Fully Funded PhD Opportunities 2026: Top fully funded PhD opportunities for 2026. Detailed guide on GKS R&D Track, Max Planck immunology, Alzheimer’s research in Spain, UNLV Fluid Innovation, and more. Apply for international doctoral scholarships in South Korea, USA, UK, and Europe today.
The landscape of higher education is shifting toward high-impact, interdisciplinary research. For aspiring scholars, securing a fully funded PhD position is the ultimate gateway to academic excellence and professional innovation. This comprehensive guide outlines eight prestigious doctoral opportunities across the globe, spanning South Korea, Germany, Spain, the United States, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Belgium and Sweden.
These positions offer not only tuition waivers and competitive stipends but also the chance to work on cutting-edge projects—from artificial heart development to climate-resilient agriculture.
1. Jeju National University, South Korea: GKS R&D Track
Overview of the GKS R&D Program
Jeju National University (JNU) is currently inviting applications for 10 fully funded Ph.D. positions through the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Research & Development track. This specific track is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and industrial application, particularly in high-tech sectors.
Research Focus: Electrochemical Energy
The positions are housed within the Department of Material Science and Electrochemistry. Following the acquisition of high-end research projects and start-up initiatives, the university is focusing on:
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Electrochemical Energy Conversion: Developing next-generation fuel cells and electrolyzers.
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Storage Systems: Innovating high-capacity battery technologies (Lithium-ion, Solid-state, and beyond).
Candidate Requirements
To be successful, candidates must demonstrate:
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A strong academic background in Material Science or Electrochemistry.
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A collaborative mindset capable of working with both internal academic labs and external industrial partners.
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The ability to meet strict research milestones.
Application Process:
Interested students must apply exclusively via the official Google Form Link. Note that email submissions are not accepted due to high volume.
🔗 This is the google form link – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScy0AUCU3prMkdI13wNdCRraCbdsLav5UuoUEFtr2RYJOsGzw/viewform
2. Max Planck Research Group, Germany: Cancer Immunometabolism
The Vaeth Lab at the University of Würzburg
The Max Planck Research Group for Systems Immunology, situated at the Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, is a world-class hub for immunological studies. Dr. Martin Vaeth’s lab is currently seeking a PhD candidate to explore the frontiers of Cancer Immunometabolism.
Scientific Scope
The research focuses on how lymphocyte differentiation and effector functions are regulated at the intersection of:
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Signal Transduction
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Cellular Metabolism
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Epigenetics
The lab utilizes state-of-the-art technologies such as single-cell transcriptomics and metabolomics. These computational approaches are validated through preclinical animal models involving viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
The research group of Dr. Martin Vaeth at the Institute for Systems Immunology (https://www.med.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/systemimmunologie/research/metabolism-and-immune-cell-signalling-vaeth-lab/)
3. Joan Oró Scholarship, Spain: Molecular Mechanisms of Alzheimer’s
The Plass Lab at the University of Barcelona
The Plass Lab is offering a unique opportunity through the Joan Oró PhD Scholarship. This project targets the molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s Disease using a hybrid approach of computational biology and experimental wet-lab techniques.
Eligibility Criteria
The Joan Oró scholarship has specific administrative requirements:
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EHEA Background: Degrees must be obtained within the European Higher Education Area.
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Recent Graduates: Master’s degree obtained after January 1, 2023.
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Experience Limit: Must not have held a predoctoral grant for more than 12 months.
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Academic Excellence: An average grade above 8/10.
Contact Information:
Eligible candidates should contact Dr. Plass directly at mplass@ub.edu
Lab (https://www.plasslab.com/) we are looking for talented PhD students to apply to the Joan Oró PhD scholarship to develop a research project on the molecular mechanism of Alzheimer’s Disease using a mix of computational and experimental approaches. We are interested in both mixed and computational candidates.
4. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV): Fluid Innovation Lab
Advanced Turbomachinery Research
The Fluid Innovation Lab at UNLV is expanding its research footprint in the United States. With new grant funding, the lab is recruiting multiple PhD students for Fall 2026.
Project Categories
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Biomedical Engineering: Development of ventricular assist devices and artificial hearts.
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Energy Systems: Supercritical $CO_2$ compressors and turbines.
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Aerospace/Cryogenics: Cryogenic pumps for space and industrial applications.
What the Lab Seeks
Candidates with strong hands-on abilities in experimental fluid dynamics are preferred. This includes experience with instrumentation, data/image acquisition (such as PIV or LDV), and mechanical design.
Funding Package:
Successful applicants receive a 12-month stipend plus full healthcare coverage.
If you are interested, please visit fluidschen.com for details and send your CV and transcript with a brief cover letter to huang.chen@unlv.edu
Website: https://fluidschen.com/
5. University of Nottingham, UK: Computational Chemistry
The EPSRC Programme Grant
Prof. Elena Besley at the University of Nottingham is leading a £6 million EPSRC-funded project aimed at reducing the energy consumption of Artificial Intelligence.
