The Hans Böckler Stiftung PhD Scholarships 2026 offers international doctoral students in Economics the opportunity to conduct a 12 to 24-month research stay at a German university. Supported by the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB), the program targets outstanding scholars researching labor markets, fiscal policy, and income distribution, with a preference for candidates from the Global South. Eligible applicants must be under 30 and socially engaged. Benefits include a €1,550 monthly stipend and a €1,400 annual travel allowance. The application requires a research paper, a host supervisor invitation, and a project description, with a final submission deadline of February 28, 2026.
Hans Böckler Foundation PhD Scholarships Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Germany |
| Study Abroad | Study in Germany |
| Category | PhD Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (Focus on Global South) |
| Reward | €1,550 Monthly Stipend + €1,400 Annual Travel |
| Key Criteria | Economics PhD student under 30 with employee-relevant research |
| Application Deadline | February 28th, 2026 |
Hans Böckler Stiftung PhD Scholarships 2026 Details
The Hans Böckler Foundation, the academic support agency of the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB), is dedicated to promoting co-determination and research that serves the interests of the working population. The Dieter Schumacher PhD Scholarship is a prestigious international initiative designed to integrate global economic research with the German academic and social context. It specifically supports doctoral students who seek to combine their theoretical work with a high-level research stay in the Federal Republic of Germany.
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By focusing on scholars who align with the core values of the DGB, the foundation fosters a network of researchers committed to social justice, labor rights, and equitable economic policy. This program acts as a bridge for international doctoral candidates to access world-class German research infrastructure while contributing fresh perspectives on fiscal, monetary, and labor market issues that affect employees globally.
Scholarship Details
This program is open exclusively to international PhD students currently enrolled at a university outside of Germany. It focuses on the discipline of Economics, welcoming candidates from all over the world, with a significant emphasis on supporting researchers from the Global South. The core philosophy of the scholarship is the advancement of “employee-relevant” research—topics that explore how economic policies impact the world of work and social stability.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the Hans Böckler Foundation
The scholarship utilizes a structured funding model to ensure that international researchers can focus entirely on their academic output while residing in Germany.
Tier 1: Primary Living Stipend (Up to €18,600 Per Annum)
- Scholars receive a monthly stipend of EUR 1,550 to cover all primary living expenses, including accommodation and research materials.
Tier 2: Annual International Travel Grant
- To facilitate global mobility, the foundation provides an annual travel allowance of EUR 1,400 for flights and transport between the home country and Germany.
Tier 3: Institutional and Network Support
- Awardees gain access to the foundation’s extensive network of trade union experts, researchers, and exclusive academic seminars, alongside the resources of their host German institution.
Eligibility Requirements for Hans Böckler Foundation PhD Scholarship 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must be outstanding PhD students in Economics with a strong interest in co-determination and social values.
- Study Status: Must be currently pursuing a doctorate at a recognized institution outside of Germany.
- Age Limit: Applicants should generally be under the age of 30.
- Research Alignment: Projects must focus on fiscal/monetary policy, labor markets, income distribution, or other fields relevant to employees.
- Visa Status: Candidates must be eligible for a research visa in Germany.
- Host Agreement: A formal invitation from a host PhD supervisor at a German university is mandatory.
How to Apply for Hans Böckler Foundation PhD Scholarships 2026 (Step by Step)
- Secure Host Invitation: Contact a professor at a German university or research institute and obtain a formal invitation letter for your 12-24 month stay.
- Prepare Research Documents: Write a 3-page description of your doctoral project and a separate 3-page research paper outlining your specific goals for the stay in Germany.
- Gather Recommendations: Secure a recommendation letter from your current PhD supervisor at your home institution and compile your CV and academic diplomas.
- Submit Application: Send the complete application package, including all social engagement proofs, to the Hans Böckler Foundation portal or designated email before the deadline.
Application Deadline: February 28th, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this scholarship available for Master’s students?
No, the Dieter Schumacher program is strictly for PhD students in Economics who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program.
2. Can I apply if I am already residing in Germany?
This program is intended for international students residing abroad to come to Germany for a temporary research stay of 12 to 24 months.
3. What subjects are prioritized within Economics?
The foundation prioritizes labor markets, income distribution, monetary policy, and fiscal policy from an employee-centered perspective.
4. Is the age limit of 30 strictly enforced?
Applicants should be under 30. However, the foundation may consider exceptions for documented delays such as military service, illness, or childcare.
5. Do I need to apply for the German university separately?
You do not need to enroll as a full-time student, but you must have a “Host Supervisor” who provides an invitation letter and oversees your research.
6. Can students from North America apply?
Yes, applications from all countries are welcome, although there is a special focus on encouraging applicants from the Global South.
7. What should the project description include?
The project description should be three pages long and detail the overall scope, objectives, and current progress of your doctoral thesis.
8. Is social engagement mandatory?
Yes, the Hans Böckler Foundation expects applicants to be politically, culturally, or socially engaged and share the values of the DGB.
9. How is the scholarship paid?
The monthly stipend of €1,550 is paid directly to the scholar to cover their living costs during their stay in Germany.
10. Can I extend the scholarship beyond 24 months?
The maximum duration for the Dieter Schumacher PhD scholarship stay is 24 months. Extension beyond this is generally not possible under this specific program.
