Home Scholarships – Germany

Home Scholarships – Germany

Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
University: Heidelberg University
Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral Degree)
Fields of Study: All eligible subjects (see details below)
Eligible Applicants: International Students
Country: Germany

About Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University, officially known as Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, is Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386. It is internationally recognized for its academic excellence, strong research culture, and long-standing tradition in higher education.

Located in the historic city of Heidelberg, the university is particularly renowned for its strengths in medicine, life sciences, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. As a member of the German Excellence Strategy, Heidelberg University offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment, attracting scholars and students from all over the world and maintaining strong collaborations with leading global research institutions.

About the DAAD-GSSP Scholarship

The DAAD-GSSP Scholarship at Heidelberg University is a prestigious fully funded doctoral opportunity offered through the Heidelberg Graduate School for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HGGS). The program is designed for outstanding international PhD candidates pursuing advanced research in the humanities, law, and social sciences, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research.

Degree Level

• PhD / Doctoral Degree

Available Subjects

The scholarship supports doctoral research in the following fields:

• Humanities

• Social Sciences

• Law

• Theology

• Philosophy

• Modern Languages

• Behavioural and Cultural Studies

• Economics and Social Sciences

Interdisciplinary research projects are strongly encouraged, especially in the following research areas:

• Cultural Dynamics in Globalised Worlds

• Self-Regulation and Regulation: Individuals and Societies

Benefits

Successful candidates will receive:

• Monthly stipend of €1,400

• Funding for up to four 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 beginning of the PhD

• Access to Heidelberg University’s interdisciplinary research environment

• Academic supervision by leading professors at Heidelberg University

Eligible Nationalities

• Open to international students of all nationalities

Residency Condition:
Applicants must be residing outside Germany or must not have lived in Germany for more than 12 months at the time of application.

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

• Submit a strong research proposal with interdisciplinary relevance

• Demonstrate 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

Application Procedure

To apply for the DAAD-GSSP Scholarship at Heidelberg University:

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

2. Prepare the following documents:

   • Cover page

   • Letter of intention (maximum 2 pages)

   • Academic CV

   • Research proposal (maximum 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 for an online interview

Important Deadline Note

• The application deadline varies every year

• Applicants are strongly advised to regularly check the official Heidelberg University and HGGS scholarship page

Official Link (University name included):