Taught vs Research Master’s: Funding, PhD Entry & an 8-Question Checklist
ApplyKite Editorial 3 Nov 2026
Master’s Opportunities in Material Characterization in Germany
No perfect match, but here’s what’s close
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University of Cambridge
Top university
Just Landed
United Kingdom
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New Today
Top university
Just Landed
The University of Cambridge is offering a four-year 1+3 MRes/PhD studentship through the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Infrastructure and Built Environment: Unlocking Net Zero, in collaboration with Network Rail. The project investigates low-carbon cements and alternative cementitious binders for lower-strength and lower-risk applications across Great Britain's rail infrastructure. Potential applications include walkways and kerbs, blocks and pavers, drainage channels, cable troug...
Environmental Science
Materials Science
Civil Engineering
+2 more
New Today
Ecole Polytechnique
France
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3 days ago
Fully Funded Master's Internship in Low-Temperature Plasma Deposition of Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors
A fully funded Master's-level research internship is available at the Laboratoire de Physique des Interfaces et des Couches Minces (LPICM), École Polytechnique, in Palaiseau, France, starting in February 2027 with flexible dates. The project investigates the low-temperature plasma deposition of wide-bandgap semiconductors. The selected student will contribute to advanced materials characterization using THz spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and SEM/TEM, while helping dev...
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
Artificial Intelligence
+6 more
3 days ago
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
Austria
.
1 week ago
The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology in Vienna, Austria is offering a master’s thesis position in the Center for Energy, within the Competence Unit Power and Renewable Gas Systems . The project sits in the research field of Energy Conversion and Hydrogen Technologies and focuses on electrocatalytic CO2 reduction , specifically the development, synthesis, and characterization of Ni-alloy thin-film catalysts . The thesis topic is titled “Development of Ni-Alloy Electrocatalysts for Electrocata...
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Materials Science
+8 more
1 week ago
Parashu Kharel
South Dakota State University
United States
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5 months ago
South Dakota State University is advertising MS and PhD openings in Physics for Fall 2026 , with up to two PhD students to be recruited by Professor Parashu Kharel . The research area is experimental condensed matter physics , with a specific focus on the development and characterization of magnetic materials . This opportunity is a strong fit for students interested in physics, materials science, and experimental research on functional or magnetic materials. Supervisor / announcer: Parashu Khar...
Experimental Physics
Materials Science
Material Characterization
+2 more
5 months ago
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Popular positions
Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Germany
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6 days ago
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg is offering a three-year PhD student position in the Erlangen Center for Interface Research and Catalysis, within the group of Prof. Joerg Libuda. The project, based in Erlangen, Germany, investigates new concepts and materials for highly selective catalytic (de)functionalization reactions. The research will use in situ and operando approaches to study real and model catalysts, with particular emphasis on infrared spectroscopy techniques includin...
Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
+5 more
6 days ago
Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
Germany
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1 week ago
PhD position at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin, Germany, in the Department of Interface Science headed by Prof. Beatriz Roldan Cuenya . The project is titled Operando characterization of electrochemical carbon capture processes and is hosted in the Carbon capture group led by Dr. Valentin Briega Martos . This research focuses on electrochemical carbon capture , electrocatalysis , and operando characterization of CO2 reduction in capture liquids. The work uses in si...
Chemistry
Materials Science
Spectroscopy
+4 more
1 week ago
Universität Duisburg-Essen
Germany
.
4 days ago
The University of Duisburg-Essen in Duisburg, Germany, is recruiting two doctoral researchers/research associates for the project “Direct Bicarbonate-to-CO Electrolysis: Unlocking Green Syngas for a Resilient, Fossil-Free Chemical Industry (Bicarb2Syn)” . The positions are based in the Faculty of Engineering, Institute for Energy and Materials Processes, Particle Science and Technology. The research addresses sustainable energy conversion and carbon dioxide utilization. The Bicarb2Syn consortium...
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Chemical Engineering
+4 more
4 days ago
Living costs in Germany
Estimated costs in Germany.
MonthlyYearly | Germany |
|---|---|
 Housing Shared flats and off-campus rentals per year | €5.0k $5,400/yr |
 Utilities & Connectivity Electricity, water, internet, and mobile per year | €662 $720/yr |
 Personal Care Toiletries, haircuts, and personal items per year | €552 $600/yr |
 Clothing Basic clothing and seasonal needs per year | €828 $900/yr |
Estimates based on university averages and Numbeo
Popular professors
Chair of Composite Engineering (CCe) Rheinland‐Pfälzische Technische Universität (RPTU) Kaiserslaut
Germany
Research Interests
Materials Chemistry
Polymer Chemistry
Frictional Mechanics
Thermomechanical Processing
Material Engineering
Head of Department - Load Carrying Capacity of Involute Gears
Technical University of Munich
Germany
Research Interests
Solid Mechanics
Automotive Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Wear Resistance
Applied Mechanics
Head of Group
Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology
Germany
Research Interests
Materials Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Photoelectron Spectroscopy
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Silicon Photonics
Has grant
Professors you could contact
Professor
RWTH Aachen University
Germany
Research Interests
Materials Chemistry
Condensed Matter Physics
Solid State Physics
Grain Boundary
High-temperature Alloys
Visiting professor
University of Bayreuth
Germany
Research Interests
Drilling Engineering
Petrophysics
Ultrasonic
Polish Language
C
Prof.
Leipzig University
Germany
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
Physical Chemistry
Porous Media
Gas Adsorption
Phase Diagram
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Fully Funded
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)GermanyAnnual
GermanyAnnualThe DAAD Leadership for Africa Programme supports qualified refugees and graduates from selected African countries to pursue postgraduate study in Germany with a strong focus on academic training and leadership development.
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Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarships
Partially Funded
Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (Rosa Luxemburg Foundation)GermanyAnnual
GermanyAnnualThe Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarships support highly qualified students and doctoral candidates studying in Germany, with a strong emphasis on social commitment and the Foundation's values.
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PhD
Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarships
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Konrad-Adenauer-StiftungGermanyAnnual
GermanyAnnualKonrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarships support academically strong international students and doctoral candidates who want to study or conduct research in Germany and show social or political commitment.
Master
PhD
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Quick
Questions
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying for a PhD position?
In many European and Asian universities yes; in some US programs applications are centralized but supervisor contact still helps.
Is GRE required for master’s or PhD applications abroad?
It depends on the country and university — many programs have made GRE optional, especially outside the US.
Do funded PhD positions usually cover tuition and living expenses?
Yes. Most funded PhD roles include tuition coverage plus a monthly stipend, but details vary by country and lab.
Are publications required to apply for PhD or postdoc positions?
Not always required for PhD, but strongly recommended. For postdoc roles, publications are usually expected.
Will I need to pay a tuition deposit for master’s admission?
In many countries yes — especially for taught master’s programs — but funded PhD positions typically do not require deposits.