4 North American Studies PhD Scholarships 2026 Batch at Freie Universität Berlin

If you’ve been waiting for a serious PhD opening backed by DAAD funding and hosted at one of Germany’s most internationally respected universities, this is your signal. The Graduate School of the John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies at Freie Universität Berlin has officially opened applications for doctoral scholarships and funded PhD memberships for 2026, targeting ambitious researchers ready to work on North America–focused doctoral projects in the social sciences and humanities.

What This Doctoral Opportunity Offers?

This call is designed for candidates who want structured doctoral training, international exposure, and funded research time in Berlin’s academic ecosystem. Successful applicants can access multiple funding pathways under one application.

Available funding routes include:

• 2 one-year doctoral grants (2026–2027) for the qualification phase (core curriculum)
• 2 fully funded four-year DAAD doctoral scholarships under the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)
• 7 doctoral memberships (Promotionsplätze) for candidates holding competitive third-party funding (minimum 36 months)
• Full PhD structure with English as the working language
• Academic home at the Graduate School of North American Studies (GSNAS) in Berlin.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a strong academic background and a clear research agenda linked to North America (USA or Canada). The program is competitive and research-driven.

You are a strong fit if you:

• Hold (or are completing) a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
• Propose a doctoral project focused on North America
• Plan research in fields such as:
  1. International Relations, Political Science, Sociology
  2. American / North American Studies
  3. Economics, Economic History
  4. Cultural Studies, Social & Modern History
• Can demonstrate advanced English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL iBT 100 or equivalent)
• Are not planning a self-funded PhD (self-funding is not permitted)
• Can submit two academic references by the referee deadline.

How the Application Works?

Applications are submitted entirely online through the GSNAS platform. You can save progress and complete the application in stages before final submission.

Application steps in brief:

1. Apply via the official platform and select “I want to apply to the GSNAS”
2. Upload required documents (CV, SOP, degrees, research proposal, writing sample, language proof)
3. Submit before the deadline so referees receive upload links
4. Ensure referees upload recommendation letters by the secondary deadline

Reapplications are allowed only with a substantially revised dissertation proposal.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the doctoral scholarships and doctoral memberships at Freie Universität Berlin under GSNAS is January 31, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application by this date, while referees have until February 15, 2026 to upload recommendation letters. Candidates who are finishing their Master’s degree must provide final transcripts no later than July 31, 2026 to secure admission.