Heidelberg University DAAD-GSSP Scholarship 2026, Germany (Fully Funded)

The DAAD-GSSP Scholarship at Heidelberg University is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for outstanding international doctoral candidates in the humanities, law, and social sciences. Offered through the Heidelberg Graduate School for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HGGS), this scholarship supports interdisciplinary PhD research at one of Germany’s oldest and most globally respected universities.

Heidelberg University, officially known as Heidelberg University (Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg), is Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386, and is internationally respected for its strong academic tradition and research excellence. Located in the historic city of Heidelberg, the university is particularly renowned for its strengths in medicine, life sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. As a leading research institution and a member of the German Excellence Strategy, Heidelberg University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, attracts students from around the world, and maintains close collaborations with global research organizations, creating a rich academic environment that blends centuries of tradition with modern innovation.

Successful candidates of the DAAD-GSSP Scholarship at Heidelberg University receive:

• Monthly stipend of €1,400
• Funding for up to four years
• Admission and membership in the Heidelberg Graduate School for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HGGS)
• Opportunity to learn or improve German language skills at the start of the PhD
• Access to Heidelberg University’s interdisciplinary research environment
• Academic supervision by leading professors at Heidelberg University

• PhD / Doctoral Degree

The scholarship is available for doctoral research in the following academic areas:

• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Law
• Theology
• Philosophy
• Modern Languages
• Behavioural and Cultural Studies
• Economics and Social Sciences

Interdisciplinary research projects are strongly encouraged, particularly those aligned with Heidelberg University’s research priorities:

• Cultural Dynamics in Globalised Worlds
• Self-Regulation and Regulation: Individuals and Societies

Open to international students of all nationalities

Applicants must be residing outside Germany or have lived in Germany for no longer than 12 months at the time of application

To be eligible for the DAAD-GSSP Scholarship, applicants must:

• Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in humanities, law, or social sciences
• Have completed at least four years of university study
• Possess an above-average academic record
• Demonstrate a strong research proposal with interdisciplinary relevance
• Show very good command of English
• Secure a written supervision agreement from a Professor or PD at Heidelberg University
• Meet DAAD eligibility requirements for international doctoral funding

Follow these steps to apply for the DAAD-GSSP Scholarship at Heidelberg University:

• Identify a supervisor at Heidelberg University and obtain a written confirmation of supervision
• Prepare application documents, including:

1. Cover page
2. Letter of intention (max. 2 pages)
3. Academic CV
4. Research proposal (max. 5 pages)
5. Research timeline
6. Academic transcripts
7. Two recommendation letters (DAAD format)
8. Supervision agreement
9. Academic career Excel sheet

• Combine all required documents into one PDF file
• Email the complete application to the official HGGS email addresses
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview

Important Deadline Note

•  The application deadline varies every year.

Applicants are strongly advised to regularly check the official Heidelberg University and HGGS website for the most up-to-date deadline, eligibility conditions, and application guidelines.