Apply for the UNU-FLORES NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2027 in Dresden, Germany (DAAD-EPOS funded). Get 42 months of support, German language training, and a UN-linked doctoral track. Deadline: 12 April 2026.
Overview
UNU-FLORES (United Nations University Institute in Dresden) is recruiting doctoral researchers for the NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme under DAAD-EPOS funding. The programme supports a 3.5-year PhD pathway (up to 42 months) focused on the Resource Nexus for sustainability transformations, with doctoral enrolment through joint programmes offered by UNU and TU Dresden, and supervision involving UNU-FLORES, TU Dresden, and/or IOER (including DLGS).
This opportunity is fully on-site in Dresden, Germany, with a planned start date of 01 April 2027 and a mandatory two-month German language course beginning in February 2027.
Programme Details
Host: United Nations University (UNU) – UNU-FLORES
Location: Dresden, Sachsen, Germany (on-site)
Programme: NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme (DAAD-EPOS funded)
Duration: Up to 42 months (3.5 years)
Start date: 01 April 2027 (German course begins Feb–Mar 2027)
Focus area: Resource Nexus for sustainability transformations (SDG-aligned, policy-relevant research)
Application deadline: 12 April 2026, 23:59 CEST
What You Will Do
As a Doctoral Researcher in the NEXtra project, you will contribute across three pillars:
1) Research and Innovation Development (80–90%)
- Design and implement a doctoral research project aligned to the Resource Nexus
- Publish at least three peer-reviewed scientific articles (per TU Dresden regulations)
- Produce a cumulative dissertation (framework paper) and complete oral defense
- Participate in doctoral cohort activities and submit progress reports
- Maintain strong research integrity and documentation standards
2) Education and Capacity Development (5–10%)
- Complete required doctoral curriculum modules
- Deliver at least one lecture per year (e.g., CIPSEM, TU Dresden guest lecture)
- Contribute to educational materials and support master’s students (co-supervision/teaching)
3) Outreach, Advocacy, and Impact (5–10%)
- Engage at least one UN system contact/entity to support research uptake
- Publish at least one policy brief based on research findings
- Present at conferences and contribute to professional outreach/communications
Eligibility Criteria
Mandatory Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Citizenship in a DAAD-EPOS eligible country list
- Strong academic record: Master’s degree with grade equivalent to 2.5 or better (German system)
- Master’s degree relevant to the selected NEXtra topic (preferably not older than 6 years at the application deadline)
- At least 2 years of relevant work experience after the first academic degree (usually Bachelor’s)
- Must not have stayed in Germany longer than 15 months by the application deadline
- Fluency in English (German and/or another UN language is an advantage)
Desirable Profile
- Evidence of strong research methods and scientific writing
- Experience in transdisciplinary/interdisciplinary research
- Interest or experience in sustainability, development cooperation, or the Resource Nexus
- Strong planning, time management, and presentation skills
- Ability to work in multicultural environments with professionalism and humility
Benefits and Funding
- Monthly stipend: EUR 1,400 (DAAD-EPOS) for the doctoral research period (up to 42 months)
- Two-month German language course (covered by the donor)
- Health insurance (provided by DAAD)
- Additional travel/research allowances may apply (details shared with nominated candidates)
- Doctoral programmes are tuition-free, but semester fees (approx. EUR 300–350) must be paid to TU Dresden
How to Apply
You must submit one single PDF (instead of the UNU P11 form) containing the complete application package in the required order.
Step-by-step application checklist
- Apply via the official “Apply” link on the UNU vacancy page and answer the role questions.
- Prepare one PDF that includes (in order):
- Completed and signed EPOS checklist
- Signed EPOS application form (reverse chronological)
- Europass CV (reverse chronological; no timeline gaps without explanation; signed)
- Motivation letter (clear doctoral motivation + fit for NEXtra)
- Degree certificates + transcripts (Bachelor + Master) + grading scale explanation
- Secondary school certificate
- Work certificates proving 2+ years relevant experience (on letterhead; signed/stamped or explained)
- Two recommendation letters: one employer + one academic supervisor (signed/stamped or explained)
- Proof of English/German language skills
- Research proposal (max 13,000 characters + references)
- Master’s thesis (full if in English; if not, English abstract/summary)
- Optional: publications, additional certificates, extra references
- Ensure any non-English/German document has an official translation.
- Submit before 12 April 2026, 23:59 CEST.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an assessment and competency-based interview.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2027 (DAAD-EPOS) |
| Host | UNU-FLORES (United Nations University) |
| Location | Dresden, Germany (on-site) |
| Duration | Up to 42 months (3.5 years) |
| Stipend | EUR 1,400/month |
| Start Date | 01 April 2027 |
| German Course | Mandatory (Feb–Mar 2027) |
| Deadline | 12 April 2026, 23:59 CEST |
| Output Expectations | Peer-reviewed articles, dissertation, policy brief, lectures, UN engagement |
FAQs
1) Is this scholarship fully funded?
It is DAAD-EPOS funded and includes a monthly stipend plus key supports (including health insurance and a German language course). You should still plan for required TU Dresden semester fees.
2) Can I apply for more than one research topic?
Yes. You may apply for up to two topics in one application package, including two separate research proposals, each tailored to a selected topic.
3) Is this remote or on-site?
This doctoral scholarship is on-site in Dresden, Germany for the duration of the programme.
4) Do internships or volunteer work count toward the “2 years work experience” requirement?
No. The programme specifies that internship and volunteer experience are not counted toward the two-year requirement.
5) What language level do I need?
Fluency in English is required. German is an advantage, and the programme includes a funded German course before the start date.
6) What makes an application incomplete?
Missing signatures, missing required documents, missing stamps/signatures without an explanation, missing translations (if documents are not in English/German), or not following the required PDF document order.
Conclusion
The UNU-FLORES NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2027 is a high-value DAAD-EPOS funded PhD pathway for candidates focused on sustainability transformations through the Resource Nexus lens. If you meet the eligibility rules and can commit to an on-site doctoral track in Dresden with strong publication and policy-impact expectations, this is a standout opportunity to build a UN-linked research career.
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