Germany Böckler Foundation Scholarships 2026 for International Students

If you’re an international candidate passionate about social sciences, humanities, or economics, the Hans Böckler Foundation invites you to apply for their prestigious scholarship programs for 2026 in Germany. These scholarships are uniquely crafted to support international doctoral students looking to enhance their research with a stay in Germany, offering an opportunity to integrate into the German academic landscape.

About the Hans Böckler Stiftung

The Hans Böckler Foundation, backed by the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB), focuses on promoting co-determination and research tied to labor and societal welfare. Through their scholarship programs, the foundation aims to support foreign PhD students who are academically excellent and socially committed, with a focus on applicants from the global south.

Available Scholarships for 2026 at Hans Böckler Stiftung

1# Dieter Schumacher International PhD Scholarship

• Field: Economics
• Duration: 12–24 months
• Stipend: EUR 1,550/month with an annual travel allowance of EUR 1,400
• Age Limit: Applicants must be under 30
• Research Areas: Projects related to fiscal and monetary policy, labor markets, income distribution, and financial markets from an employee perspective.

2# Ute and György Széll International PhD Scholarship

• Field: Social Sciences and Humanities
• Duration: Six months
• Stipend: EUR 1,450/month with an annual travel allowance of EUR 1,300
• Age Limit: No age limit
• Special Feature: Candidates may also stay at a foundation or archive in addition to a university or research institute.

Both scholarships are aimed at students actively engaged in political, cultural, or social fields, with a strong alignment to the values of the Hans Böckler Foundation.

Eligibility Benchmark Requirements

To apply for either scholarship, candidates should prepare:

• A 3-page description of the doctoral project, outlining research goals and methodology.
• An invitation letter from a German host supervisor to provide local support.
• Letters of recommendation from the PhD supervisor at the home institution.
• A CV, diploma, and a completed application form (https://www.boeckler.de/de/international-scholarships-33846.htm).

Application Deadlines for 2026

• Dieter Schumacher PhD Scholarship: Applications are due by February 28, 2026.
• Ute and György Széll PhD Scholarship: Applications for the 2026 program are due by February 28, 2026.

For Winter Semester Applications: November 15, 2025, to February 1, 2026. (Ref)