The University of Kassel has officially opened applications for its Exposé Scholarships 2026, designed to support aspiring doctoral candidates in preparing their dissertation proposals. This competitive program provides both financial backing and academic support for early-stage researchers committed to undertaking their doctorate under the supervision of a Kassel professor.
Scholarship Overview
The Exposé Scholarship offers €1,300 per month, with an additional €200 family allowance available upon request. Funding runs for up to nine months, starting April 1, 2026, and concluding no later than December 31, 2026.
The main purpose of the award is to allow scholars to prepare a comprehensive dissertation exposé—an essential requirement for admission as a doctoral candidate at the University of Kassel. The grant can also strengthen applications for further funding from external foundations.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Hold a confirmed commitment of doctoral supervision by a professor at the University of Kassel.
- Be pursuing their first doctorate, as repeat doctoral funding is not permitted.
- Apply only once, with reapplication permitted only if funding is interrupted due to exceptional life circumstances such as illness, childbirth, or caregiving responsibilities.
Selection Criteria
Awards are decided by a dedicated scholarship committee consisting of the vice president of the university, three professors, and one academic staff member. Selection will be based on:
- A detailed letter of motivation outlining academic and professional goals.
- An abstract of the planned dissertation project including research status, objectives, methods, and expected contributions.
- Previous academic performance.
- A recommendation letter from the supervising professor.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted electronically in a single PDF file, either in German or English, through the official portal: https://stellen.uni-kassel.de/erzec.
The required documents include:
- Motivation letter (max. 2 pages).
- Project abstract with bibliography (max. 2 pages).
- Curriculum vitae in table format.
- Copy of higher university degree or transcript if pending.
- Supervisor’s recommendation and assurance of supervision.
Deadline
The last date to apply for the Exposé Scholarships 2026 at the University of Kassel here is December 1, 2025.