Are you passionate about tackling global water challenges with advanced research and technology? The International Doctoral Programme ‘Environment Water’ (ENWAT) at the University of Stuttgart, Germany, is inviting applications from highly qualified international students for 6 fully funded PhD scholarships.
These scholarships are funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and focus on innovative, interdisciplinary research in water resources engineering and environmental sciences.
Key Details – ENWAT PhD Program 2026
- Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
- Program Start Date: October 1, 2026
- Location: University of Stuttgart, Germany
- Degree Awarded: Dr.-Ing. (Doctorate in Engineering)
- Funding: Full DAAD scholarship for non-German applicants
Why Choose the ENWAT Doctoral Program?
The ENWAT PhD Program is a prestigious 3-year structured doctoral program in Civil and Environmental Engineering Sciences designed for global talent. It combines cutting-edge research, sustainability, and international collaboration.
Benefits of the Program:
- 100% funding through DAAD scholarships for eligible international students
- Research under world-class professors on globally relevant water resource issues
- Multidisciplinary and international research environment
- Official doctorate title (Dr.-Ing.) from one of Germany’s top universities
- Tailored mentorship and career development opportunities
Available PhD Research Topics (2026 Cohort)
Applicants can choose one or more of the following high-impact research projects:
- Real-time COD Monitoring for Sustainable Water Management
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Patrick Bräutigam - Interactions of Microplastics and Micropollutants in Water and Soil
Advisors: Prof. Bräutigam, Dr. Haslauer, Dr. Junginger, Dr. Deggelmann - HydroFusion: Coupling Shallow-Water and Porous-Media Flow Models
Advisors: Prof. Flemisch, Prof. Class, Dr. Schwindt - End-to-End Hydrological Modelling Using Machine Learning
Advisor: Prof. Wolfgang Nowak - Surfactant Impacts on Microbial Glyphosate Degraders in Freshwater Sediments
Advisor: Prof. Sarah Kleindienst - Seasonal Variation of Greenhouse Gas Production in Wastewater Treatment
Advisor: Prof. Sarah Kleindienst
These projects integrate experimental science, machine learning, and sustainability research to address urgent environmental engineering challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the ENWAT PhD Scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold an MSc, Dipl.-Ing., or equivalent degree (minimum 4-year program)
- Have completed their last degree within the past 6 years
- Be non-German international applicants
- Not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of DAAD nomination (December 2025)
- Demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
- Show strong academic performance and motivation for interdisciplinary research
Required Application Documents
All documents must be in English or German (with certified translations if applicable):
- CV with academic history, publications, and awards
- BSc and MSc certificates & transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Two recent academic reference letters (on the official form)
- Motivation letter (1 page)
- Applicant summary (1 page)
How to Apply
- Complete the online application and upload all required documents.
- Provide your referees with the official evaluation form and cover letter.
- Selected candidates will be invited to online interviews (e.g., via Skype).
- Finalists must complete a DAAD application after ENWAT nomination.
Application Links by Project:
- Interactions of Microplastics and Micropollutants in Water and Agricultural Soils
- Real-time COD Monitoring for Sustainable Water Management
- Seasonal Variation of Greenhouse Gas Production in Wastewater Treatment
- Surfactant Impacts on Microbial Glyphosate Degraders in Freshwater Sediments
- HydroFusion: Coupling Shallow-Water and Porous-Media Flow Models
- End-to-End Hydrological Modelling Using Machine Learning
Contact:
Dr.-Ing. Gabriele M. Hartmann
📧 gabriele.hartmann@f02.uni-stuttgart.de
📞 +49 711 685 66585
Special Notes for Applicants from Sanctioned Countries
Due to software restrictions, applicants from Syria, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Crimea, Donetsk, or Luhansk may not have access to the online portal. In such cases, send your application directly via email with:
- Country name and project title in the subject line
- All documents compiled in one PDF file
Why Study Water Resources in Germany?
Germany is a global leader in engineering, sustainability, and environmental sciences. Studying at the University of Stuttgart means joining a vibrant international research community while living in one of Europe’s most innovative and sustainable cities.