daad scholarship phd stipend

Cookie Consent

To improve the website, the DAAD and third parties set cookies and process usage data . In doing so, the DAAD and third parties transfer usage data to third countries in which there is no level of data protection comparable to that under EU law. By clicking the "Accept all" button, you consent to this processing. You can also find selection options and explanations of these cookies and processing at the end of this page under "Cookies". There you can withdraw consent at any time with effect for the future.

• Privacy Policy

Jump to content

Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)

In a competitive process, internationally oriented structured doctoral programmes are identified which receive a DAAD funding commitment for up to four DAAD-funded doctoral scholarships (two doctoral scholarships in each of two consecutive years) for foreign doctoral candidates.

Doctoral education in structured PhD programmes are an essential part of the qualification process of young academics in Europe and Germany. High quality standards regarding the selection and hosting of doctoral students, as well as an international research environment, create unique perspectives particularly for foreign applicants.

Structured doctoral programmes are a central element in the qualification and promotion of early career researchers.

Each GSSP scholarship includes up to four years of scholarship funding from the DAAD. Doctoral candidates are selected in a two-stage process.

• In a first step, the doctoral programmes advertise the GSSP scholarships publicly and then select the doctoral candidates to be funded with a GSSP scholarship from the applications they receive.
• Once the DAAD has received the nomination letters from the doctoral programmes, the nominated candidates submit their application documents for formal review via the DAAD portal in a second step.

Programme objectives

The DAAD has been contributing to this with the funding programme offered since 2012,

• increasing the proportion of DAAD-funded foreign doctoral candidates in structured doctoral programmes in Germany and
• sustainably support doctoral programmes in establishing and expanding research collaborations with partners abroad.

Funded projects and participating partners

Below you will find an overview of the doctoral programmes selected in 2024, which can nominate GSSP scholarship holders for 2025 and 2026. Those interested in doctoral places should apply directly to the participating doctoral programmes.

In addition to the project names, the list of funded programmes contains links to the programme websites where current calls for applications and application deadlines can be found: List of programmes selected in 2024 .

Supported by:

Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V. Kennedyallee 50 53175 Bonn

All addresses in the DAAD Network

DAAD Newsletters

Receive regular up-to-date information about our work and organisation.

Newsletter - DAAD

Useful Links

• Find Scholarships
• DAAD offices worldwide

Finding Scholarships

Welcome to our scholarship database! Here you will find information about our DAAD scholarship programmes for international students and researchers as well as offers from other selected funding organisations .

German Academic Scholarship Foundation: Doctoral Scholarships

Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Promotionsförderung Ahrstraße 41 53175 Bonn Germany

Contact Frau Martina Lang Weblink

Application requirements

Eine Druckversion dieser Ausschreibung (PDF) steht Ihnen in den weiteren Registerkarten (z.B. „Bewerbungsvoraussetzungen“) zur Verfügung.

A print version of this announcement (PDF) is available in the further tabs (e.g. “Application requirements”).

Programme Description

In line with its statutes, the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German Academic Scholarship Foundation) supports the university education of young people who, because of their exceptional academic or artistic talents and personal qualities, can be expected to make an outstanding contribution to society as a whole. Doctoral candidates can apply for a doctoral scholarship together with their supervisor. Doctoral scholars receive 1,650 EUR a month, health insurance grants and additional family and childcare allowances are also possible. Doctoral scholarship holders who travel abroad for research, laboratory visits or a conference attendance can apply to receive grants for travel and living expenses as well as tuition fees. Applications are welcome from international candidates who have been accepted to a doctoral programme at a German university where the thesis will also be submitted.

Target Group

highly qualified PhD students with a commitment to social causes

Academic Requirements

• The last academic degree should have been completed no longer than 4 years prior to submission of the application.
• The doctoral candidate has been accepted for a doctoral programme at a German university where the thesis will also be submitted.

Number of Scholarships

Every year, about 350 doctoral students are newly admitted to the funding programme.

