Join A Fully Funded PhD Program In Sustainable Agriculture In Germany Starting 2026
In 2026, international candidates can join a fully‑funded PhD in sustainable agriculture in Germany through programs like the DAAD‑supported IPPAE (Agricultural Economics, Bioeconomy & Sustainable Food Systems), offered jointly by Justus Liebig University Giessen and the University of Hohenheim. Typically beginning in October, the fully-funded scholarship covers a monthly stipend (~€1,200), yearly research grants, flight allowances, fieldwork and publication expenses, plus German language course support—all over a 42‑month period.
. Eligibility requires an MSc in a relevant field, two years of professional experience, and demonstrable English proficiency. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research on sustainable food systems, agricultural economics, and resource management, and is open to applicants from developing countries committed to development-focused research.
What’s This Opportunity About?
This PhD studentship, which will commence on October 1, 2025, is a component of the EU-funded NitroScope project, which aims to enhance our comprehension of nitrogen fluxes in Europe’s soils and to create more intelligent nitrogen management systems. You will employ state-of-the-art modeling tools to evaluate nitrogen emissions and nitrate leaching, thereby contributing to the improvement of sustainable farming and the reduction of pollution.
Benefits & Funding:
The selected PhD student will receive a stipend funded under Germany’s public sector wage agreement (TV-L scale 13), covering 65% of a full-time position. Academic supervision for the doctoral degree will be provided through Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Herman Jungkunst.
This opportunity also offers valuable international exposure, allowing collaboration with top research institutions such as Ghent University in Belgium, Agroscope in Switzerland, and several others across Europe. The position promotes a healthy work-life balance, offering a family-friendly work environment, flexible working hours, and the option to work remotely for up to 50% of the time.
Located in Großbeeren near Berlin and Potsdam, the institute provides modern research facilities and public transport subsidies, including support for the Germany ticket.
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Who Can Apply?
You are encouraged to apply if you have:
- A Master’s degree in a related discipline, such as environmental sciences, ecology, geography, or agricultural sciences.
- A comprehensive comprehension of the nitrogen cycles in soil systems and agriculture.
- Experience with or a propensity to acquire knowledge of modeling tools such as CANDY, DayCent, or Daisy.
- Strong English communication and scientific writing abilities.
- Motivation for dedicating time to collaborate with partner institutions throughout Europe.
What Will You Do?
As a PhD student, you’ll:
- Utilize geospatial tools and simulation software to simulate nitrogen processes.
- Assist in the estimation of soil nitrogen mineralization and nitrogen losses.
- Encourage the monitoring of greenhouse gases and enhance the precision of the nitrogen budget in Europe.
- Disseminate your discoveries by means of international conferences and publications.
The last date to apply for the PhD studentship in the field of Geodata, Nitrogen, and Soil Parameter Modelling at the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) is August 7, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which fully funded PhD programs are available in sustainable agriculture?
The DAAD‑funded IPPAE PhD Program at Justus Liebig University Giessen (in partnership with University of Hohenheim) focuses on agricultural economics, bioeconomy and sustainable food systems. Duration: 42 months, starting October 2026
The University of Hohenheim also offers a 4‑year funded PhD in Ecosystem Ecology for Sustainable Agriculture under the BRIGHT‑Futures project (target start: June 2025, possibly similar 2026 intake).
Additional DAAD EPOS doctoral scholarships at institutions like ZEF‑Bonn, TU Dresden, University of Bonn, Hohenheim, and others offer PhD funding in development‑related agriculture and food system topics.Who is eligible to apply?
Must be from a developing or emerging economy (DAC list).
Hold a Master’s in agriculture, agricultural economics, bioeconomy, or related area, with grade A or B and completed no more than 6 years before application.At least two years of relevant work experience.
English proficiency: TOEFL 90 iBT / IELTS 6.5 or campus-delivered English master’s degree from eligible countries
Must not have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at application deadline.What is the application timeline and process?
IPPAE program at Giessen/Hohenheim:
Application opens: April 30, 2025
Deadline: August 31, 2025
Results typically by early 2026; program starts October 2026
DAAD EPOS doctoral scholarships (e.g. at ZEF Bonn, Dresden, Hohenheim):
Most deadlines: between August–October 2025
Final results around March–May 2026.
