- 10 PhD positionsNumber of Awards
- 4 yearsDuration
- TV-L pay grade 13 (65%)Remuneration
- Start date: 1 April 2027Program Start
- Deadline: 19 October 2026Application Deadline
- Founded ~2026Program Establishment
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
All countries
Country
University of Bonn
Provider
The University of Bonn Urban Future PhD Positions offer 10 fully funded doctoral opportunities in Germany through the DFG Research Training Group (RTG) “Urban Future – managing transformations for a better health in blue cities.” This interdisciplinary program, commencing on 1 April 2027, investigates how cities along rivers and coastlines can manage urban transformation to improve public health, social equity, and ecological sustainability. Successful candidates receive a four-year doctoral support contract with remuneration based on TV-L pay grade 13 at 65% of the German public salary scale. The program focuses on the 'Blue City' concept, integrating water environments into urban planning and examining the relationship between urban transformation, water-related challenges, and public health. While partnering with institutions in Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, Brazil, and Japan, applicants are encouraged to propose research sites in other 'Blue Cities' globally, especially those in the Global South. Doctoral researchers will develop projects within one of four research themes: Urban Health Resilience, Urban Disease Ecology, Governance and Institutional Change, and Adaptive Urban Ecosystems. The application deadline for the 2026/2027 cycle is 19 October 2026. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Doctoral Support Contract — Remuneration based on TV-L pay grade 13 at 65% under the German public salary scale, covering living expenses and tuition.
- Fieldwork Funding — Comprehensive funding for fieldwork expenses, including travel and location-specific research, estimated at ~EUR 5,000 per year (est.).
- Travel Expenses — Support for travel related to research activities, conferences, and international collaborations.
- Research Expenses — Coverage for various research-related costs.
- Training and Development — Access to a structured training program, interdisciplinary seminars, career development support, and soft-skills courses.
How to apply
The application process for the Urban Future PhD Positions is conducted online through the University of Bonn's application portal and involves several stages, including detailed documentation and an interview for shortlisted candidates.
- Review Official Call — Carefully review the official scholarship call and detailed research themes on the University of Bonn's application portal to understand the program's requirements and focus areas.
- Prepare Application Documents — Compile all necessary application materials, ensuring they meet the specified length and content guidelines, especially for the motivation letter, research exposé, and interdisciplinary research statement.
- Indicate Research Theme — Clearly specify the particular research theme (Urban Health Resilience, Urban Disease Ecology, Governance and Institutional Change, or Adaptive Urban Ecosystems) you are applying for within your application.
- Submit Online Application — Complete and submit your application through the University of Bonn's online application portal by the specified deadline of 19 October 2026.
Eligibility
Academic QualificationMaster’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline (e.g., Agricultural and Food Systems, Climate and Earth Sciences, Development Studies, Ecology and Life Sciences, Economics and Management, Mathematics and Physics, Computer Science, Environmental and Health Sciences, Geography, Infectious Diseases, Hygiene and Infection Control, Medical Microbiology, Public Health, Urban and Regional Studies, Social Sciences).
Research InterestStrong interdisciplinary mindset and a clear interest in urban transformation, the water-health nexus, or urban health.
English Language ProficiencyExcellent written and spoken English skills, demonstrated by a CEFR B2 level certification (e.g., TOEFL) or equivalent.
Research Proposal AlignmentAbility to develop a doctoral project within one of the four specified research themes: Urban Health Resilience, Urban Disease Ecology, Governance and Institutional Change, or Adaptive Urban Ecosystems.
The program emphasizes research contexts in the Global South and encourages applicants to propose research sites in 'Blue Cities' worldwide.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Main Intake 20272026-10-19
Selection
The selection process for the Urban Future PhD Positions is a two-stage procedure. Initially, the RTG Selection Committee will assess all submitted applications based on academic qualifications, research proposals, and alignment with the program's themes. Shortlisted candidates from this initial review will then be invited to participate in a virtual interview. Final decisions are made based on a comprehensive evaluation of application materials and interview performance.
Verified sources
- University of Bonn Urban Future PhD Positions 2027globalsouthopportunities.comofficial
About the provider
The University of Bonn, established in 1818, is one of Germany's leading research universities, renowned for its interdisciplinary approach. It partners with institutions like Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences and the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) to foster cutting-edge research and education.
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.
What is the University of Bonn Urban Future PhD Positions scholarship?
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It is a fully funded doctoral program at the University of Bonn and Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, offering 10 PhD positions to research urban transformation in relation to public health, social equity, and ecological sustainability in 'Blue Cities'.
What does this scholarship cover?
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The scholarship covers a four-year doctoral support contract with remuneration based on TV-L pay grade 13 at 65% of the German public salary scale, along with funding for fieldwork, travel, and research expenses.
What is the value of the award?
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Recipients receive a doctoral support contract with remuneration based on TV-L pay grade 13 at 65%, which is a standard public salary scale in Germany, plus full funding for research-related costs like fieldwork and travel, estimated at ~EUR 5,000 per year (est.).
Who is eligible to apply for these PhD positions?
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Applicants must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline, demonstrate an interdisciplinary mindset with interest in urban transformation or health, and possess excellent English language skills at CEFR B2 level.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
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Applications are welcome from candidates of all countries. The program specifically encourages research focusing on 'Blue Cities' in the Global South, although proposals for other locations are also accepted.
What degree levels are supported by this scholarship?
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These positions are specifically for doctoral (PhD) level research. Applicants must have completed a Master's degree or equivalent to be considered.
What is the application deadline for the next cycle?
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The application deadline for the 2027 intake is 19 October 2026.
How do I apply for the University of Bonn Urban Future PhD Positions?
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Applications must be submitted online through the University of Bonn's application portal. Prospective candidates should review the official call, prepare all required documents, and clearly indicate their chosen research theme.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents include a CV, higher education degree certificates, academic transcripts, grading system explanation, a motivation letter, a research exposé, an interdisciplinary research statement, one letter of recommendation, and English language proficiency certification.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
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Selection involves a two-stage process: an initial assessment by the RTG Selection Committee of all applications, followed by virtual interviews for shortlisted candidates. Final decisions are based on a comprehensive evaluation.
What is the duration of the PhD program and is it renewable?
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The doctoral support contract is for a duration of four years and is not typically renewable beyond this period. The program is structured to support completion within this timeframe.
Where can I confirm the current cycle details and official information?
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Please confirm all current cycle details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions on the official University of Bonn application portal for the DFG Research Training Group 'Urban Future'.