Training Courses & Scholarships at The University of Hamburg
About the University
The University of Hamburg, one of Germany’s leading institutions for higher education and research, hosts the Cluster of Excellence “Understanding Written Artefacts” (CSMC). The CSMC focuses on studying manuscript cultures, inscriptions, and the history of written artefacts through interdisciplinary research combining humanities, cultural studies, and natural sciences. The university provides a vibrant academic environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and global academic exchange.
1. Germany University of Hamburg DAAD-CSMC Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)
Institution: University of Hamburg
Program Type: Doctoral Scholarship (PhD)
Funding Body: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) – Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Application Deadline: 30 September 2025
Start Date: January 2026 onwards
Duration: 3 years (Full-time)
Program Overview:
The Cluster of Excellence “Understanding Written Artefacts” (CSMC) invites outstanding international candidates to apply for its DAAD-CSMC Fully Funded Doctoral Scholarships 2026. This prestigious program offers a unique opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary PhD research in Germany, exploring the history, materiality, and cultural significance of manuscripts and written artefacts.
Doctoral researchers will work closely with leading scholars across diverse disciplines such as philology, history, linguistics, anthropology, computer science, chemistry, and physics. The program supports innovative studies that link humanities and natural sciences to understand how written artefacts were produced, transmitted, and preserved over time.
Degree Options:
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Dr. phil. – for candidates in Humanities (e.g., History, Philology, Linguistics, Cultural Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology)
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Dr. rer. nat. – for candidates in Natural Sciences (e.g., Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics)
Scholarship Benefits:
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Monthly stipend: €1,300 for a period of 3 years
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Comprehensive health insurance and social security coverage
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Additional allowances for family members or research stays abroad (depending on eligibility)
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Full access to University of Hamburg research facilities, libraries, laboratories, and academic networks
This full financial support enables doctoral researchers to fully dedicate their time to academic studies and independent research without financial constraints.
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Academic Environment and Support:
Scholars will become members of the Graduate School of the CSMC, benefiting from structured supervision, interdisciplinary training, and continuous mentoring.
The program includes:
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Participation in academic colloquia, international workshops, and summer schools
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Training in research methodologies, data analysis, and manuscript studies
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Access to the Artefact Profiling Lab and CSMC’s world-class library collections
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Development of professional and academic communication skills
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Opportunities to pursue co-tutelle programs (bi-nationally supervised PhDs)
Eligibility Criteria:
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Applicants must be non-German citizens (international candidates are prioritized, especially from the Global South).
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A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant fields such as history, philology, linguistics, anthropology, archaeology, computer science, chemistry, or physics.
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Proof of English language proficiency at least at B1 level (certified).
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Applicants should have completed their Master’s degree no more than 6 years ago and must not have resided in Germany for over 15 months at the time of nomination (November 2025).
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Candidates already holding a PhD degree are not eligible.
Application Procedure:
Applicants are required to submit a single PDF file containing the following documents:
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Research Proposal (maximum 5 pages) – including abstract, project description, and a 3-year research schedule.
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Curriculum Vitae (CV) – with academic background, publications, and language proficiency.
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Motivation Letter (1 page) – explaining academic interests and long-term career goals.
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Certified copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates (with English or German translations if applicable).
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Academic Recommendation Letter – from a professor at the applicant’s home university (DAAD template optional).
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Proof of English Proficiency (B1 or higher).
All application materials must be submitted in English or German by 30 September 2025.
Why Choose the University of Hamburg?
The University of Hamburg is globally recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, world-class faculty, and strong international collaborations. The CSMC connects over 40 academic disciplines, offering a truly global learning environment for doctoral researchers. Students gain hands-on experience in analyzing and preserving written artefacts, contributing to the understanding of human communication, history, and knowledge systems.
This scholarship represents an outstanding opportunity for motivated scholars to build an academic career in Europe’s top-tier research ecosystem while exploring how writing has shaped civilizations throughout history.