General Information

Funding takes the form of a scholarship and/or a mini-grant.

• Scholarships provide 1,350.00 euros per month. If a family supplement applies, this amount may be increased by 200 euros per month.
• Mini grants are one-time grants of up to 1,600 euros to covermaterial and travel expenses. See "Mini grants" for further details.

Please note: Funding allocations depend on the university’s budget situation at the time of the application deadline. There is no entitlement to receive a scholarship or grant.

Pursuant to Section 3.1 of the StpVO, applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a  doctoral scholarship:

1. Demonstrates exceptional academic performance in courses and exams
2. Is capable of doing important academic research
3. Is under the age of 35 at the start of the funding period
4. Has met the requirements noted in point 1 within four semesters of the standard period of study (standard period+4 semesters)

The following exclusion criteria will render an applicant ineligible for funding:

• The applicant works more than 10 hours per week in a research and teaching position, or the applicant works more than 5 hours per week in another job.
• The applicant has already received funding from public or publicly funded private institutions for the specific doctoral or artistic project to be developed.
• Other grounds for exclusion under Section 4 of the StpVO apply.

The scholarship or award will end:

• At the end of the funding period or
• At the end of the month when the doctoral examination takes place or
• At the end of the month when the scholarship holder has started a position that cannot be considered a side job (Nebentätigkeit), in accordance with § 4 StpVO.

Mini grants for material and travel expenses can be granted as a subsidy upon application if these expenses are necessary for the preparation for the doctorate or for the development of the artistic development project and the costs cannot reasonably be expected to be borne by the scholarship holder.

Printing costs do not fall under material costs and cannot be covered.

Appropriate evidence must be enclosed with the application. Travel expenses include travel costs and increased expenses for meals and accommodation. Journeys must be made using the cheapest means of transport for the connection. Overnight accommodation costs should not exceed EUF's maximum rates of €80/d.

The total amount of mini grants cannot exceed EUR 1,600.