The University of Leipzig, in collaboration with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), is now accepting applications for the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) 2026.
This fully funded opportunity provides selected international PhD candidates with a monthly stipend of €1,300 (including health insurance, liability insurance, and research allowances) for a period of up to 48 months.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | €15,600 Annual Stipend | Research Allowance
- IELTS: Not Required
- Deadline: November 15, 2025
Scholarship Details
The Graduate School Global and Area Studies (GSGAS) at Leipzig University invites applications from outstanding international PhD candidates for two fully funded scholarships under the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme. The GSGAS provides an interdisciplinary academic environment, making it an excellent platform for doctoral research that focuses on regional, transregional, transnational, and global topics, both in historical and contemporary dimensions.
Proposed research projects are expected to address questions that provide deeper insights into today’s global challenges. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, migration, pandemics, climate change, revolutions, crises, decolonization, and globalization dynamics, explored either from a social sciences or historical perspective.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) 2026, applicants must:
- Be international candidates who have not resided in Germany for more than 15 months.
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed within the last six years.
- Demonstrate strong research interest in themes connected to global, transregional, or transnational studies.
- Ensure that their most recent final examination (Master’s Degree) was completed no more than six years before the time of application.
Scholarship Benefits
Selected applicants will be awarded:
- €1,300 per month stipend (covering health insurance, liability insurance, and research allowances).
- Up to 48 months of funding for PhD studies.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Completed Application Form
- Motivation Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Degree Certificates (Master’s and earlier qualifications)
- Research Exposé (detailed PhD project proposal)
- Reference/Recommendation Letters
How to Apply
To apply for the Leipzig DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) 2026:
- Click HERE to access the University of Leipzig scholarship webpage.
- Submit a written application to the GSGAS, including all required documents (Deadline: November 15, 2025).
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for selection interviews and nomination by GSGAS (Jan/Feb 2026).
- Nominated candidates will then complete an online application on the DAAD portal (Guidelines provided by GSGAS). Final DAAD funding decisions are expected by May 2026.
- Successful candidates can commence the PhD scholarship in October 2026.