Funding can be granted for 3 years. A 6-month extension is possible upon individual request. The maximum funding period is 42 months. Doctoral students with children can be funded for up to 54 months.

Scholarship Value

• grant amount of 1,650 EUR a month, comprising a basic monthly stipend of 1,550 EUR and a research allowance of 100 EUR a month
• Scholars can apply for a contribution towards the costs of health insurance, amounting to 50 percent of documented costs to a maximum of 100 EUR a month. This contribution is available to scholars whose health insurance is not covered by employment (for example in research and teaching).
• Family and childcare allowances are available for doctoral scholars. Further funding for childcare can be provided through a reallocation of scholarship funds from the final, 4th, year of funding.
• Scholarship holders may pursue academic employment corresponding to a 25-percent part-time position, allowing further integration in the research context.
• Doctoral scholars who travel abroad for research purposes, laboratory visits or to attend conferences can apply for grants for travel and additional living expenses.
• Holders of doctoral scholarships are supported by an adviser in the Studienstiftung’s office and a personal tutor at their home university, who follow their academic and personal development and offer guidance on issues relating to their scholarship and doctoral research.
• participation in doctoral forums
• range of academic programmes which include summer academies, short conferences and seminars on professional development as well as events planned by scholarship holders or offers from the alumni network

Application Papers

The Studienstiftung expects:

• an exceptionally challenging and innovative scientific dissertation project that can be completed within a funding period of 3 years
• appropriate supervision of the project and the doctoral candidate with a view to finalising the project
• successfully completed studies showing commitment and above-average marks
• a sustained commitment beyond one's own interests during the doctoral or study phase as well as a broad spectrum of interests beyond what is professionally required

Application Deadline

An application is possible at any time, there are no deadlines.

Application Requirements

• The last academic degree should have been completed no longer than 4 years prior to submission of the application; exceptions to this can be justified by pregnancies or proven prolonged periods of serious illness or incapacity for work. The 4-year interval should make it possible to complete preparatory services such as professional training (e.g. following a law degree or teaching degree) or vicariate before applying for a doctoral scholarship.
• If the doctoral programme is carried out at a German university, citizenship does not matter. In justified cases, doctorates abroad can also be funded; this presupposes that the doctoral candidate has German citizenship or a university entrance qualification acquired in Germany.
• Previous holders of scholarships from the Studienstiftung or the Max Weber Programme Bavaria may apply for a scholarship to participate in the academic programmes for doctoral students, without taking advantage of financial support for their Ph.D. The selection procedure is the same for all applicants. If funding for the doctoral thesis has been awarded by another funding body, this must be terminated at the latest 6 months following receipt of funding approval from the Studienstiftung; otherwise, the funding offer will expire.
• Funding for part-time doctoral degrees is not possible; this also applies to preparatory services and professional specialised training (e.g. psychotherapy).
• Doctoral students must have been admitted to doctoral studies at the university at which the dissertation is submitted in order to receive doctoral funding.

Please select your status and your country to enable you to submit an application

„Country“ is the country in which you are living and from which you are applying. If you come from another country, please contact us to find out whether you are eligible for the programme of your choice. More Information

Graduates are people who already have at least one first academic degree, e.g. Bachelor.

Your status and/or country is not in the list? If your status and/or country is not included in the list, you cannot apply for this scholarship programme. To ensure that only scholarship programmes for which you are eligible to apply are shown, please select your status and your country in the results list (left-hand column).

DAAD Scholarships

During bachelor studies, for/during master studies, for/during phd.

Find out which of the DAAD scholarships are available for students - during or for their Bachelors, Masters, PhD and Post-Doc. This is a selection of scholarships that the DAAD sees as its flagship programmes. Any eligible individual can apply for these.

A comprehensive database of all the DAAD and other scholarship programmes is available on www.funding-guide.de

University Summer Courses (HSK)

University summer courses offered in germany for foreign students and graduates.

