Taught vs Research Master’s: Funding, PhD Entry & an 8-Question Checklist
ApplyKite Editorial 3 Nov 2026
PhD Opportunities in Condensed Matter Physics in Germany
Phd Positions in condensed matter physics in germany
9 positions foundnewest posted
Universities with open PhD positions in condensed matter physics in Germany include University of Cologne, University of Bonn and Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids.
University of Cologne
Just Landed
Germany
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Posted Yesterday
Just Landed
The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy offers a PhD programme in Physics at the University of Cologne, in cooperation with the University of Bonn. This is a research-oriented doctoral programme in which candidates complete approximately three years of thesis work leading to a doctoral degree in physics. The programme’s scientific focus spans astrophysics, condensed matter physics and solid state theory, statistical and biological physics, mathematical physics, quantum informat...
Biophysics
Nuclear Physics
Astrophysics
+5 more
Posted Yesterday
University of Bonn
Just Landed
Germany
.
Posted Yesterday
Just Landed
The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) at the University of Bonn , in cooperation with the University of Cologne , offers a PhD in Physics within a structured, research-oriented doctoral programme. This programme is centred on three years of thesis research leading to a doctoral degree in physics. The school’s scientific interests span applied and quantum optics , nuclear and particle physics , condensed matter physics , statistical physics , astroparticle physics , and...
Experimental Physics
Mathematics
Nuclear Physics
+8 more
Posted Yesterday
Erwann Bocquillon
Just Landed
University of Cologne
Germany
.
Posted Yesterday
Just Landed
PhD Student Position in Quantum Hall Calorimetry of Quantum Materials at the University of Cologne The University of Cologne is advertising a PhD student position in the Bocquillon Working Group at the Institute of Physics II, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The project is part of an experimental condensed-matter physics programme focused on quantum transport in quantum materials and the development of a new ultra-sensitive quantum calorimeter. The successful candidate will work on ...
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
Nanotechnology
+6 more
Posted Yesterday
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids
Just Landed
Germany
.
Posted Yesterday
Just Landed
The International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials (IMPRS-CPQM) is offering multiple PhD positions in quantum materials research for 2027. This is a joint doctoral program involving the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, and the University of St Andrews. The program brings together research in solid-state chemistry and condensed matter physics within a highly collaborative, international environ...
Chemistry
Experimental Physics
Materials Science
+8 more
Posted Yesterday
International Max Planck Research School for Quantum Science and Technology
Germany
.
3 weeks ago
PhD positions are available in quantum materials research through the International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials (IMPRS-CPQM) , a joint PhD program involving the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden , and the University of St Andrews . The program covers a broad range of topics in solid-state chemistry , condensed matter physics , and materials science , with both experimental and theoretical p...
Chemistry
Experimental Physics
Materials Science
+5 more
3 weeks ago
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids
Germany
.
1 month ago
PhD positions (m/f/d) are available in Physics and Chemistry of Quantum Materials through the International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials (IMPRS-CPQM) . This is a joint PhD program involving the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden , and the University of St Andrews . The program offers research opportunities in broadly defined quantum materials , with both experimental and theoretical projects ...
Chemistry
Experimental Physics
Materials Science
+5 more
1 month ago
International Max Planck Research School for Quantum Science and Technology
Germany
.
1 month ago
PhD positions are available in Quantum Materials research through the International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials (IMPRS-CPQM) , a joint PhD program involving the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden , and the University of St Andrews . The program covers a broad range of research in solid-state chemistry , condensed matter physics , and quantum materials , with both experimental and theoretical...
Chemistry
Experimental Physics
Materials Science
+5 more
1 month ago
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids
Germany
.
1 month ago
PhD positions are available in the International Max Planck Research School for Chemistry and Physics of Quantum Materials (IMPRS-CPQM), a joint doctoral program involving the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, and the University of St Andrews. The program focuses on quantum materials , with research spanning solid-state chemistry , condensed matter physics , and related materials science topics. Both experimental and theoretical proje...
Chemistry
Materials Science
Particle Physics
+5 more
1 month ago
Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics
Germany
.
1 month ago
Fully funded PhD positions (doctoral researcher) at Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials
The Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials (MPGC-QM) is inviting applications for multiple fully funded PhD positions in the fast-moving field of quantum materials. This is a structured, English-speaking doctoral program bringing together leading research groups from several Max Planck Institutes in Germany, with a limited number of joint PhD projects in collaboration with Oxford University. Successful candidates will join an interdisciplinary research environment with access to world-...
Computer Science
Chemistry
Materials Science
+14 more
1 month ago
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Popular positions
Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science
Germany
.
2 weeks ago
International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) are advertising fully funded PhD programs across Germany through the Max Planck Society. The programs are highly interdisciplinary and span research areas such as computational methods , artificial intelligence , biological intelligence , bioinformatics , machine learning , and quantum dynamics . Funding is described as a Max Planck PhD contract , indicating a funded doctoral position rather than a self-funded study opportunity. The post advises ...
Computer Science
Biology
Artificial Intelligence
+6 more
2 weeks ago
Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics
Germany
.
1 month ago
The International Max Planck Research School for Science and Technology of Nano-Systems (IMPRS-STNS) is inviting outstanding Master’s graduates to apply for fully funded PhD positions in nanoscience. The positions are based at the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, two institutions located on one campus in Halle (Saale), Germany. The school focuses on atomically engineered materials and next-generation nano-systems, combining world-l...
Chemistry
Materials Science
Polymer Chemistry
+8 more
1 month ago
Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics
Germany
.
1 month ago
Fully funded PhD positions are available in nanoscience at the International Max Planck Research School for Science and Technology of Nano-Systems (IMPRS-STNS), hosted by the Max Planck Institute of Microstructure Physics and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg on one campus in Halle (Saale), Germany. The programme focuses on physics, materials science, and chemistry, with research topics including spintronics and spin-orbit physics, superconductivity and quantum materials, atomically ...
Computer Science
Chemistry
Electrical Engineering
+7 more
1 month 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
Professor for Theoretical Physics
University of Paderborn
Germany
Research Interests
Quantum Physics
Condensed Matter Physics
Optical Physics
Quantum Electronics
Semiconductor Physics
Professor of Physics
University of Stuttgart
Germany
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
Quantum Physics
Superconductivity
Topological Insulator
Solid State Physics
Director/Professor
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Germany
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
Materials Chemistry
Solid State Physics
Electron-phonon Interaction
Superconductivity
Professors you could contact
Institute Director & Professor at RWTH-Aachen University
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Germany
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
Materials Chemistry
Solid State Physics
Ferromagnetism
Electron-phonon Interaction
Professor
Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz
Germany
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
Materials Chemistry
Quantum Magnetism
Ferromagnetism
Solid State Physics
Professor of Physics
University of Stuttgart
Germany
Research Interests
Condensed Matter Physics
Quantum Physics
Superconductivity
Topological Insulator
Solid State Physics
Scholarships relevant to you
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
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships
Partially Funded
Friedrich Ebert FoundationGermanyAnnual
GermanyAnnualThe Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships support high-achieving and socially engaged students in Germany, including international applicants, at undergraduate, master's and doctoral level.
Bachelor
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.