KLU Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in Transport Emissions Modelling and Sustainable Logistics 2027

Kühne Logistics University (KLU), in collaboration with the Kühne Climate Center in Hamburg, Germany, is offering a fully funded four-year PhD scholarship for research into transport emissions modelling and sustainable logistics.

The successful candidate will work on the UNITY project (A Unified Model for Estimating Transport Emissions and Assessing Their Accuracy). The research aims to develop an open-source model that combines existing scientific methods with data-driven approaches to estimate emissions across major transport modes. The project will also examine how the accuracy of emissions estimates influences transport planning and optimisation decisions.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineDecember 15, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorKühne Logistics University
• City to studyHamburg
• School to studyKühne Logistics University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• The KLU scholarship is €1,750 per month (tax-free). All PhD students have the opportunity to teach in the KLU’s degree programs, present in research seminars, participate in university services as part of the PhD program. 
•  The annual research and training budget is €3,500 in year one and two and €6,500 in year three and four. Moreover, scholarship students receive a full waiver of tuition.

Requirements

Admission to the program is competitive and based on the applicant’s excellence as well as the match in research interest with the university’s resident faculty. We encourage you to apply immediately, since the reviews of applicants and the selection of scholarship awardees start upon receipt of applications. Evaluation of the applications is done on a rolling basis as they are submitted.
 To be considered for admission, applicants must meet these minimum requirements:

• Completed or about to complete a Master’s degree or equivalent (300 ECTS) from an accredited university with a good international reputation with the German grade 2.0 or better. Grade equivalents are required for international applicants.
• English language proficiency equivalent to at least IELTS 6.5.

Application Documents

You should submit:

• Cover letter (incl. your motivation to work on the topic – max. 1 page). In your motivation, please explicitly address the following two questions: (1) What experience with, or interest in, estimating transport emissions do you have – in practice or in theory? (2) In your view, why is it important to know how accurate an emission estimate is, and in which situation could an inaccurate estimate lead to a wrong decision? Applications that do not address both questions will not be considered.
• Video statement (max. 3 minutes).
• A full resume (CV).
• Two references (with full contact details).
• Evidence of your English proficiency (e.g., a TOEFL or an IELTS test, or other evidence provided by your university).
• List of degrees obtained (Bachelor and Master’s degree)
• Quality indicators for your individual excellence (e.g., prizes, scholarships), excellence in your program (e.g., class rank, thesis grade/rank), and your university (e.g., university rankings) 

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the KLU webpage.