German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) Scholarships

The DBU scholarship program for doctoral students serves to promote qualified young scientists in applied environmental research and to build up an interdisciplinary network of environmental experts. It supports doctoral theses at German universities that are clearly related to current environmental issues and contribute to practical and sustainable solutions.

The program is open to applicants from all disciplines, including the natural and engineering sciences and also the social sciences, humanities, economics, and law. It especially encourages interdisciplinary environmental research. The DBU also announces additional focus topics in the fellowship program at irregular intervals, while the “normal” program continues in parallel.

Promising applicants have an above-average degree and are highly motivated to contribute to the solution of current environmental problems in a goal-oriented manner or to promote sustainable development. Applicants must prepare complete application documents in German and have a good command of German (at least level B2). Incomplete applications and applications received after the respective application deadline cannot be considered, and reapplying is prevented after rejection.

Funding lasts for a maximum of 36 months and includes a basic monthly grant plus monthly material and travel expenses, with additional subsidies possible. The scholarship includes personal support and supervision by DBU consultants and activities such as DBU scholarship seminars (1 week per year), specialist colloquia support, and participation in DBU events. Doctoral fellowships support individuals but not institutions.

• Applications are welcome from all disciplines (not only natural and engineering sciences, but also social sciences, humanities, economics, and law).
• Interdisciplinary environmental research is especially encouraged.
• Applicants have an above-average degree.
• Applicants are highly motivated to contribute to the solution of current environmental problems in a goal-oriented manner or to promote sustainable development.
• With their doctorate, applicants want to develop sustainable solutions for current environmental problems.
• Applicants have or are earning an above-average degree; all majors are eligible.
• Applicants have a coherent resume.
• The doctoral thesis deals with the environmental situation in Germany or with global environmental challenges with relevance for Germany.
• The doctorate is at a German university and has not yet begun.
• A project is considered to have been started if applicants have been working scientifically on the doctoral topic for more than 1 year since graduation.
• The complete application documents must be prepared in German.
• Applicants must have a good command of German (at least level B2).
• Stays abroad are possible as long as the doctoral studies take place mainly at the supervising institution in Germany.
• Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
• Applications received after the respective application deadline cannot be considered.
• No more than one application per working group/scientific supervisor may be submitted per application round.
• Doctoral fellowships support individuals but not institutions.
• It is not permissible to focus on a larger set of topics (bundling of individual applications) that has not been coordinated with the DBU.
• Rejection of a scholarship application will preclude reapplication.

• Basic monthly grant: €1,650.
• Monthly material and travel expenses: €150.
• Further subsidy of material costs possible.
• Health insurance subsidy of up to €150 possible.
• Monthly child supplement and other support possible.
• Personal support and supervision by DBU consultants.
• Presentation of results, interdisciplinary exchange and excursions at DBU scholarship seminars (1 week per year).
• Support in the organization of your own specialist colloquia.
• Invitation to the EnvironmentalAward Ceremony and other DBU events; also for alumni.
• Networking between scholarship holders and alumni via the Stipnet communication platform.