Fully Funded Leipzig University DAAD GSSP Scholarship 2026 for PhD International Students in Germany

Applications are now open for the Fully Funded Leipzig University DAAD GSSP Scholarship 2026 for PhD International Students in Germany

Program Summary

• Host Institution: Graduate School Global and Area Studies ($\text{GSGAS}$), Leipzig University
• Location: Germany
• Category: $\text{PhD}$ Scholarships | Research Fellowships | Fully Funded
• Eligible Countries: All International Students (with residency restrictions)
• Reward: Full Scholarship (Monthly Stipend, Insurance, Research Allowance)
• Duration: Up to $\text{48}$ months ($\text{4}$ years)
• Application Deadline (GSGAS): November 15th, $\text{2025}$

The $\text{DAAD}$ Graduate School Scholarship Programme ($\text{GSSP}$) $\text{2026}$ at the Graduate School Global and Area Studies ($\text{GSGAS}$), Leipzig University, offers an exceptional opportunity for international $\text{PhD}$ candidates to pursue their doctoral studies in Germany. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service ($\text{DAAD}$), this prestigious scholarship supports outstanding researchers interested in exploring global and transregional issues who wish to conduct research in Germany.

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Leipzig University’s $\text{GSGAS}$ invites applications for two fully funded $\text{PhD}$ scholarships. The program focuses on research that examines regional, transregional, transnational, and global topics within both historical and contemporary frameworks. This interdisciplinary environment allows $\text{PhD}$ candidates to address major global challenges such as conflicts, revolutions, climate change, and economic transformation. This is one of the best Fully Funded PhD Scholarships available for international researchers in Germany.

Available Subjects and Degree Level

• Degree Level: $\text{PhD}$
• Subjects: Leipzig University Global Studies, Area Studies, and related interdisciplinary fields, including:
  • History (trans-imperial and global history)
  • Political Science, Sociology, Cultural Studies, Anthropology
  • Economics and Economic History, Law and Legal History
  • Development Studies, Migration and Refugee Studies
• Research Focus Areas: Dissertation topics should explore regional, transregional, transnational, or global issues—for example, global crises, post-colonialism, security, or comparative analysis of world regions. For more guidance on thesis development, consider reviewing Study Abroad Consulting.

Scholarship Benefits (Fully Funded)

Successful applicants receive comprehensive financial support for the duration of their four-year doctoral research.

• Monthly Stipend: $\text{€1,300}$ to cover living expenses.
• Insurance: Full coverage for health, accident, and liability insurance.
• Allowances: Additional funding for research and study allowances.
• Duration: Maximum support period of up to $\text{48}$ months ($\text{4}$ years).
• Start Date: The scholarship officially starts in October $\text{2026}$.

Eligibility Criteria for the Fully Funded Leipzig University DAAD GSSP Scholarship 2026

Specific eligibility criteria relate to international status and the timing of previous academic achievements.

• Nationality: Open to applicants of all nationalities.
• Residency: Must be an international candidate who has not lived in Germany for more than $\text{15}$ months at the time of application.
• Academic Timing: The last final exam (Master’s degree) must have been completed within the past six years.
• Dissertation Topic: Applicants should propose a dissertation topic related to global, transregional, or transnational issues that aligns with the $\text{GSGAS}$ research focus.

Application Procedure for the Fully Funded Leipzig University DAAD GSSP Scholarship 2026

The application involves a crucial initial screening stage by Leipzig University before final nomination to the $\text{DAAD}$.

Key Dates

Stage	Date
Application Deadline ($\text{GSGAS}$ Written Application)	$\text{15}$ November $\text{2025}$
Selection Interviews & Nomination ($\text{GSGAS}$ internal)	January–February $\text{2026}$
Final Application ($\text{DAAD}$ Portal submission by nominees)	Until May $\text{2026}$
Scholarship Start	October $\text{2026}$

How to Apply for the Fully Funded Leipzig University DAAD GSSP Scholarship 2026

The selection process is structured in three mandatory steps:

1. Written Application to $\text{GSGAS}$:
   • Submit all required documents using the official application form available on the $\text{GSGAS}$ website.
   • The deadline for this initial submission is $\text{15}$ November $\text{2025}$.
2. Selection Interviews & Nomination:
   • The $\text{GSGAS}$ conducts interviews with shortlisted candidates in early $\text{2026}$.
   • Successful candidates are officially nominated to the $\text{DAAD}$.
3. Final Application via $\text{DAAD}$ Portal:
   • Nominees receive instructions and submit the official $\text{DAAD}$ application via the $\text{DAAD}$ portal (by May $\text{2026}$).
   • The final decision on funding is made by $\text{DAAD}$. For general guidance on $\text{DAAD}$ applications, you may find Scholarship Application Guides useful.

Application Deadline (GSGAS): November 15th, $\text{2025}$

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the $\text{DAAD}$ $\text{GSSP}$ $\text{2026}$?

International candidates of all nationalities who have not lived in Germany for more than $\text{15}$ months at the time of application are eligible.

2. Is the $\text{DAAD}$ scholarship fully funded?

Yes, the DAAD GSSP PhD Scholarship is a fully funded Germany scholarship covering a monthly stipend ($\text{€1,300}$), health insurance, and research allowances.

3. What research areas are eligible?

$\text{PhD}$ projects must be related to Global and Area Studies, focusing on regional, transregional, transnational, or global issues.

4. When is the application deadline?

The initial application deadline to the $\text{GSGAS}$ at Leipzig University is $\text{15}$ November $\text{2025}$.

5. When does this International Doctoral Program scholarship start?

The scholarship is scheduled to start in October $\text{2026}$.

6. What is the maximum duration of the funding?

The scholarship provides funding for a maximum duration of $\text{48}$ months ($\text{4}$ years).

7. Do I need to have my Master’s degree completed before applying?

The last final exam (Master’s degree) must have been completed within the past six years at the time of application.

8. What is the stipend amount per month?

The monthly stipend for successful applicants is $\text{€1,300}$.

9. How many scholarships are available?

Leipzig University’s $\text{GSGAS}$ invites applications for two fully funded $\text{PhD}$ scholarships under this $\text{DAAD}$ $\text{GSSP}$ call.

10. Where does the final funding decision come from?

The Leipzig University $\text{GSGAS}$ nominates candidates, but the final funding decision is made by the German Academic Exchange Service ($\text{DAAD}$).