May 6, 2027
Deadline
All countries (international students)
Country
Munich School for Data Science (MUDS)
Provider
The Munich School for Data Science (MUDS) in Munich, Germany, runs a fully funded PhD programme in data science for its 2026 cohort, set within an interdisciplinary environment where data science meets computer science and domain sciences including life sciences, medicine, health, earth observation, and robotics. Rather than a stipend, doctoral researchers receive a salary contract that includes health insurance and social security benefits; a typical TV-L E13 contract for a doctoral researcher in Germany corresponds to roughly €40,000 to €55,000 gross per year (est.) depending on level and working percentage. PhD candidates work with 4 leading partner institutions, Helmholtz Munich, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU). Research areas span large-scale data management, machine learning and deep learning, high-performance computing and analytics, data mining and integration, uncertainty quantification, and multi-fidelity methods, with applications in medicine, environmental monitoring, and robotics. The programme adds structured training through workshops, summer schools, funded international research stays, and career development. It is open to international students with a strong background in computer science, data science, or a relevant domain or interdisciplinary field. Because the salary scale, number of positions, and exact closing date are set each round, confirm the current 2026/2027 details and deadline on the official MUDS page before you apply.
What's covered
- Salary contract — A fully funded doctoral salary contract (not just a stipend) worth roughly €40,000 to €55,000 gross per year (est.), including health insurance and social security benefits.
- Research environment — Work with leading institutions including Helmholtz Munich, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), TUM, and LMU on cutting-edge data science research.
- Structured training — Scientific workshops, summer schools, and skill development programmes to strengthen research and professional abilities.
- International research stays — Funded opportunities to work and collaborate at research institutions abroad during the PhD.
- Career development — Support in scientific writing, project management, and networking with industry professionals across an interdisciplinary network.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the official MUDS PhD application portal, where you provide your documents and indicate your research interests.
- Review the research areas — Explore the available research areas across data science, machine learning, high-performance computing, and domain applications in medicine, environment, and robotics.
- Check your eligibility — Confirm you hold a strong degree in computer science, data science, a relevant domain science, or an interdisciplinary field with a data science emphasis.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble your CV, academic transcripts, motivation letter, and references for the application.
- Submit the online application — Apply through the official MUDS portal before the deadline around 6 May 2026 (est.); early submission is recommended.
- Await the selection outcome — Applications are evaluated on academic record, research potential, and motivation, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for interview.
Eligibility
NationalityOpen to international students of all nationalities; there is no nationality restriction.
Academic backgroundA strong academic background in computer science, data science, or a closely related field.
Domain or interdisciplinary degreesA degree in a domain science (life sciences, medicine, health, earth observation, or robotics) or an interdisciplinary field (geoinformatics or bioinformatics) with a strong data science emphasis is also accepted.
MotivationA demonstrated passion for applying state-of-the-art data science techniques to real-world scientific challenges.
Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and motivation. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to improve their chances of selection.
Eligible countries
All countries (international students)
Deadlines
2026 PhD cohort~6 May 2026 (est.)
Selection
MUDS evaluates applicants on academic excellence, research potential, and motivation. Candidates with a strong background in computer science, data science, or a relevant domain science who can apply state-of-the-art techniques to real-world problems are favoured, and shortlisted applicants may be interviewed by potential supervisors at the partner institutions. Funded salary positions are offered to the strongest candidates, and early application is encouraged.
Verified sources
- Munich School for Data Science (MUDS)mu-ds.deofficial
- MUDS - PhD Applicationmu-ds.deofficial
About the provider
The Munich School for Data Science (MUDS) is a doctoral programme based in Munich, Germany, run jointly by Helmholtz Munich, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU). It trains PhD researchers at the interface of data science, computer science, and domain sciences such as life sciences, medicine, earth observation, and robotics.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the MUDS PhD scholarships?
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International students of all nationalities with a strong academic background in computer science, data science, a relevant domain science, or an interdisciplinary field with a data science emphasis.
What does the funding include?
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A fully funded doctoral salary contract worth roughly €40,000 to €55,000 gross per year (est.), including health insurance and social security benefits.
Is it a stipend or a salary?
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It is a salary contract rather than a stipend, which means it includes German health insurance and social security benefits.
Which institutions are involved?
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PhD candidates work with leading institutions including Helmholtz Munich, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU).
What research areas are available?
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Large-scale data management, machine learning and deep learning, high-performance computing, data mining and integration, uncertainty quantification, and multi-fidelity methods.
What real-world domains does the programme cover?
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Applications in life sciences, medical research, environmental monitoring, and robotics.
What training does the programme offer?
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Scientific workshops, summer schools, skill development programmes, funded international research stays, and career development support.
What documents do I need to apply?
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A CV, academic transcripts, a motivation letter, and letters of recommendation submitted through the official MUDS portal.
How are applicants selected?
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On the basis of academic excellence, research potential, and motivation, with shortlisted candidates potentially invited for interview.
When is the application deadline?
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The deadline falls around 6 May 2026 (est.); applying early is recommended, and exact dates should be confirmed officially.
How do I apply?
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Submit an online application through the official MUDS PhD application portal with your documents and research interests.
Where can I verify the latest details?
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On the official Munich School for Data Science (MUDS) pages linked in the sources section.