Scholarship Announcement: BerGSAS-DAAD Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded) – Germany
About the Scholarship
The Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS), in cooperation with DAAD through the Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP), offers fully funded PhD scholarships for international students. The program runs from October 2026 to September 2030 and supports outstanding researchers in ancient studies, archaeology, philology, theology, and related fields.
The program is hosted by two leading German universities: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin.
Degree Level
PhD (Doctoral Studies)
A Predoc Scholarship is also available for students completing their master's degree and preparing for doctoral admission.
Available Programs and Fields
1. Ancient Languages and Texts (ALT)
Focus: Ancient texts, philology, linguistics, digital humanities
Eligible areas include:
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Ancient History, Late Antiquity, Early Middle Ages
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Greek, Latin, Coptic, Ancient Oriental Languages
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Egyptology, Iranian Studies, Jewish Studies
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Comparative Indo-European Linguistics
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Protestant Theology, Religious Studies, Roman Law
2. Ancient Objects and Visual Studies (AOViS)
Focus: Archaeological artifacts, image communication, visual culture
Eligible areas include:
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Ancient Oriental Studies
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Classical, Near Eastern, and Prehistoric Archaeology
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Egyptology and Northeast African Archaeology
3. Landscape Archaeology and Architecture (LAA)
Focus: Landscape archaeology, architecture, geostatistical approaches
Eligible areas include:
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Classical, Near Eastern, and Prehistoric Archaeology
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Egyptology with a landscape specialization
Scholarship Benefits
Each selected PhD student receives:
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Monthly stipend of EUR 1,300
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Travel allowance
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Health, accident, and liability insurance
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Research and study funding
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Annual material resources allowance (EUR 1,000)
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Family and rent allowances (when applicable)
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Support for a pre-sessional German language course
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International mobility support (up to 25% of total duration)
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants from all countries except Germany.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be non-German citizens
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Hold or be near completion of a master's degree (earned after March 1, 2020)
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Not have resided in Germany continuously since before December 1, 2024
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Not hold a prior PhD
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Demonstrate English proficiency (minimum B2; C1 required for Freie Universität Berlin)
Application Process
Deadline: 15 October 2025 (00:00 CET)
Application Portal: BerGSAS Application Portal
Two-stage selection process:
Stage 1
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Register and submit required documents
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Shortlisted candidates attend an online interview
Stage 2
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Final decision by DAAD after university admission procedures
Required Documents
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Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts
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Proof of English language proficiency
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Research proposal
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Curriculum vitae
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Two recommendation letters (sent directly by referees to: application@berliner-antike-kolleg.org)
Additional Study Options (Without Funding)
Applicants may also apply for study places in:
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Ancient Languages and Texts
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Ancient Objects and Visual Studies
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Landscape Archaeology and Architecture
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Ancient Philosophy and History of Science
Study Place Deadlines:
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Summer Semester 2026 start: Apply by September 30, 2025
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Winter Semester 2026 start: Apply by April 30, 2026
FAQs
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Can I apply without my master’s certificate?
Yes, but your thesis must be graded before the deadline. Final documentation is required before enrollment. -
Is German language certification required?
No. However, selected scholars are encouraged to join a DAAD-funded language course. -
What strengthens an application?
A strong research proposal aligned with program themes, excellent academic performance, strong references, and relevant language skills.
Link to the official announcement (company name included as required):