Finding Scholarships

Overview

Programme Description

The sdw supports high-achieving doctoral candidates who take on social responsibility and actively contribute to shaping society. Applicants from all academic disciplines are welcome, with particular support for doctoral projects in the fields of start-ups and entrepreneurship, sustainability, transformation and education.

Scholarship holders take part in a wide-ranging programme of events and become part of an extensive network. Through the dedicated programme for doctoral candidates, they can develop skills relevant to their doctorate, exchange ideas and experiences with other doctoral candidates, and plan their academic and professional careers. Doctoral forums, writing weeks, workshops and web talks provide additional support in progressing with their doctorate.
Scholarship holders also have access to the sdw’s general educational programme and regional groups.
Scholarship holders are expected to participate actively in and contribute to the non-material and academic support programme.

Target Group

German and international early-career researchers may apply if they have completed a university degree and have been admitted to a doctoral programme at a state or state-recognised higher education institution in Germany, an EU Member State, the United Kingdom or Switzerland.
Applicants must credibly demonstrate that they will actively and regularly participate in one of the scholarship holder groups in Germany or abroad (London, Paris, Zurich or Vienna). Travel from the place of study to the monthly group meetings is not considered realistic if the journey takes more than 1.5 hours by bus or train or would require air travel.

Academic Requirements

A prerequisite for an application is a higher education degree and admission to a doctoral programme at a state or state-recognised university

Duration

Funding is provided for the period applied for, but generally for a maximum of 36 months. Upon application, funding may be extended by up to a further 6 months.

Scholarship Value

The scholarship amount depends on the income of the candidate. In addition to the scholarship funding a research cost allowance is paid, independent of income, as well as a family allowance, if applicable.

• scholarship (maximum amount) of 1,650 EUR per month
• research cost allowance (non means-tested) of 100 EUR per month
• if applicable, family allowance from 155 EUR per month
• additional financial support, e.g. for stays abroad, language course fees, travel expenses

Application Papers

Please submit your application via the application portal first. You will find any further information here.

Application Deadline

The application deadlines can be found here.