Hans Böckler Foundation International PhD Scholarships in Germany

The Hans Böckler Foundation is one of Germany’s most respected academic foundations, closely linked to social justice, labor rights, and research connected to the world of work. Every year, the foundation offers international PhD scholarships to outstanding doctoral students from all over the world, with a strong focus on applicants from developing and Global South countries. These scholarships allow doctoral candidates to conduct part of their PhD research in Germany while being financially supported and academically integrated into German research institutions.

The foundation currently offers two main international PhD scholarship programs. Both programs aim to support excellent research, international academic exchange, and socially engaged scholars who share the foundation’s core values.

Scholarship Title

The Hans Böckler Foundation offers the following international doctoral scholarships:

• Dieter Schumacher International PhD Scholarship (Economics)
• Ute and György Széll International PhD Scholarship (Social Sciences and Humanities)

Each scholarship has its own focus area, duration, and financial support structure, but both are designed for international PhD students planning a research stay in Germany.

About the Scholarship

The Hans Böckler Foundation International PhD Scholarships are designed for doctoral students who are already enrolled in a PhD program outside Germany and wish to spend a research period at a German university, research institute, foundation, or archive.

The foundation places strong emphasis on:

• Research related to labor, economics, society, democracy, and social justice
• Academic excellence and clear research goals
• Social, political, and cultural engagement
• Interest in the values of democracy, co-determination, and workers’ rights

The scholarship does not fund a full PhD degree from the beginning. Instead, it supports a temporary research stay in Germany, allowing scholars to deepen their research, access resources, collaborate with German academics, and gain international experience.

Scholarship Conditions

Applicants must meet specific academic and personal conditions to be considered. These conditions differ slightly depending on the scholarship type, but the core expectations remain similar.

General conditions include:

• The applicant must be an international doctoral student
• Enrollment in a PhD program at a recognized university outside Germany
• A clearly defined doctoral research project
• A planned research stay at a German institution
• Strong academic performance and research potential
• Willingness to engage with the social values of the foundation

Additional conditions for each scholarship apply and are explained below.

Dieter Schumacher International PhD Scholarship – Conditions

This scholarship is specifically for doctoral students in Economics and related fields.

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a PhD program in Economics or a closely related discipline
• Be under the age of 30 at the time of application
• Focus on research topics such as:
  • Fiscal and monetary policy
  • Labor markets and employment
  • Income and wealth distribution
  • Financial markets
  • Economic issues from an employee or social perspective
• Plan a research stay of 12 or 24 months in Germany
• Have an official invitation from a German host supervisor

Ute and György Széll International PhD Scholarship – Conditions

This scholarship targets doctoral students in Social Sciences and Humanities.

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a PhD program in Social Sciences or Humanities
• Have no age limit
• Plan a six-month research stay in Germany
• Conduct research at a university, research institute, foundation, or archive
• Show how the research stay supports long-term academic and career goals
• Have an official invitation from a German host institution

Scholarship Benefits

The Hans Böckler Foundation provides generous financial and academic support to scholarship holders, ensuring they can fully focus on their research during their stay in Germany.

Financial Benefits

Dieter Schumacher International PhD Scholarship:

• Monthly living allowance of EUR 1,550
• Annual travel allowance of EUR 1,400
• Funding duration of 12 or 24 months

Ute and György Széll International PhD Scholarship:

• Monthly living allowance of EUR 1,450
• Annual travel allowance of EUR 1,300
• Funding duration of 6 months

Academic and Professional Benefits

In addition to financial support, scholars benefit from:

• Access to German universities and research institutes
• Academic supervision and mentoring in Germany
• Integration into national and international research networks
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange
• Increased academic visibility and career development

Required Scholarship Documents

Applicants must submit a complete and well-structured application package. Missing documents can lead to rejection.

Common required documents include:

• Completed and signed scholarship application form
• Detailed description of the doctoral project (approximately 3 pages)
• Research proposal explaining objectives, methods, and relevance of the research stay in Germany (approximately 3 pages)
• Official invitation letter from the German host supervisor or institution
• Letter of recommendation or assessment from the PhD supervisor at the home institution
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in table format
• Copy of diploma or degree certificate qualifying the applicant for doctoral studies

All documents should be clear, well-organized, and written in professional academic language.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application process for Hans Böckler Foundation International PhD Scholarships is structured and must be followed carefully.

Step 1: Define your research plan
Develop a clear doctoral research project and identify how a research stay in Germany will strengthen your work.

Step 2: Find a German host institution
Contact a suitable professor, research institute, archive, or foundation in Germany and secure an official invitation letter.

Step 3: Prepare required documents
Write your research proposal, project description, CV, and collect recommendation letters and diplomas.

Step 4: Complete the application form
Download the official application form, fill it out carefully, print it, and sign it.

Step 5: Submit the application
Send the signed application form and all required documents by post. You may also submit a signed PDF version and documents by email.

Step 6: Observe deadlines
Applications must be submitted by:

• February 28
• July 30

Late applications are not accepted.

Step 7: Selection process
Applications are reviewed by the Hans Böckler Foundation. Shortlisted candidates are evaluated by academic committees, and final decisions are made by the PhD scholarship committee.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for these scholarships?

International PhD students enrolled in a doctoral program outside Germany can apply, provided they meet the academic and research requirements.

Are these scholarships open to all nationalities?

Yes, applicants from all countries are welcome, especially those from developing and Global South regions.

Do I need admission to a German university?

You do not need full admission, but you must have an official invitation from a German host supervisor or institution.

Can I apply if my PhD is not in Economics?

Yes, but only for the Ute and György Széll Scholarship, which is open to Social Sciences and Humanities.

Is knowledge of German required?

German language skills are not always mandatory, but they can be helpful depending on the research environment.

Can I apply for both scholarships?

No, applicants should apply for the scholarship that best matches their academic field and eligibility criteria.

Does the scholarship cover family expenses?

No, the scholarship covers only the scholar’s living and travel expenses.

Is the scholarship renewable?

The Dieter Schumacher Scholarship may be awarded for up to 24 months. The Széll Scholarship is limited to six months and is not renewable.

Final Summary

The Hans Böckler Foundation International PhD Scholarships offer an excellent opportunity for international doctoral students to conduct meaningful research in Germany. With strong financial support, academic mentoring, and access to world-class research institutions, these scholarships are ideal for socially engaged scholars with strong academic backgrounds. Careful preparation, clear research goals, and alignment with the foundation’s values are key to a successful application.

For registration and more information, visit the official website of the Hans Böckler Foundation.

Hans Böckler Foundation Official Website

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