HEiKA Graduate School on Functional Materials

Doctoral graduate school in functional materials jointly hosted by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Heidelberg University within the 3D Matter Made to Order (3DMM2O) Cluster of Excellence. Research spans three areas: molecular materials, fabrication technologies, and applications in 3D additive manufacturing. Candidates benefit from structured training including PhD agreements, mentoring, research conferences, and annual retreats. Carl Zeiss Foundation scholarships are available for selected doctoral positions. All doctoral positions are advertised individually by principal investigators.

Minimum GPA

None stated.

English requirements

English is the working language of the graduate school. No specific test score is published. Applicants should contact principal investigators directly; prior contact with a PI is required before applying.

German requirements

Not required

Accepted bachelor fields

Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline such as chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or related natural science fields.

APS Certificate

Yes

Tuition fee

None stated on DAAD listing. Doctoral candidates at KIT may be enrolled under Promotionsstudium status. The Baden-Württemberg non-EU student fee of EUR 1,500 per semester formally applies to degree-programme students at BW universities. KIT's own fee page (sle.kit.edu) lists this fee for 'first degree enrollment' but does not explicitly address Promotionsstudium. In practice, stipend-funded doctoral researchers at KIT are typically employed as Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter (research staff) rather than enrolled students, and the EUR 1,500 fee does not apply to them. Candidates should confirm their enrolment status with KIT's International Students Office.

Semester contribution

Approx. EUR 201.50 per semester at KIT (2025/26): EUR 80 administrative charge + EUR 109.50 Studierendenwerk charge + EUR 12 Students Union fee. Applies only if formally enrolled as a student.

Funding info

Tuition: None stated on DAAD listing. Doctoral candidates at KIT may be enrolled under Promotionsstudium status. The Baden-Württemberg non-EU student fee of EUR 1,500 per semester formally applies to degree-programme students at BW universities. KIT's own fee page (sle.kit.edu) lists this fee for 'first degree enrollment' but does not explicitly address Promotionsstudium. In practice, stipend-funded doctoral researchers at KIT are typically employed as Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter (research staff) rather than enrolled students, and the EUR 1,500 fee does not apply to them. Candidates should confirm their enrolment status with KIT's International Students Office. Semester contribution: Approx. EUR 201.50 per semester at KIT (2025/26): EUR 80 administrative charge + EUR 109.50 Studierendenwerk charge + EUR 12 Students Union fee. Applies only if formally enrolled as a student.

Preparation for research careers in academia and industry in materials science, photonics, and advanced manufacturing. The programme emphasises science communication and management skills alongside research training.

• 1

  Materials Science

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• 2

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• 3

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• 4

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• 5

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