The University Summer Course Programme (HSK) provides scholarships to students and graduates to attend language courses in Germany. This program is designed to enhance participants’ German language proficiency and cultural understanding. It covers costs associated with attending state or state-recognised German universities and affiliated language schools. This opportunity offers a meaningful way to immerse in Germany’s language and culture while advancing academic and professional goals.

In-Country/ In-Region Scholarship Programme at IIT Delhi

In-country/in region scholarships programme at iitd (scholarship for master’s studies).

Scholarships for students from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka

Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)

Development-related postgraduate courses.

• 2 years of work experience is mandatory

Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (PPGG)

Masters’ scholarships in public policy & good governance, architecture, music, performing arts, fine art/film/design, study scholarship for foreign graduates in the field of architecture, study scholarship for foreign graduates in the field of music, study scholarship for foreign graduates in the field of performing arts, study scholarship for foreign graduates in the field fine art, film, design/visual communication and film, combined study and practice stays for engineers from developing countries (kospie), iits (master sandwich scholarships), in-country/ in-region scholarship programme at indian institute of technology delhi, in-country/in region scholarships programme at iitd (scholarship for phd’s studies).

For students from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka

Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes in Germany

Phd scholarships.

For complete PhD

Research Grants – Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees

Sandwich model scholarships for phd registered scholars.

For scholar who have registered for PhD in home country and want to carry out a part of it (minimum one year) in Germany under the guidance of a professor at a German university

Research Grants in Germany - Short Term

Short term scholarship for phd registered scholars (research grants).

For scholar who have registered for PhD in home country and want to carry out a part of it (less than one year) in Germany under the guidance of a professor at a German university

Short Term Scholarship for Post Docs

Follow us on WhatsApp to Get in Touch With us and Follow our Instagram Page.

Top 10 Germany PhD Scholarships of 2025 (Highly Recommended)

Are you aspiring to pursue a PhD in the heart of Europe, where you’ll have access to cutting-edge research facilities and learn from world-renowned scholars? Do you want to dive deep into your field of study, expand the frontiers of knowledge, and immerse yourself in Germany’s vibrant culture and rich history?

If so, Germany—the land of poets and thinkers—offers you an array of fully funded PhD scholarships, aimed at nurturing the next generation of intellectual leaders. Picture yourself wandering the historic streets of Heidelberg, unraveling scientific mysteries in a Berlin laboratory, or engaging in philosophical debates over a cup of coffee in a cozy Munich café.

This is your opportunity to make those aspirations a reality. We’ve created a detailed guide to the most prestigious PhD scholarships in Germany for 2025, covering everything from generous stipends and research grants to invaluable networking and mentorship opportunities. Whether your passion is in environmental sustainability, social justice, political science, or the complexities of the human mind, there’s a scholarship ready to fuel your academic journey.

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible opportunities that await you in Germany as I outline all these doctoral degree scholarship opportunities here

Explore these PhD Scholarships in Germany for International Students

So, buckle up and prepare to be amazed by the incredible opportunities that await you in Germany as i listed all these doctoral degree scholarship opportunities here:

1# DAAD Research Grants – Doctoral Programs in Germany

• Benefits : Fully funded scholarship for research in Germany.
• Stipend : Approx. €1,200 per month for doctoral candidates, plus travel and research subsidies, health insurance, and possibly rent subsidies or family allowances.
• Next Application Period : Opens around August 2024 for 2025 intakes.
• Expected Deadline : Late October 2024 or early November 2024.
• Additional Info : DAAD covers up to three years of funding. Recipients also have access to networking events and research communities in Germany.

