The Heidelberg Graduate School for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HGGS) has officially opened its doors for new doctoral applicants, inviting outstanding researchers from around the world to be part of its vibrant, interdisciplinary academic community.
As a doctoral candidate, you have the chance to gain membership in one of Germany’s most prestigious graduate schools, with the added opportunity to apply for the DAAD-GSSP Scholarship to support your academic journey at Heidelberg University.
Why HGGS? An Intellectual Hub for Doctoral Researchers
HGGS is not just another graduate school. It acts as an academic bridge between disciplines, providing tailored, short-duration training courses and academic events to complement the standard doctoral curriculum. If you’re a doctoral researcher in Humanities, Law, Theology, Social Sciences, Economics, or Modern Languages, and you’re passionate about interdisciplinary exploration, this could be your ideal scholarly home.
What makes HGGS particularly compelling is its openness to both German and international candidates, with a well-defined path to integrate into its academic framework—whether through the regular admission route or the fast-track procedure for certain eligible applicants.
Scholarship Opportunity: DAAD-GSSP Fellowship
For international doctoral candidates with confirmed supervision at one of the six participating faculties at Heidelberg University, the DAAD-GSSP Scholarship is a game-changer. This prestigious scholarship, awarded in cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), offers financial support for up to four years, covering living expenses and research-related costs for doctoral studies in Germany.
While HGGS membership itself does not guarantee financial support, the DAAD-GSSP pathway provides a funded opportunity for talented international students to thrive within the HGGS framework.
Eligibility Criteria
You can apply for HGGS membership if:
- You are a doctoral candidate in your first or second year of study.
- You are enrolled or intend to be enrolled in one of the six participating faculties at Heidelberg University.
- You are highly motivated and committed to interdisciplinary research.
Fast-track admissions are open to:
- Scholarship holders of Begabtenförderungswerke or Landesgraduiertenförderung (LGF).
- Doctoral candidates employed at one of the six eligible institutes.
Required Application Documents
For Regular Applicants: Send the following documents as a single PDF file:
- Cover letter (1 page) expressing your interest in HGGS
- Curriculum Vitae
- Project description (1 page, English or German)
- University transcripts (simple copies)
- Written confirmation of supervision from a Heidelberg professor or PD
- An Excel file outlining your academic history (attach as a separate file, not as PDF)
File naming format:
- PDF:
LASTNAME_Firstname_HGGS_2025.pdf - Excel:
LASTNAME_Firstname_HGGS_2025.xlsx
For Fast-Track Applicants:
Submit the following documents as a single PDF file:
- CV
- Project description
- Transcripts
- Excel file (same format and name as above)
This route simplifies your application and accelerates your admission to HGGS.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for HGGS membership and the DAAD-GSSP Scholarship for the Winter Semester is 15 November 2025.