Heidelberg University DAAD-GSSP Scholarship 2027, Germany (Fully Funded)

About Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University (Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg) is Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386, and is globally respected for its academic tradition and research excellence. Located in the historic city of Heidelberg, it is renowned for strengths in medicine, life sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. As a leading research institution and a member of the German Excellence Strategy, Heidelberg University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, attracting students from around the world and maintaining close collaborations with global research organizations.

The DAAD-GSSP Scholarship is offered through the Heidelberg Graduate School for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HGGS), supporting outstanding international doctoral candidates conducting interdisciplinary research.

Degree Level

PhD / Doctoral Degree

Available Subjects

Doctoral research is available in the following academic areas:

• Humanities

• Social Sciences

• Law

• Theology

• Philosophy

• Modern Languages

• Behavioural and Cultural Studies

• Economics and Social Sciences

Interdisciplinary research projects are highly encouraged, particularly those aligned with Heidelberg University’s research priorities:

• Cultural Dynamics in Globalised Worlds

• Self-Regulation and Regulation: Individuals and Societies

Benefits

Successful candidates will receive:

• Monthly stipend: €1,400

• Funding duration: Up to 4 years

• Admission and membership in the Heidelberg Graduate School for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HGGS)

• Opportunity to learn or improve German language skills at the start of the PhD

• Access to Heidelberg University’s interdisciplinary research environment

• Academic supervision by leading professors at Heidelberg University

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in humanities, law, or social sciences

• Have completed at least four years of university study

• Possess an above-average academic record

• Demonstrate a strong research proposal with interdisciplinary relevance

• Show very good command of English

• Secure a written supervision agreement from a Professor or PD at Heidelberg University

• Meet DAAD eligibility requirements for international doctoral funding

• Be residing outside Germany, or have lived in Germany for no longer than 12 months at the time of application

Application Procedure

1. Identify a supervisor at Heidelberg University and obtain a written confirmation of supervision

2. Prepare application documents, including:

   • Cover page

   • Letter of intention (max. 2 pages)

   • Academic CV

   • Research proposal (max. 5 pages)

   • Research timeline

   • Academic transcripts

   • Two recommendation letters (DAAD format)

   • Supervision agreement

   • Academic career Excel sheet

3. Combine all documents into one PDF file

4. Email the complete application to the official HGGS email addresses

5. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview

Important Note: Application deadline varies each year.

Job Required – Heidelberg University DAAD-GSSP Scholarship