Chase Your Dream: Fully Funded PhDs at Leibniz University Hannover (2025)
So, you’re on the hunt for a PhD opportunity that won’t drain your savings—and maybe even ignites your dreams. Enter Leibniz University Hannover (LUH), one of Germany’s prestigious TU9 institutions. With its thriving research culture and a Graduate Academy dedicated to supporting doctoral candidates, LUH offers numerous fully funded opportunities that can make your academic dreams a reality.
Why Leibniz University Hannover Stands Out
LUH isn’t just another German university—it’s a launchpad for global research leaders. As part of the TU9 network, it brings together engineering, science, and humanities under one roof, fostering collaborations and innovative breakthroughs. The Graduate Academy is like a personal cheerleader, helping doctoral students secure funding, network, and succeed at every stage.
Your Passport to Funding: LUH’s PhD Grants & Scholarships
LUH offers a wide range of funding options through its “Routes into Research” program:
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Exposé Scholarship – Money to polish your research proposal (up to 6 months, deadlines: March 31 & September 30)
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Research Stay Abroad Grants – Fund your short research trip abroad (1–6 months, with travel and living support)
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Completion Grants – Financial lifeline to wrap up your dissertation during tough times
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Lindemann Scholarship – €600/month for 24 months, focused on students in natural or technical sciences (apply by July 15, 2025)
Go Further with DAAD & Cotutelle Opportunities
Beyond LUH’s internal grants, many students tap into prestigious external funds:
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DAAD PhD Grants – For medium (2–12 months) or full doctorate funding (up to 4 years), depending on your project’s scope
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Cotutelle (Joint Doctorate Programs) – Pursue a dual-degree path with international partners and unlock more funding and research mobility options.
What’s It Like Living Here (and Getting Paid)?
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Employment-based positions (TV-L E13, 50–75%) mean a monthly net income of €1,500–2,100—not bad for a PhD student
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DAAD scholarships typically offer around €1,200/month, sufficient in most small cities—but less secure than university contracts
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Expect monthly living costs between €850–1,000 (rent, food, insurance), with student budgets staying realistic
Voices from the Field
“A full institutional position truly beats a scholarship—for pensions, health benefits, and long-term stability.”
— A firsthand account from a Germany-based PhD student
“Start early on DAAD applications—apply from home country if you can. It makes everything easier.”
— Someone who learned through trial and error
Your Roadmap to a Strong Application
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Find a Supervisor You Click With – Reach out early. Your proposal needs a champion to help navigate funding paths.
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Apply for an Exposé Grant – Use it to refine your disseration proposal (crucial for a strong application).
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Pick the Best Funding Package – Decide between internal LUH funding, DAAD grants, or cotutelle programs.
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Explore Mobility & Completion Options – Short trips or final finishing touches? There’s funding for that too.
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Enrol Smoothly – LUH’s Welcome Centre guides international candidates through administration, health insurance, and visas.
FAQs—Short & Sweet
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is German required? | Not always—many programs are in English—but knowing German helps integration. |
| Any tuition fees? | Nope—only a semester fee (~€300), no tuition for PhD students. Leibniz Universität Hannover |
| Are there meeting or publication allowances? | Yes—LUH offers travel / conference grants and larger workshop funding up to €4,000. |
Final Pitch: Your Future Starts Here
If you’re passionate—driven, and ready to put in the work—then a fully funded PhD at Leibniz University Hannover is well within reach. The combination of internal scholarships, external grants, employment contracts, and global collaborations means you’re looked after—academically and financially.
Imagine presenting your findings in an international forum one year, exploring research at a partner university the next, and then launching a launching a career that merges innovation and impact. This isn’t just a degree—it’s a launchpad.
