Taught vs Research Master’s: Funding, PhD Entry & an 8-Question Checklist
ApplyKite Editorial 3 Nov 2026
Master’s Opportunities in Soft Matter Physics in Germany
No perfect match, but here’s what’s close
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RIKEN
Japan
.
4 days ago
RIKEN’s Research Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research is recruiting one Researcher, Special Researcher/Postdoctoral Fellow, or Research Associate for the Physical Biology Research Team in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan. The fixed-term position is available from April 1, 2027 or by consultation and will study fundamental principles governing cells and multicellular populations. The team combines mathematical science and life science to investigate order formation in living systems, including cellular pola...
Cell Biology
Biophysics
Biology
+6 more
4 days ago
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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
Full Professor
Technische Universität Berlin
Germany
Research Interests
Fluid Mechanics
Biochemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Microreactor Technology
Capillary Physics
Institute of Mathematics University of Augsburg Augsburg Germany
Germany
Research Interests
Solid Mechanics
Fluid Mechanics
Continuum Mechanics
Homogenization
Micromechanics
Leipzig University
Germany
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Polymer Chemistry
Cell Mechanics
Self-assembly
Soft Matter Physics
Professors you could contact
RWTH Aachen University
Germany
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Polymer Chemistry
Soft Matter Physics
Sol-gel Chemistry
Colloid Science
RWTH Aachen University
Germany
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Polymer Chemistry
Rheology
Soft Matter Physics
Solution Chemistry
Junior Professor
RWTH Aachen University
Germany
Research Interests
Polymer Physics
Polymer Chemistry
Hydrogel
Soft Matter Physics
Microencapsulation
Scholarships relevant to you
DAAD Leadership for Africa Programme
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.
Master
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.
Master
PhD
Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarships
Partially Funded
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.