DAAD Graduate School Scholarships 2026 at Leipzig University for International Students

Dreaming of pursuing your PhD in Europe with full financial support? Leipzig University, through the Graduate School Global and Area Studies (GSGAS) and the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme, has just opened two fully funded PhD positions for international candidates. If your research passion lies in global challenges, cultural studies, or interdisciplinary approaches to today’s pressing issues, this is your chance to join one of Germany’s leading academic hubs.

Funding Package

Selected scholars will receive a DAAD PhD scholarship of €1,300 per month, covering health and liability insurance, plus additional research allowances. The award runs for a maximum of 48 months (4 years), ensuring complete support from start to finish of your doctoral journey in Leipzig.

Eligibility Checks

• Open to international applicants who have not lived in Germany for more than 15 months.
• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed within the past six years.
• Strong interest in themes related to global, transregional, or transnational studies, particularly on issues like crises, revolutions, pandemics, migration, climate change, decolonization, globalization dynamics, and more.
• Working language: English.

Eligible academic fields include: Anthropology, Media Culture, Political Science, Sustainability Sciences, European/North American/Asian Studies, Sociology, Development Cooperation, Gender Studies, International Relations, Cultural Studies, and other related disciplines.

Application Timeline

The application process unfolds in three stages:

1. Written application to GSGAS (Deadline: 15 November 2025) – submit your application form and documents directly to Leipzig University.
2. Selection interviews & nomination (Jan–Feb 2026) – shortlisted candidates will be interviewed and nominated by GSGAS.
3. Final DAAD application & decision (until May 2026) – nominated candidates must apply through the DAAD portal. Final decisions are taken by DAAD.

Scholarships begin in October 2026 for a full 4-year PhD program.

Required Documents

To be considered for this DAAD GSS 2026 Scholarship at University of Leipzig, applicants must prepare and upload the following:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certificates (Master’s and previous degrees)
• Research exposé (detailed proposal for your PhD project)
• References (recommendation letters).
• Application form: https://recentglobe.uni-leipzig.de/zentrum/detailansicht-1/artikel/cfa-daad-graduate-school-scholarship-programme-gssp-2026-2025-09-01

Why Apply?

This is more than just a scholarship – it’s a gateway to immersive interdisciplinary research, mentorship, and international collaboration. At GSGAS, you’ll work on cutting-edge themes that critically shape how we understand crises, transitions, and global interconnections.