Ulm University PhD Scholarship (KEMAI Program) 2026 – Medical Artificial Intelligence

Scholarship Description

The Ulm University PhD Scholarship (KEMAI Program) offers fully funded doctoral positions for highly skilled individuals passionate about interdisciplinary research in Medical Artificial Intelligence (AI). KEMAI (a research initiative at Ulm University) provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of computer science and medicine, developing cutting-edge AI technologies to transform medical diagnostics and treatments.

Ulm University has consistently ranked as the best young German university, achieving top positions in the Times Higher Education (THE) 150 Under 50 and QS University Rankings. In the THE World University Ranking, it is placed within the top ten percent globally, showcasing its excellence in citations, third-party funding, and internationalisation.

PhD candidates benefit from fully funded positions for up to four years with a competitive E13 salary (German public sector pay scale), plus additional benefits including health insurance, social security, travel funds, and research allowances. The program is integrated into Ulm University's successful Graduate School IGradU, which has a long-standing tradition of supporting doctoral researchers since 2007.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at Ulm University, Ulm, Germany. Ulm has recently been rated as the most liveable German city by the renowned Prognos City Ranking 2024. Nestled along the picturesque Danube River and close to the Alps, Ulm offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and cycling. The city also boasts a rich history, including the iconic Ulm Minster with the tallest church steeple in the world.

Scholarship Deadline

KEMAI has a rolling application process that continues until all PhD positions are filled. Applications are open for doctorates beginning from January 2027.

Host Institution

Ulm University – a leading research university in Germany, consistently ranked as the best young German university. The KEMAI program is hosted within the university's internationally recognised computer science and medical research departments, in collaboration with the Graduate School IGradU.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: PhD (Doctoral) – 3 to 4 years duration.

Fields: Interdisciplinary research in Medical Artificial Intelligence at the intersection of computer science and medicine. Eligible fields include but are not limited to: Computer Science, Medicine, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Engineering, Philosophy, Physics, Mathematics, and other related natural science disciplines.

Research focus: Developing cutting-edge AI technologies to transform medical diagnostics and treatments, including deep learning for healthcare, medical image analysis, clinical decision support systems, and AI-driven diagnostics.

Target Group

Highly skilled international candidates from all countries who are passionate about interdisciplinary research in medical AI. The program welcomes applicants with diverse academic backgrounds who can contribute to KEMAI's research goals.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: Up to 4 years (planned PhD completion within 3–4 years).

Funding: Fully funded position with E13 salary (German public sector pay scale) – a competitive monthly salary that includes health insurance, social security, and pension contributions.

Additional financial benefits:

• €1,100 annually for Open Access publication fees
• Travel funds to attend international conferences, workshops, and academic events
• €3,300 allocation for research stays (extended visits to collaborate with other institutions worldwide)
• Funds for academic retreats (community building and networking)
• Technical PhD students will further be supported by a student assistant each

Publication expectation: PhD students are expected to publish 2–3 original research papers at top venues during their doctoral studies.

Scholarship Eligibility

Master's degree requirement: A degree completed with above-average success and an overall grade of 2.0 or better (according to the German grading system) in a master's program or a university program with a minimum standard study period of four years. This generally equals a CGPA of 3.0 or higher depending on your university's grading system (use the Modified Bavarian formula conversion tool).

Field of study: Should align with KEMAI research focus. Eligible fields include: Computer Science, Medicine, Bioinformatics, Biophysics, Engineering, Philosophy, Physics, Mathematics, or other related natural science disciplines.

Skills required: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills essential for success in the KEMAI project. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to tackle complex research questions and develop innovative solutions.

Passion for research: A genuine passion for research and innovation in medical AI is crucial.

English proficiency (minimum B2 CEFR):

• IELTS score of 6.0 or higher
• TOEFL iBT score of 80 or higher
• Equivalent B2-level certification

Application Procedure

1. Prepare application materials – Gather the following documents in PDF format:
   • CV – detailed curriculum vitae highlighting academic achievements, research experience, and relevant skills
   • Cover letter – explain your motivation for applying to the KEMAI project and specify two projects you are interested in from the KEMAI project list, OR pitch your own research idea (approx. half a page) with supervisor suggestions from within the KEMAI team
   • Transcripts – official academic records including information on the grading system
   • Certificates – Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates
   • Final grade – include information on your final overall grade according to the conversion tool for the "Modified Bavarian formula". The program requires the German grade 2.0 or better (generally equals CGPA 3.0 or higher)
2. Submit via application form or email – Use the online application form on the KEMAI website OR send materials via email to [email protected].
3. For email submission: Attach documents as individual PDF files named:
   • <lastname>_coverletter.pdf
   • <lastname>_cv.pdf
   • <lastname>_certificate.pdf
   • <lastname>_transcript.pdf
4. Specify projects – Clearly indicate the two projects that interest you most in your email/cover letter, or outline your own project idea.
5. Use correct subject line – "KEMAI - PhD Application" for email submissions.
6. Wait for review – Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after each monthly cutoff date (last day of each month).
7. Interview process – Selected candidates receive interview invitations within one week. Zoom interviews (approx. 30 minutes) include:
   • Brief self-introduction
   • Presentation and discussion of a scientific paper (5 minutes + discussion; paper provided with interview invitation)
   • Basic coding tasks in a preferred programming language
8. Outcome notification – Candidates are informed of the interview outcome within one week after the interview.

Important notes: PhD candidates are expected to publish 2–3 original research papers at top venues during their doctorate. The program provides full funding (E13 salary) for the entire PhD period. Each PhD candidate also receives support from a student assistant (for technical PhD students).

Official Website & Application Link

Ulm University KEMAI – PhD Application Page

Email Contact: [email protected]

Application Form: Available on the KEMAI website (online application form for document upload)