Imagine pursuing a PhD in Berlin’s vibrant center for ancient studies with generous international funding and research support. The DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program offers two fully funded fellowships (2026–2030) for doctoral work in Ancient Languages & Texts at Berlin’s prestigious BerGSAS programs hosted by Humboldt‑Universität and Freie Universität.↚
Embark on a Doctoral Journey in Ancient Texts with DAAD‑funded BerGSAS Fellowship
About the Fellowship
The BerGSAS Ancient Languages & Texts doctoral track invites exceptional candidates to pursue research in fields such as ancient history, Classical and Byzantine Greek, Latin, Egyptology and Coptology, Iranian and Semitic studies, Roman Law, Jewish studies, or digital humanities as they relate to ancient cultures. There are two doctoral scholarships available, each starting October 2026 for up to four years. Fellows receive structured academic support within a collaborative, interdisciplinary doctoral curriculum.Eligibility Criteria
Open only to non‑German citizens who have not held a PhD before and who completed (or will complete) their Master's degree after March 1, 2020. Applicants must not have resided continuously in Germany before December 1, 2024, and must demonstrate outstanding academic performance in relevant disciplines. A Master’s thesis grade must be available at the time of application.↚
What the Scholarship Covers
Awardees receive a monthly stipend of €1,300 along with travel allowances, health, accident and liability insurance, pre‑sessional German language support, and research materials funding including €1,000 per year in research allowances. Family‑oriented allowances and support for rent or dependents may be included depending on circumstances. Short-term research stays abroad (up to 25% of funding duration) are also supported.Why This Fellowship Stands Out
This programme combines Berlin’s academic excellence in ancient studies with DAAD’s structured doctoral funding model. Its distinctive focus on textual heritage, inscriptions, and digital philology within a supportive cohort allows you to engage in field-leading research with robust institutional guidance.↚
How to Apply & Timeline
Applications are submitted via the BerGSAS portal before the deadline of 15 October 2025 (CET). You’ll register online, complete your form, and upload required documents like academic transcripts, a research proposal, language certificates (minimum B2 English; C1 required at Freie Universität), and two confidential reference letters (one from your home university). Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview, and selected applicants are then nominated to DAAD for final selection