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:

1. Real-time COD Monitoring for Sustainable Water Management
   Advisor: Prof. Dr. Patrick Bräutigam
2. Interactions of Microplastics and Micropollutants in Water and Soil
   Advisors: Prof. Bräutigam, Dr. Haslauer, Dr. Junginger, Dr. Deggelmann
3. HydroFusion: Coupling Shallow-Water and Porous-Media Flow Models
   Advisors: Prof. Flemisch, Prof. Class, Dr. Schwindt
4. End-to-End Hydrological Modelling Using Machine Learning
   Advisor: Prof. Wolfgang Nowak
5. Surfactant Impacts on Microbial Glyphosate Degraders in Freshwater Sediments
   Advisor: Prof. Sarah Kleindienst
6. 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

1. Complete the online application and upload all required documents.
2. Provide your referees with the official evaluation form and cover letter.
3. Selected candidates will be invited to online interviews (e.g., via Skype).
4. 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.

Location:

Position Type:

Start Date:

Are you passionate about remote sensing, snow and ice dynamics, and Earth observation technologies? ETH Zurich is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity in the field of cryosphere research using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). This prestigious doctoral position is hosted by the Institute of Environmental Engineering (IFU) at one of the world’s top technical universities.

About the Project: Remote Sensing of Snow & Ice with SAR

This PhD project focuses on using multi-modal high-frequency SAR data to analyze and monitor snow and glacier behavior in the cryosphere. The research is structured around two primary themes:

1⃣ Glacier Elevation Change & Mass Balance Estimation

• Generate time series of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) using SAR interferometry
• Quantify large-scale glacier and ice sheet volume changes
• Estimate glacier mass balance using spatial-temporal datasets
• Apply validated methods to new geographic locations and time frames

2⃣ Glacier Crevasse Detection & Ice Dynamics

• Develop cutting-edge techniques for crevasse identification using high-resolution SAR
• Explore SAR modes including polarimetry, interferometry, and tomography
• Integrate airborne and satellite SAR data for advanced cryosphere research

This interdisciplinary project includes access to:

• International snow and glacier test sites
• Ground validation datasets
• Collaborations with global experts in remote sensing and climate science

Eligibility & Candidate Requirements

ETH Zurich is looking for an enthusiastic and skilled researcher with the following qualifications:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Geomatics, Geophysics, Computational Science, Physics, or a related technical field
• Strong programming skills in Python, C/C++, or similar languages
• Experience in remote sensing, SAR, large-scale data processing, or snow/ice modeling is advantageous
• Excellent English communication skills (both written and spoken)
• Possession of a valid European Category B driving license

Why Join ETH Zurich?

ETH Zurich offers a vibrant and inclusive research environment with:

• Access to world-class facilities and expert mentorship
• A collaborative, international team culture
• Equal opportunity policies promoting diversity and innovation
• Strong support for doctoral researchers in academic and career development

How to Apply

To apply for this exciting PhD opportunity in remote sensing at ETH Zurich, submit your complete application online via the official ETH Zurich career portal. Email applications will not be accepted.

Your application should include:

• A cover letter detailing your motivation and relevant experience
• Your updated CV
• Copies of academic transcripts (including ongoing coursework)
• A PDF version of your Master’s thesis
• Contact details of two academic references

Apply Online Now

For further inquiries (not applications), you may contact Prof. Irena Hajnsek at:
ihajnsek@ethz.ch

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is globally recognized as a leader in science, engineering, and innovation. With over 30,000 students and staff from more than 120 countries, ETH Zurich is dedicated to solving real-world challenges through cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration. From its base in Zurich, Switzerland, the university contributes to sustainable global development with local impact.