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PhD in Chemistry in Europe

Explore 4+ programs from leading European universities — compare fees, duration, and entry requirements.

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PhD programs in Chemistry from 3 universities · updated for 2026
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A PhD in Chemistry in Europe is a 3–5 year research degree — and one of the most financially accessible doctoral paths in the world. In Northern and Western Europe, PhD positions are typically employment contracts: you receive a monthly stipend (commonly €1,200–€2,500 depending on country) plus social security and healthcare, rather than paying tuition or taking on debt. You begin original research immediately, without the coursework years required by the US system.

Dedicated funding programs strengthen that picture: the EU's Marie Curie Doctoral Networks offer stipends above €3,000/month to cohorts of early-stage researchers; the European Research Council (ERC) backs individual projects at leading universities; and national schemes — Germany's DFG, France's CIFRE, the Netherlands' NWO — fund doctoral researchers directly. Many Chemistry PhD programs run entirely in English, and some offer cotutelle agreements allowing joint supervision with a university in your home country.

Explore the Chemistry doctoral programs below to find research groups, supervisors, and funding packages that match your academic profile. PhD applications typically require a research proposal and a CV — reaching out to a potential supervisor before applying is strongly recommended.

Featured PhD Programs in Chemistry

A selection of programs available across Europe — explore details, fees, and requirements.

Chemical Engineering

Kaunas University of Technology – KTU Kaunas, Lithuania

PhD English 4 years
EU: €12,680 Per year Non-EU: €12,680
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Chemical Engineering Kaunas University of Technology – KTU

This doctoral program focuses on fundamental and applied research in chemical engineering, with particular emphasis on process optimization, new technologies, and sustainable innovation. Students apply their knowledge using advanced equipment in industrial settings, employing modern scientific methods such as computer modelling and simulation. Current research areas include the development of hybrid, bio-based adhesives for wood composites, investigating the interaction between selective hydrolysis products of aminoplastic resins and plant polyphenols.

Core coursework covers advanced food chemistry and biochemistry, advanced inorganic chemistry and technology, advanced polymer chemistry and technology, and chemical engineering itself, providing essential grounding in the field. Students can deepen their focus through alternative modules addressing plant products chemistry, polymer complexes and their applications, systems of silicates and oxides, the structure and functional properties of food products, and the theory and applications of catalytic processes, or further individualize their studies through elective modules covering materials for organic optoelectronics, methods of modern spectral analysis, modern chromatographic methods, and the spectral analysis of solids.

Alongside these subject-specific modules, students build core research competencies through a dedicated set of skills modules, including academic and technical research writing, design thinking in research, digital tools for research writing and publication, research data management, research ethics, grant management for research projects, science communication for public audiences, and systematic literature review methods.
Applicants must hold a master's degree or an equivalent higher education qualification in a field such as natural sciences, technological sciences, medical and health sciences, or agricultural sciences. Applicants must also hold a bachelor's degree and diploma supplement, must have completed at least 30 ECTS credits' worth of coursework in chemistry and chemical engineering across their bachelor's and master's studies combined, and must submit a research proposal on their selected topic as part of the application.

Admission is based on a weighted competition score combining the weighted grade point average from the applicant's diploma supplement (35%), their research experience (30%), and a motivation interview (35%). Applicants must reach a minimum competitive score of 8.0 to be admitted. As part of the broader application process, applicants are generally expected to submit materials such as a completed application specifying their preferred research topic, a CV, two letters of recommendation from researchers in the relevant field, evidence of prior scientific publications or an original research paper where publications are not available, a copy of a valid passport or identity document, and proof of payment of the application fee, and all applicants are required to attend an interview with the doctoral admissions committee.
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Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering

Riga Technical University Riga, Latvia

PhD English 4 years
EU: €12,330 Per year Non-EU: €12,330
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Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering Riga Technical University

