Fully Funded PhD and MSc Opportunities in Microbiology (2026 Entry)
The field of microbiology is at the forefront of solving global challenges, from combating antibiotic resistance to developing sustainable biofuels and understanding the human microbiome. For aspiring researchers, 2026 presents a wealth of fully funded doctoral positions and scholarship-backed Master’s programs across Europe and beyond.
Why Pursue a Funded Degree in Microbiology?
Securing a fully funded position is not just about avoiding tuition fees; it is about joining a high-impact research ecosystem. Funded PhDs typically offer a competitive salary, social security benefits, and a dedicated research budget, allowing you to focus entirely on your scientific contributions. Similarly, scholarship-based MSc programs at world-renowned institutions provide the foundational training necessary to transition into elite doctoral schools or high-level biotech careers.
1. ISTA PhD Program: Life Sciences & Interdisciplinary Research (Austria)
The Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) is a young, international institute dedicated to basic research and graduate education. Located near Vienna, ISTA offers a world-class environment for students interested in biology, microbiology, and molecular biology.
Program Highlights
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Fully Funded: All PhD students are employees of ISTA and receive a competitive salary and full social security coverage.
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Interdisciplinary Focus: You are encouraged to work across scientific boundaries, combining microbiology with physics, chemistry, or data science.
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No Master’s Required: Excellent students with a Bachelor’s degree can apply directly for the PhD program.
Application Details
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Deadline: 8 January 2026 (3:00 PM CET).
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Funding: Includes salary, research travel budget, and relocation support.
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Official Link: Apply here
2. INPhINIT Doctoral Fellowships by “la Caixa” Foundation (Spain & Portugal)
The INPhINIT fellowship is one of the most prestigious funding schemes in Europe, designed to attract top international talent to research centers of excellence in Spain and Portugal.
Fellowship Tracks
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Incoming Call: For researchers of all nationalities who have stayed in Spain/Portugal for less than 12 months in the last 3 years. This track focuses on STEM disciplines, including microbiology and life sciences.
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Retaining Call: For researchers who want to carry out their PhD at any university or research center in Spain or Portugal, regardless of previous residence.
Financial Support
The fellowship covers a three-year contract with a total cost of approximately €120,000, including salary, tuition fees, and a dedicated budget for research and conferences.
Key Dates
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Incoming Deadline: 28 January 2026.
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Retaining Deadline: 18 February 2026.
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Official Link: “la Caixa” Foundation Fellowships
3. ETH Zurich: Doctoral Positions in Microbiology & Immunology (Switzerland)
ETH Zurich consistently ranks among the top universities globally for life sciences. Unlike many other institutions, a PhD at ETH is treated as a professional position, and students are recruited directly by individual research laboratories.
Research Areas
The Institute of Microbiology at ETH Zurich is currently seeking doctoral researchers for projects in:
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Microbiome Research: Investigating host-microbe interactions.
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Salmonella Pathogenesis: Studying how pathogens bypass the immune system.
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Bacterial Natural Products: Discovering new antibiotics from soil bacteria.
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Fungal Defense: Exploring the innate immunity of fungi.
How to Apply
Deadlines are often rolling, but the primary intake cycles peak between January and February 2026. Candidates are encouraged to check the official job portal and contact professors directly.
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Official Link: ETH Zurich Jobs Portal
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MIM Program: Microbiology and Immunology PhD Program
4. Master’s Opportunities: Tuition-Free and Scholarship Options
If you are not yet ready for a PhD, several European universities offer English-taught MSc programs that are either tuition-free or supported by robust scholarship schemes.
Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) Mainz – MSc Microbiology (Germany)
JGU Mainz offers a research-oriented Master’s program with no tuition fees for international students. The curriculum covers molecular genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of microorganisms.
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Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a related field with a strong focus on Microbiology.
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Language: English (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+).
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Official Link: JGU Microbiology M.Sc.
University of Göttingen – MSc Molecular Life Sciences (Germany)
This program is unique for its “Fast Track” option, allowing exceptional Master’s students to transition directly into a PhD phase after the first year.
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Specializations: Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry.
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Highlights: High integration with Max Planck Institutes.
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Official Link: University of Göttingen M.Sc.
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) – Fully Funded
The Erasmus Mundus program is the “gold standard” for Master’s education in Europe. It provides full scholarships that cover tuition, travel, and a monthly stipend of €1,400 for 24 months.
Microbiology & Biotech Catalog
Several programs are relevant for microbiology students, including:
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BIOPHAM: Bio and Pharmaceutical Materials Science.
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IMETE: International Master of Science in Environmental Technology and Engineering.
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BioCebe: European Master in Biological and Chemical Engineering for a Sustainable Bioeconomy.
Application Window
Most programs open their application portals in October and close between January and February 2026.
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Official Link: Erasmus Mundus Catalogue
