Top Countries and Universities for Physiology PhD, Master’s & Postdoc

Wrote by Applykite
4 September, 2025


Why Choose Physiology for Graduate Studies

Physiology is the scientific study of how living organisms function, from cellular mechanisms to whole-body systems. Whether your interest lies in neuroscience, cardiovascular research, or exercise physiology, pursuing advanced studies in this field opens doors to groundbreaking research opportunities and rewarding academic careers. For many international students, securing a fully funded program is crucial to focus entirely on research without financial stress.

Top Countries for Fully Funded Physiology Programs

Several countries are recognized for offering strong, fully funded opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral studies in physiology:

  • United Kingdom – Offers prestigious UKRI-funded PhDs and scholarships like Gates Cambridge.

  • United States / Canada – Many top universities provide research assistantships covering tuition and living expenses.

  • Germany – Public universities have no tuition fees, and DAAD scholarships provide additional funding.

  • Australia – Offers scholarships like the Research Training Program (RTP) for full funding.

  • France – Fully funded PhDs through institutions like CNRS and universities across the country.

  • Sweden – PhD candidates are employed as researchers with salaries and benefits.

  • Netherlands – Paid PhD positions available at leading research universities.

  • New Zealand – Universities provide scholarships covering tuition and living costs.

  • Belgium – Funding available through research grants and fellowships.

  • Italy – Universities offer fully funded PhD positions and international scholarships.

  • Switzerland – ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, and other institutions offer funded programs.

  • Spain – Government and university scholarships support full funding for international students.

  • Austria – Fully funded PhD programs and scholarships are available for qualified applicants.

Each country has unique advantages, research facilities, and funding mechanisms. Selecting the right destination depends on your research focus, language preferences, and long-term career goals.

Best Universities for a PhD in Physiology with Full Funding

Some universities worldwide are renowned for fully funded PhD programs in physiology:

CountryUniversity
United KingdomLoughborough University
United KingdomThe University of Manchester
United KingdomUniversity of Exeter
United KingdomThe Manchester Metropolitan University
United KingdomUniversity of Edinburgh

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CountryUniversity
United States / CanadaBaylor College of Medicine
United States / CanadaRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
United States / CanadaUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center
United States / CanadaTexas Tech University Health Science Center
United States / CanadaDuke University

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PhD Positions in Psychology in the United States

Master’s Positions in Psychology in the United States

Postdoc Positions in Psychology in the United States

PhD Positions in Psychology in Canada

Master’s Positions in Psychology in Canada

Postdoc Positions in Psychology in Canada


CountryUniversity
GermanyUniversity of Göttingen
GermanyGraduate School Life Science Munich
GermanyKiel University
GermanyLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)
GermanyUniversity Medical Center Gottingen

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PhD Positions in Psychology in Germany

Master’s Positions in Psychology in Germany

Postdoc Positions in Psychology in Germany


CountryUniversity
AustraliaUniversity of Queensland
AustraliaUniversity of Western Sydney
AustraliaMonash University
AustraliaUniversity of Sydney
AustraliaCharles Sturt University


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PhD Positions in Psychology in Australia

Master’s Positions in Psychology in Australia

Postdoc Positions in Psychology in Australia


CountryUniversity
FranceCNRS
FranceInserm
FranceAgroParisTech / INRAE, Agro Paris-Saclay Campus
FranceAPHP
FranceCenter for Molecular Biophysics


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PhD Positions in Psychology in France

Master’s Positions in Psychology in France

Postdoc Positions in Psychology in France


CountryUniversity
SwedenKarolinska Institutet
SwedenUmea University
SwedenLinköping University
SwedenSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences
SwedenUmeå University


See More:

PhD Positions in Psychology in Sweden

Master’s Positions in Psychology in Sweden

Postdoc Positions in Psychology in Sweden


CountryUniversity
NetherlandsRadboud University
NetherlandsEindhoven University of Technology
NetherlandsUniversity of Amsterdam
NetherlandsUniversity of Twente
NetherlandsWageningen University


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PhD Positions in Psychology in the Netherlands

Master’s Positions in Psychology in the Netherlands

Postdoc Positions in Psychology in the Netherlands


CountryUniversity
New ZealandUniversity of Auckland
New ZealandMassey University
New ZealandUniversity of Otago
New ZealandUniversity of Waikato
New ZealandAotearoa New Zealand University


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PhD Positions in Psychology in New Zealand

Master’s Positions in Psychology in New Zealand

Postdoc Positions in psychology in New Zealand


CountryUniversity
BelgiumKU Leuven
BelgiumGhent University
BelgiumUniversity of Antwerp
BelgiumUniversité libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
BelgiumHasselt University


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PhD Positions in Psychology in Belgium

Master’s Positions in Psychology in Belgium

Postdoc Positions in Psychology in Belgium


CountryUniversity
ItalyUniversity of Verona
ItalyItalian Institute of Technology
ItalyItalian Institute of Technology (IIT), University of Ferrara
ItalySapienza University of Rome
ItalySISSA

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PhD Positions in Psychology in Italy

Master’s Positions in Psychology in Italy

Postdoc Positions in Psychology in Italy


CountryUniversity
SwitzerlandETH Zürich
SwitzerlandUniversity of Zurich
SwitzerlandBalgrist University Hospital and University of Zurich
SwitzerlandNot mentioned
SwitzerlandSwiss Institute of Science and Technology (EPFL)

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PhD Positions in Psychology in Switzerland

Master’s Positions in Psychology in Switzerland

Postdoc Positions in psychology in Switzerland


CountryUniversity
SpainUniversitat de Barcelona
SpainUniversity of Valencia
SpainCIC bioGUNE
SpainCNIC (Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares)
SpainFundació Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron- Institut de recerca


See More:

PhD Positions in Psychology in Spain

Master’s Positions in Psychology in Spain

Postdoc Positions in Psychology in Spain

CountryUniversity
AustriaUniversity of Innsbruck
AustriaVeterinärmedizinische Universität Wien (University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna)
Austriamdw - University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna
AustriaMedical University of Innsbruck
AustriaMedical University of Vienna

See More:

PhD Positions in Psychology in Austria

Master’s Positions in Psychology in Austria

Postdoc Positions in Psychology in Austria

These universities are recognized globally for research quality, funding reliability, and mentorship.

How to Apply for Fully Funded Physiology Programs

Securing a fully funded spot requires strategic planning and careful application. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

  1. Research Programs Thoroughly – Check faculty interests, lab facilities, and funding details.

  2. Prepare Strong Academic Documents – Include your CV, research proposals, recommendation letters, and statement of purpose.

  3. Use ApplyKite – ApplyKite helps you find and apply to fully funded PhD, Master’s, and postdoc programs worldwide. It simplifies application management, tracks deadlines, and provides personalized guidance to improve your chances.

  4. Follow University Guidelines – Submit applications before deadlines and tailor each one to the program’s focus.

Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Admission

Getting accepted into top physiology programs is competitive, but these strategies can help:

  • Highlight your research experience and publications.

  • Tailor your statement of purpose to the program and lab.

  • Build a strong network by contacting potential supervisors.

  • Demonstrate passion and clarity of career goals.

  • Apply to multiple programs and funding options to improve your odds.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Country and University for You

Selecting the right country and university depends on your research interests, funding opportunities, and career aspirations. Fully funded programs remove financial barriers, allowing you to focus on developing expertise and contributing to groundbreaking research. By planning your applications carefully and leveraging tools like ApplyKite, you can maximize your chances of joining a prestigious program that aligns with your goals