Research Project
The PhD student will focus on the computational modeling of next-generation semiconductors made from atomically thin materials. This is a critical area of research to address the soaring energy demands of global AI infrastructure.
Qualifications
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A minimum of a 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
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Interest in theoretical and computational modeling.
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The funding covers fees and a stipend for eligible UK students.
Deadline: Rolling basis; candidates are encouraged to apply immediately via elena.besley@nottingham.ac.uk
6. Mahidol University & Liverpool John Moores: Joint PhD Program
A Dual-Degree Opportunity
This international collaboration between Thailand and the UK offers a unique dual-degree PhD program. Students benefit from the resources of both Mahidol University and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).
Project: AI in Renewable Energy
The research title is “AI-enhanced multi-criteria decision analysis of offshore wind energy systems and risk control measures.”
Application deadline – 22 January 2026: Send CV, Transcripts, English test certificate and statement of purpose to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trakarn Prapaspongsa (trakarn.pra@gmail.com)
Remarks: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Requirements and Deadlines
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Academic: GPA > 3.00 (Bachelors) and > 3.50 (Masters).
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Language: IELTS score of 6.5.
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Experience: Familiarity with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) or Risk Assessment.
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Deadline: January 22, 2026.
7. KU Leuven, Belgium: Bioinformatics and Cancer Research
Translational Systems Biology
KU Leuven is looking for a PhD candidate in Bioinformatics to join an interdisciplinary team of clinicians and scientists.
Core Responsibilities
The researcher will perform end-to-end analysis of:
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Single-cell RNA-seq
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Spatial Transcriptomics
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Multiome datasets
This position is ideal for candidates who want their computational work to have a direct impact on clinical trials and treatment resistance in cancer patients.
For more information contact Dr Sara Verbandt (sara.verbandt@kuleuven.be) or Prof Sabine Tejpar (sabine.tejpar@uzleuven.be)
Application Portal: KU Leuven Jobsite
8. SLU, Sweden: Agricultural Water Management
Climate Resilience in Crop Production
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala is recruiting for a 4-year PhD position focused on Agricultural Water Management.
Research Focus
The project explores climate resilience in temperate-boreal crop production. This involves studying how soil-water-plant systems respond to changing climate patterns in Northern Europe.
Candidate Profile
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MSc in Hydrology, Soil Science, or Physical Geography.
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Fluency in English and a valid B-category driving license (for field work).
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Experience with GIS, statistics, and programming is a significant advantage.
Deadline: February 28, 2026.
Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/
Contact persons
Activity contact persons Jennie Barron, förnamn.efternamn@slu.se
See advert: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-and-vacancies/doktorand/
Comparison of PhD Opportunities 2026
| Institution | Country | Primary Field | Key Technology |
| Jeju National University | South Korea | Energy Storage | Electrochemistry |
| Univ. of Würzburg | Germany | Immunology | Single-cell RNA-seq |
| Univ. of Barcelona | Spain | Neuroscience | Computational Biology |
| UNLV | USA | Fluid Dynamics | Turbomachinery |
| Univ. of Nottingham | UK | AI / Chemistry | Semiconductors |
| Mahidol / LJMU | Thai/UK | Renewable Energy | AI & Wind Systems |
| KU Leuven | Belgium | Bioinformatics | Spatial Transcriptomics |
| SLU | Sweden | Agriculture | Hydromechanics |
Key Application Deadlines
Staying organized is crucial when applying for multiple international fellowships. Below are the critical dates for the opportunities listed:
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Mahidol/LJMU Joint Program: January 22, 2026
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KU Leuven Bioinformatics: January 23, 2026
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UNLV Fluid Innovation: End of January 2026
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SLU Sweden: February 28, 2026
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Nottingham & JNU: Rolling/Immediate
The Importance of Research Alignment
When applying for these roles, it is vital to tailor your Statement of Purpose (SOP) to the specific lab’s goals. For instance, the Jeju National University position requires a focus on industrial R&D, whereas the Max Planck position demands a deep interest in fundamental molecular biology.
For the KU Leuven and University of Barcelona roles, highlighting your proficiency in R or Python and your ability to handle large-scale genomic datasets will be the deciding factor.
Final Advice for PhD Applicants
A fully funded PhD is more than just a degree; it is a full-time professional commitment. Ensure that your application highlights not just your grades, but your motivation, curiosity, and resilience.
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Check Residency Requirements: Some UK and EU grants have specific residency rules.
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Transcripts: Ensure your transcripts are translated and follow the GPA scales required (e.g., the 8/10 average for Spain).
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Referees: Secure two or three academic referees who can speak to your research potential.
