PhD Scholarships in Germany for International Students 2025
Do you want to complete your PhD in Germany, Europe, where you may have access to state-of-the-art research facilities? Do you want to delve deeply into your subject of study, push the boundaries of knowledge, and get fully immersed in the colorful history and culture of Germany?
If so, a variety of fully financed PhD scholarships are available to you from Germany. This is your chance to turn your goals into reality. In this guide, we list out the most prominent PhD scholarships in Germany for 2025, which also includes information on research grants, significant stipends, and priceless networking and mentorship possibilities.
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Table of Contents
Examine these PhD Scholarships in Germany for International Students
#1. DAAD Research Grants—Doctoral Programs in Germany
DAAD research grants provide young foreign academics and scientists with an opportunity to carry out research and continue their education in Germany. There are funding programmes for various qualification phases and stages in a career. The grants also promote the exchange of experience and networking amongst colleagues.
- 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.
- https://www.afterschoolafrica.com/76527/daad-research-grants-doctoral-programmes-in-germany-2024-for-young-foreign-academics/
#2. Heinrich Böll Foundation PhD Scholarships
The Heinrich Böll Foundation grants scholarships to approximately 1500 undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students of all subjects and nationalities per year, who are pursuing their degree at universities, universities of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschulen’), or universities of the arts (‘Kunst-/Musikhochschulen’).
They expect scholarship recipients to have excellent academic records, to be socially and politically engaged, and to have an active interest in the basic values of the foundation: ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self-determination, and justice.
- 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
This Scholarship Program for International Students is aimed at international students and graduates who have acquired a university degree and who intend to complete postgraduate or master studies, doctoral studies, or a research stay of at least four semesters at a university in Germany.
- 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. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Doctoral Scholarship
The FES supports students from public or state-approved universities and from polytechnical colleges. It supports all academic subjects and postgraduate programmes. It is also possible for non-German students to apply for the scholarship programme. They, however, need to study in Germany at the time of application.
We provide funding for:
- All fields of study, including artistic degree courses
- First degree courses Bachelor’s/diplomas/state examinations
- Master’s/postgraduate programmes
- Doctoral degrees
Please note:
In order to apply for a scholarship, it is essential that you live in Germany and study at a German university and have a very good command of German, as well as if you have proofed sufficient German language skills. Applications have to be submitted in German.
- 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
#5. Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) PhD Scholarships
Both resident as well as foreign doctoral students are eligible to apply for a doctoral scholarship in all disciplines (except for medical degrees).
Eligibility requirements for a doctoral scholarship include outstanding academic performance during undergraduate studies as well as proof of social engagement in the spirit of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung.
German doctoral students enrolled in a public or publicly accredited institution of higher education in Germany, the EU, or Switzerland are eligible for scholarships. Foreign doctoral students enrolled in a doctoral programme at a public or publicly accredited institution of higher education in Germany are also eligible. Foreign students who plan an extended research stay outside of Germany during their doctoral studies are also eligible for this scholarship.
- 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
#6. 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
#7. German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) – EPOS Scholarships
The scholarships offer foreign graduates from development and newly industrialized countries from all disciplines and with at least two years’ professional experience the chance to take a postgraduate or Master’s degree at a state or state-recognized German university, and in exceptional cases to take a doctoral degree, and to obtain a university qualification (Master’s/PhD) in Germany.
- 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
#8. Humboldt Research Fellowship for International Doctoral Students
The Humboldt Research Fellowship for researchers of all nationalities and research areas: They support you with your research in Germany.
Through the Humboldt Research Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe. As a fellow, you will benefit from individual support from the Humboldt Foundation and our diverse sponsorship portfolio.
- Benefits: Aim 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 are 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.afterschoolafrica.com/89804/humboldt-research-fellowship/
#9. German Research Foundation (DFG)—Doctoral Fellowships
To enable researchers at an early stage of their scientific career to carry out a clearly defined research project at a place of their choice abroad or to acquaint themselves with new scientific research methods
Eligibility Requirements
- German researchers from all disciplines who have completed their academic qualifications (doctorate)
- International researchers from all disciplines who have completed their scientific training (doctorate)
Provided they have been resident in Germany for several years and have completed at least three years of scientific work as a doctoral or postdoctoral researcher in the German research system and state that they wish to continue to pursue their research in Germany in the future.
Limitations apply to early career researchers who, at the time of application, are abroad. As an exception, established researchers holding a doctorate may submit proposals to allow them to dedicate themselves to a research project of particular importance.
- 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.
