Are you passionate about literary studies and dreaming of pursuing a fully funded PhD in Europe? The Graduate School Practices of Literature (GSPoL) in Germany is offering a prestigious DAAD Scholarships 2026 at University of Münster, a program for international students. This is a golden opportunity for students with strong academic backgrounds to engage in interdisciplinary research, immerse themselves in international academia, and build careers within and beyond universities.

Offered under the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) and supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this three-year fully funded PhD opportunity is designed to attract international talent to Germany’s vibrant academic ecosystem.

About the University of Münster

One of Germany’s largest and most renowned institutions, The University of Münster (WWU), is known for its academic excellence and a rich history of humanities research. The university ranks highly in both the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE), especially for its programs in literature, philosophy, and philology. With strong international collaborations and an inclusive environment, Münster provides the perfect platform for global students to excel in their academic journey.

Why Choose GSPoL for Your PhD?

• Interdisciplinary approach combining traditional philology with modern cultural studies
• Highly structured curriculum including workshops, colloquia, internships, and teaching
• Strong international community and supervision model
• Direct career pathways within and beyond academia
• You can get an access to DAAD’s vast support network

DAAD Scholarships 2026- Overview

Program Name	DAAD Scholarships for International PhD Students at GSPoL
Host University	University of Münster
Funding Body	DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Level	PhD
Fields of Study	Literary and Cultural Studies (Multiple Languages and Regions)
DAAD Scholarships University of Münster Deadline	May 31, 2025
Scholarship period	April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2029
Location	Germany
Number of Scholarships	Up to 2

Scholarship Benefits

You’ll avail yourself of following benefits by applying for DAAD Scholarships 2026 at University of Münster:

• Monthly stipend funded by DAAD for the full duration (36 months)
• Potential one-year extension based on progress
• International research environment and supervision
• Research training in interdisciplinary and professional development
• Opportunity to participate in internships, teaching, and academic events
• Mentoring group of three supervisors
• Travel support and potential for up to 9 months of research abroad (max. 25% of total duration)

Fields and Research Areas

Students can pursue research in various fields within literature and cultural studies, including:

• English and American Studies
• German Studies
• Arabic and Islamic Studies
• Latin Philology / Neo-Medieval Latin Studies
• Romance Studies (French, Spanish, Italian Literature)
• Sinology
• Dutch and Scandinavian Studies
• Slavic Studies

Core Research Areas

1. Literature, Culture, and Society
   • You’ll learn how literature reflects and shapes society and culture
   • Emphasis on cultural and social theories in literary interpretation
2. Theories of Literature and Culture
   • Investigates methodologies and historical development of the field
   • This course focuses on literary theory, cultural studies, and interdisciplinary approaches
3. Literary/Cultural Studies and the Professional World
   • Examines the relevance of literary studies in various professional sectors
   • Includes transferable skills, market analysis, and public engagement

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Daad scholarships university of münster, requirements need to be fulfilled are: 

• A strong academic background in a GSPoL-related field (preferably a master’s degree in literary studies with a GPA equivalent to at least 2.0 under the German system)
• In exceptional cases, a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 1.5 may be considered
• Proficiency in German and English (one language at C1, the other at B1 according to CEFR)
• Additional foreign language skills (as required by the program)
• Must not have been living in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of nomination
• Applicants should typically not have graduated more than six years prior to nomination
• If you’re already holding a PhD
• Willingness to engage in international academic environments and research mobility

Application Process

For DAAD PhD Scholarships 2026 at University of Münster, the application follows a three-step selection process:

1: Submission to GSPoL (by May 31, 2025)

Send your application as a single PDF file via email (excluding reference letters) containing the following:

• Letter of motivation explaining your interest in GSPoL
• Updated CV (without photo)
• Proof of relevant academic degree(s) and transcripts
• Proof of German and English language proficiency
• Abstract (approx. half-page) of your PhD project
• Full research proposal (10 pages) detailing originality, objectives, and methodology
• A timeline including any planned study/research abroad (max. 9 months)
• Two letters of reference (submitted directly by referees using the DAAD template).

If applying with a bachelor’s degree, three reference letters are required.

Email your complete application to:
Dr. Anna Thiemann
Graduate School Practices of Literature
Email: [email protected]

2: Interview with GSPoL Committee

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online or in-person interview to discuss their academic goals and project.

3: Nomination to DAAD

Finalists will be officially nominated to DAAD. They must then complete the standard DAAD application via the online portal, following DAAD’s own documentation guidelines.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
• Program Start: April 1, 2026
• Funding Period: April 2026 – March 2029

Comparing GSPoL vs Other DAAD PhD Programs

Feature	GSPoL – University of Münster	Other DAAD PhD Programs
Focus Area	Literature & Culture	Varies widely (STEM, Social Sciences, etc.)
Supervision	3-member interdisciplinary group	Varies (often 1-2 advisors)
Curriculum	Structured with mandatory components	Varies; some unstructured
DAAD Involvement	GSSP pathway with nomination	Direct application by candidate
Duration	3 years (with possible 1-year extension)	3–4 years

FAQs

1. Can I apply for DAAD Scholarships 2026 at University of Münster if I have a bachelor’s degree only?
   Yes, but your GPA must be equivalent to 1.5 or better, and you must submit three reference letters.
2. Is German language mandatory?
   Yes, you must demonstrate at least B1 in one language (German/English) and C1 in the other.
3. Are candidates with an existing PhD eligible?
   No, candidates who already hold a doctoral degree are not eligible.
4. Can I stay outside Germany during the PhD?
   Yes, for a total of up to 9 months (25% of total duration), but not at the beginning of the program.
5. What makes GSPoL unique among DAAD programs?
   Its dedicated focus is on literary and cultural studies, with structured academic and professional training.

If you’re deeply interested in literature, culture, and interdisciplinary research, don’t miss this prestigious, fully funded PhD opportunity in Germany. With high-quality supervision, access to global academic networks, and DAAD support, the DAAD Scholarships 2026 at University of Münster is your chance to turn academic passion into a successful international career. APPLY NOW.

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