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.

This opportunity is ideal for graduates passionate about sustainable agriculture, climate change, food innovation, and environmental science, with the added advantage of substantial research funding and global mobility support.

About the PhD Programme in Agrifood and Environmental Sciences

This prestigious doctoral programme aims to train future researchers and innovators who can address complex challenges in the agricultural, food, and environmental sectors. Through multidisciplinary research and access to cutting-edge technologies, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in areas such as:

• Smart agriculture and food production
• Environmental modeling and climate resilience
• AI and machine learning in natural systems
• Sustainable land use and urban planning

The programme is designed to meet the growing global demand for scientists who can translate advanced scientific knowledge into practical solutions for commercial agrifood enterprises and policy-making bodies.

Key Benefits of This Funded PhD Opportunity

• Total Positions: 20 PhD seats available
• Scholarships: 18 positions with full funding
• Global Exposure: Up to 50% increase in grant for international research (12–18 months abroad)
• Research Grant: €4,887+ allocated to each PhD student for project expenses
• Research Fields: 12+ specialized topics in agrifood systems, climate science, entomology, artificial intelligence, and environmental management
• Application Deadline: June 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM CET

Who Is Eligible?

Candidates from any nationality with a relevant Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification) are encouraged to apply. Final-year Master’s students expecting to graduate by October 31, 2025 are also eligible.

Featured Research Topics for 2025

Applicants can choose from a wide range of research areas, including:

• Sustainable agriculture using Black Soldier Fly (BSF)
• Advanced wine analysis and sensory evolution
• Smart irrigation through Physics-Informed Machine Learning
• Urban forestry and climate-resilient landscape planning
• Modeling temperature extremes in a warming planet
• AI-driven environmental simulations
• Financial and risk modeling for climate adaptation in agriculture

Note: Candidates must select specific scholarship topics and submit tailored research proposals during the application process.

Selection Criteria and Evaluation

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Academic Background: Max 40 points
• Oral Interview (in English): Max 60 points
• Qualification Threshold: Minimum of 60/100 required to be considered

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

1. Apply Online via the official Doctoral Application Portal at UniTrento
2. Application Fee: €30 (payable via PagoPA system)
3. Required Documents:
   • Passport or national ID
   • Academic transcripts
   • Curriculum Vitae (Europass format recommended)
   • Summary of Master’s thesis
   • Statement of Purpose
   • Detailed research proposal(s)

Why Choose the University of Trento for Your PhD?

• Top-ranked university in Italy with global academic partnerships
• Collaborations with FEM, FBK, Laimburg Research Centre, and private industry leaders
• Campus located in Trentino, a picturesque region surrounded by the Italian Alps and vineyards
• Strong career prospects in academia, research institutions, NGOs, and agri-tech industries

Application Summary

Criteria	Details
Application Deadline	June 12, 2025 (4:00 PM CET)
Eligibility	Master’s degree or equivalent
Language Requirement	English proficiency required
Number of Positions	20 (18 fully funded scholarships)
International Research Stay	Up to 12–18 months
Research Funding	€4,887+ per student

Final Thoughts

If you’re driven by goals like food security, climate adaptation, or AI for sustainable development, this fully funded PhD in Italy is a remarkable opportunity to advance your research career in one of Europe’s top universities. With strong institutional support, an international environment, and hands-on fieldwork, the University of Trento PhD programme in Agrifood and Environmental Sciences offers a gateway to impactful global careers.

Apply before June 12, 2025, and join a diverse academic community committed to solving real-world environmental and agricultural challenges.

Useful Links & Contact

• University of Trento – PhD Portal
• For questions, contact the doctoral office via the official website