OpenFieldCentre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour International Fellowship
Excellence cluster scholarship funding international master's and doctoral students conducting research in animal swarm dynamics and visual tracking.
University of Konstanz: Degree Programs, Scholarships & Research Guide
Established in 1966 on the shores of Lake Constance, the University of Konstanz (Universität Konstanz) is one of Germany's most celebrated universities of excellence. Renowned as 'Little Harvard on the Lake' for its integrated campus architecture, flat hierarchies, and exceptional research output in collective animal behavior, political science, chemistry, and condensed matter physics.
Verified degree programs and opportunities
Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:
Master of Science in Biological Sciences and Molecular Ecology
English-taught master's curriculum combining molecular genetics, evolutionary toxicology, physiological plant ecology, and limnological field investigations on Lake Constance.
Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior & Konstanz Doctoral Fellowship (TV-L E13)
Three-year doctoral research fellowship at the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) developing global satellite tracking algorithms (ICARUS) and behavioral computer vision.
Konstanz Collaborative Research Center (SFB 1432) Ultrafast Phenomena Project
Experimental research placement in the DFG Collaborative Research Center examining non-equilibrium quantum states and femtosecond laser-driven electronic phase transitions.
Limnological Institute Lake Constance Freshwater Ecosystems Practicum
Semester-long ecological practicum aboard the university's research vessel investigating deep alpine lake stratification, invasive quagga mussel ecology, and nutrient turnover.
Konstanz Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Functional Polymer Colloids
Two-year postdoctoral fellowship conducting cutting-edge synthesis of recyclable polyolefins, biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, and functional catalytic nanoparticles.
W1 Junior Professorship in Quantitative Political Science and Conflict Analysis
Tenure-track assistant professorship leading an autonomous research team analyzing political violence, geospatial conflict data, and democratic institution resilience.
Admissions, language requirements & application process
- Master's admission eligibility
- Completed Bachelor of Science or Arts degree with at least 180 ECTS credits (or international equivalent) with an equivalent German grade of 2.5 or better.
- Doctoral admission eligibility
- Master of Science/Arts degree satisfying Baden-Württemberg doctoral regulations, accepted by a faculty doctoral commission with professor supervision.
- Language proficiency
- For English-taught master's: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each subtest) or TOEFL iBT 90. For German-taught courses: DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4.
- Research statement / Proposal
- Curriculum vitae, detailed bachelor module description/syllabus, and letter of motivation detailing academic research background.
- Application fee
- €0 (Centralized university application via the ZEuS portal).
- Required documentation
- Certified degree diplomas, complete transcripts with grading scales, English proficiency certificates, and copy of passport.
Tuition fees and verified scholarship systems
Under Baden-Württemberg higher education law, non-EU international students pay a statutory tuition fee of €1,500 per semester (€3,000 per academic year) plus approximately €180 semester administrative contributions. Fully employed doctoral researchers (TV-L E13) pay zero tuition and receive full public service salaries of approximately €52,000 per year.
Verified faculty profiles and research leaders
Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at University of Konstanz:
Prof. Dr. Iain Couzin
Director of the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior & Professor of Biodiversity · Collective animal behavior, Swarm intelligence, Visual sensory networks, Decision-making in groups
Prof. Dr. Stefan Mecking
Chair of Chemical Materials Science & Professor of Polymer Chemistry · Polymer catalysis, Polyolefin recycling, Colloidal nanocrystals, Sustainable plastics
Prof. Dr. Gerald Schneider
Professor of International Politics & Conflict Analysis · Conflict analysis, European integration, International political economy, Financial market reactions to war
Important verification note
Facts reflect official University of Konstanz documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.
Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue