The DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP) 2026 at Leipzig University offers a life-changing opportunity for ambitious international researchers who want to pursue a fully funded PhD in Germany. Hosted by the Graduate School Global and Area Studies (GSGAS), this prestigious program will award 2 scholarships to outstanding international candidates with innovative research ideas in global and area studies. Each scholarship includes a monthly stipend of €1,300, comprehensive insurance, and research allowances for up to 48 months (4 years).

This program is ideal for students interested in global challenges, historical and transregional studies, migration, post-colonial societies, legal history, economic history, climate change, and crisis studies. It is one of the most competitive and interdisciplinary PhD opportunities in Europe, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

About Leipzig University

Founded in 1409, Leipzig University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany. It consistently ranks among the top 300 universities globally according to the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The university is renowned for its interdisciplinary research culture, international collaborations, and vibrant academic community.

The Graduate School Global and Area Studies (GSGAS) is known for cutting-edge research on global interconnections, regional developments, and transnational phenomena. It offers excellent supervision, a dynamic intellectual environment, and structured doctoral training tailored to prepare graduates for academic and policy careers worldwide.

DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program 2026 Overview

Field	Details
Scholarship Name	DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP) 2026
Host University	Leipzig University
Host Graduate School	Graduate School Global and Area Studies (GSGAS)
Funding Body	German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Scholarship Type	Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
Monthly Stipend	€1,300 (includes insurance and research allowances)
Duration	Up to 48 months
Number of Awards	2
Eligibility	International students (not residing in Germany for >15 months)
Deadline	15 November 2025
Program Start	October 2026
Application Language	English or German

Scholarship Benefits

• Fully funded PhD scholarship for 48 months
• Monthly stipend of €1,300 from DAAD
• Health and liability insurance coverage included
• Research allowances to support fieldwork and conferences
• Structured doctoral training at GSGAS
• Supervision by experienced professors at Leipzig University
• Opportunity to join an internationally renowned interdisciplinary research community
• Access to university’s resources, libraries, and professional development training
• Networking opportunities with DAAD scholars and alumni globally
• Mentorship and career guidance support during the PhD

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this prestigious scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Must hold a Master’s degree (last degree completed within the past 6 years at the time of application)
2. Must be an international applicant who has not lived in Germany for more than 15 months before application
3. Must apply for a PhD position at GSGAS, Leipzig University with a strong thematic match to global and area studies
4. Must demonstrate above-average academic performance in their Master’s degree
5. Must propose a doctoral thesis project focusing on regional, transregional, transnational, or global topics
6. Must submit a complete application including:
   • Application form
   • Proof of highest academic degree
   • Thesis proposal/exposé (max. 3,500 words)
   • Curriculum Vitae
   • Two recommendation letters from recognized academics
7. Must demonstrate clear alignment between their proposed project and the expertise of potential supervisors at Leipzig University

Application Process

The application process is divided into three main steps:

• Step 1: Application to GSGAS (Deadline: 15 November 2025)
  • Complete the GSGAS application form (link provided above)
  • Combine all required documents (in English or German) into a single PDF
  • Submit the full application to GSGAS by the stated deadline
• Step 2: Selection Interviews and Nomination (January–February 2026)
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews
  • GSGAS will nominate the top candidates to DAAD
• Step 3: DAAD Online Application and Final Decision (March–May 2026)
  • Nominated candidates submit their full application on the DAAD portal
  • DAAD makes the final funding decision by May 2026
  • Selected candidates will start their PhD in October 2026

Comparison with Similar DAAD-Funded PhD Opportunities

Program	Host University	Monthly Stipend	Duration	Field Focus	Application Deadline
DAAD GSSP 2026	Leipzig University	€1,300	48 months	Global & Area Studies	15 Nov 2025
DAAD EPOS Scholarship	University of Bonn	€934	36 months	Development Studies	Oct 2025
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship	University of Passau	€934	24 months	Public Policy	July 2025
DAAD Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes in Germany	Multiple Universities in Germany	€1,300	36–48 months	All Fields	Varies
Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarship	Multiple German Universities	€1,200	36 months	Political & Social Sciences	June 2025

FAQs About DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program 2026

1. Who can apply for the DAAD GSSP 2026 at Leipzig University?
   International students with a Master’s degree obtained within the last 6 years who have not resided in Germany for more than 15 months are eligible.
2. What is the application deadline?
   The deadline for the first application step to GSGAS is 15 November 2025.
3. How much financial support do I get in DAAD GSSP 2026?
   Selected candidates will receive a €1,300 monthly stipend along with health and liability insurance, plus research allowances for up to 48 months.
4. Can I apply for DAAD GSSP 2026 if I am already living in Germany?
   You may apply only if you have lived in Germany for less than 15 months at the time of application.
5. In what language can I submit my application?
   Applications can be submitted in English or German.
6. Do I need a supervisor confirmed before applying?
   You don’t need a confirmed supervisor initially, but your proposed project must align with the expertise at Leipzig University for nomination.
7. What documents do I need for application?
   Application form, proof of degree, thesis proposal (max. 3,500 words), CV, and two recommendation letters.
8. When will the scholarship begin?
   The PhD scholarship will begin in October 2026.
9. What topics are suitable for the PhD project?
   Topics may include global crises, decolonization, migration, post-colonial societies, legal/economic history, transnational studies, and similar fields.
10. How competitive is this scholarship?
    Very competitive — only 2 scholarships are available, and selections are based on academic excellence and project quality.

Important Notes for Applicants

• Submit all documents as a single PDF file
• Ensure your thesis proposal is proper and within the 3,500-word limit
• Contact potential supervisors early to discuss your research interests
• Follow the three-step application process carefully (GSGAS → nomination → DAAD portal)
• Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered

If you are an ambitious researcher aiming to make a meaningful contribution to global studies, this is your opportunity to earn a fully funded PhD in Germany. Prepare your proposal, collect your documents, and apply for the DAAD GSSP 2026 at Leipzig University before the deadline! APPLY NOW. Follow the Official Scholarship Link to get more information.

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