2# Heinrich Böll Foundation PhD Scholarships

• Benefits : Focuses on supporting researchers committed to environmental sustainability, human rights, and democracy.
• Stipend : Up to €1,350 per month, plus research costs and travel grants.
• Next Application Period : Spring 2025 applications likely open in early 2025.
• Expected Deadline : March 1, 2025.
• Additional Info : Open to international students. Selection criteria emphasize social engagement and academic excellence.
• https://www.boell.de/en/scholarships

3# Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) PhD Scholarship

• Benefits : Supports promising students who demonstrate strong leadership potential.
• Stipend : Up to €1,350 per month, plus travel and research grants, health insurance, and family allowances if applicable.
• Next Application Period : Opens in mid-2024 for 2025.
• Expected Deadline : Around September 15, 2024.
• Additional Info : In addition to financial support, KAS provides recipients with mentoring and access to a large network of political, academic, and cultural connections.
• https://www.kas.de/en/web/begabtenfoerderung-und-kultur/auslaenderfoerderung

4# Hans Böckler Foundation PhD Scholarships

• Benefits : Promotes social science and political research, often with a focus on labor and trade union issues.
• Stipend : Approx. €1,450 per month, plus research and travel allowances.
• Next Application Period : Open around early 2025 for the fall intake.
• Expected Deadline : April 30, 2025.
• Additional Info : Provides funding for up to three years and focuses on candidates whose research aligns with social democracy values.
• https://www.boeckler.de/de/international-scholarships-33846.htm

5# Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Doctoral Scholarship

• Benefits : Open to outstanding international students, promoting democratic and social justice ideals.
• Stipend : €1,350 per month, including health insurance and family allowances.
• Next Application Period : Likely opens in late 2024 for the 2025 intake.
• Expected Deadline : November 30, 2024.
• Additional Info : Special focus on candidates with social engagement and leadership qualities.
• https://soe.fes.de/about-us/scholarship-programme.html

6# Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) PhD Scholarships

• Benefits : Supports research in the social sciences, politics, and development, with a focus on social justice.
• Stipend : Approx. €1,350 per month plus research and travel allowances.
• Next Application Period : Expected to open early 2025 for fall intakes.
• Expected Deadline : April 15, 2025.
• Additional Info : Open to international applicants, with a particular focus on underrepresented groups.
• https://www.rosalux.de/en/foundation/studienwerk/doctoral-scholarships

7# Max Planck Institute PhD Fellowships

• Benefits : Full funding for students enrolled in the Max Planck Research Schools, supporting innovative interdisciplinary research.
• Stipend : Around €1,500 per month, depending on the institute.
• Next Application Period : Rolling admissions, but deadlines vary by institute, usually late 2024 or early 2025.
• Expected Deadline : Varies across institutes, commonly in December 2024.
• Additional Info : These fellowships offer direct access to cutting-edge research facilities and collaboration with top scientists worldwide.
• https://www.mpinat.mpg.de/fellowships

8# German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) – EPOS Scholarships

• Benefits : Special program offering doctoral funding in fields related to development cooperation.
• Stipend : Approx. €1,200 per month, travel expenses, health insurance, and research allowance.
• Next Application Period : Starts in September 2024 for the 2025 intake.
• Expected Deadline : October 31, 2024.
• Additional Info : Open to students from developing countries, focusing on research contributing to the development of their home countries.
• https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=50076777

9#  Humboldt Research Fellowship for International Doctoral Students

• Benefits : Aimed at experienced researchers to conduct long-term projects in Germany.
• Stipend : Monthly fellowship of €2,670 for postdocs (although PhD candidates can also apply).
• Next Application Period : Continuous applications accepted, but review cycles are throughout the year.
• Expected Deadline : No fixed deadlines; applications can be submitted anytime.
• Additional Info : Supports researchers from all over the world, allowing for research stays in Germany for up to two years.
• https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/humboldt-research-fellowship

10# German Research Foundation (DFG) – Doctoral Fellowships

• Benefits : Offers extensive funding for doctoral candidates involved in collaborative research centers.
• Stipend : Varies, but typically ranges from €1,500–€2,000 per month, depending on the specific research program.
• Next Application Period : Varies based on collaborative research centers, with some opening in late 2024 for 2025 intake.
• Expected Deadline : Deadlines vary by research center; some are expected to close by February 2025.
• https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/individual/research-fellowships .

Philip Morgan

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.