This PhD program focuses on preparing researchers in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and physics. It includes scientific seminars, academic writing, and the development of an original research article, along with elective courses and extensive research work leading to a doctoral thesis. Students gain expertise in advanced theories, methods, and equipment, and are trained to plan, conduct, and present original scientific research. Graduates are equipped for careers in industry, research institutions, or academia, with the ability to lead projects and develop innovative technologies and solutions.
This PhD program is open to candidates with a completed master's degree in engineering, natural sciences, or an equivalent qualification. Applicants with a background in medicine or health sciences must additionally pass an entrance exam. The program prepares students for high-level research and innovation in fields such as chemistry, materials science, and physics. It includes scientific writing, seminars, and original research work, aiming to equip graduates with the expertise to lead projects, contribute to technological advancements, and pursue academic or industrial research careers.
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Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry

Palacký University Olomouc Olomouc, Czech Republic

PhD English 4 years
EU: €100 Per year Non-EU: €100
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Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Palacký University Olomouc

This doctoral program trains students for independent scientific research in organic and bioorganic chemistry, with a strong focus on both theoretical understanding and experimental skills. It prepares graduates to work in areas such as organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology, where they learn to design, synthesize, and analyze biologically active compounds. The curriculum includes advanced study of reaction mechanisms, structure-activity relationships, and modern methods in synthesis and structural analysis. Students also develop proficiency in chemical literature, research project preparation, and presenting at international conferences. The program includes a short-term research fellowship and emphasizes the use of English for academic communication.
This doctoral program is intended for candidates with a master's degree in chemistry or a related field, who have hands-on experience in synthesizing, isolating, and characterizing organic compounds. Applicants should be skilled in using basic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) data for structure elucidation. Strong communication skills in both written and spoken English are essential, with a minimum English proficiency level of B2 required for admission. Candidates must also pass an entrance examination to be considered for the program.
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Chemistry

Kaunas University of Technology – KTU Kaunas, Lithuania

PhD English 4 years
EU: €12,680 Per year Non-EU: €12,680
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Chemistry Kaunas University of Technology – KTU

This doctoral program is designed for aspiring researchers who want to conduct individual research under the guidance of experienced scientists, covering analytical chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, and catalysis. Studies are tailored to each student's background and research interests, with an emphasis on encouraging original solutions.

Available research topics span a wide range of areas, including enzyme engineering for improved biosynthesis, the synthesis and study of zeolites and other catalytic materials, carbon materials for electrochemical power sources, responsive biopolymeric materials for medical applications, the synthesis of biologically active heterocyclic compounds, functionalized polymeric scaffolds for tumor modeling, optimization of algal fermentation for functional food systems, materials for perovskite solar cells, compounds for organic light-emitting diode technology, the phytochemical analysis of medicinal plants, and organic semiconductors and emitters for advanced optoelectronic devices.

Core coursework covers advanced inorganic chemistry, advanced organic chemistry, and methods of modern spectral analysis, providing essential grounding in the field. Students can deepen their focus through alternative modules addressing topics such as the theory of polymer chemistry and physics, the chemistry of chalcogens, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, color chemistry, and modern chromatographic methods, or further individualize their studies through elective modules in advanced food chemistry and biochemistry, advanced inorganic chemistry and technology, advanced polymer chemistry and technology, and chemical engineering.

Alongside these subject-specific modules, students build core research competencies through a dedicated set of skills modules, including academic and technical research writing, design thinking in research, digital tools for research writing and publication, research data management, research ethics, grant management for research projects, science communication for public audiences, and systematic literature review methods.
Applicants must hold a master's degree or an equivalent higher education qualification. Applicants must also hold a bachelor's degree and diploma supplement, and must have completed at least 30 ECTS credits' worth of coursework in chemistry and chemical engineering across their bachelor's and master's studies combined.

Admission is based on a weighted competition score combining the weighted grade point average from the applicant's diploma supplement (35%), their research experience (30%), and a motivation interview (35%). Applicants must reach a minimum competitive score of 8.0 to be admitted. As part of the broader application process, applicants are generally expected to submit materials such as a completed application specifying their preferred research topic, a CV, two letters of recommendation from researchers in the relevant field, evidence of prior scientific publications or an original research paper where publications are not available, a copy of a valid passport or identity document, and proof of payment of the application fee, and all applicants are required to attend an interview with the doctoral admissions committee.
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