DAAD GSSP PhD Scholarships 2026 | Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply

The yDiv Graduate School invites applications for the DAAD GSSP PhD Scholarships 2026, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The scholarships are intended for exceptional international students from the Global South who are interested in pursuing a PhD in Germany.

The program is centred on research at the intersection of society and nature, providing candidates with the opportunity to conduct their own doctoral project while being part of a research group at iDiv. Each PhD student will be supervised by a professor (PI) and will do their research in close connection with ongoing projects in Leipzig.

There are two scholarships for 2026, each with a maximum duration of four years. The selected recipients will receive financial support, academic guidance, and the great opportunity of being part of a vibrant international research environment at one of Germany’s top biodiversity research centres.

The start dates are very flexible: those receiving funding can begin their PhD on any first day of the month from February through October 2026. So, candidates can schedule their move to Germany and prepare their work in advance.

This program presents an exceptional opportunity for students from the Global South to gain international research experience, establish a professional network in Europe, and make a meaningful contribution to pressing global questions related to biodiversity, sustainability, and human-nature interactions.

Now, let’s apply for the DAAD GSSP PhD Scholarships at yDIV Graduate School. Follow the step-by-step guide of Scholarships Edge to learn about benefits, eligibility, required documents and how to apply. 👇

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DAAD GSSP PhD Scholarships at yDIV Graduate School Details:

Benefits of the DAAD GSSP PhD Scholarships

• A monthly stipend of €1,400 for up to four years
• Additional Allowances:
  • Travel allowance (country-dependent). Check DAAD travel grants and scholarships here.
  • Combined health, accident, and liability insurance
  • Study and research allowance
  • One-time final grant (up to 6 months after funding period)
• Research Stay Abroad: Up to 25% of the scholarship duration can be spent abroad (not at the start of the scholarship).

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Eligibility Criteria of DAAD GSSP Scholarships

• Must be from the Global South (developing/emerging countries)
• Must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months prior to application
• Master’s (or equivalent) in a related subject, with above-average academic performance
• Master’s degree must be obtained within 6 years before October 2025 (exceptions possible per DAAD rules)
• Strong English proficiency required
• Applicants should apply to one of the offered PhD projects at yDiv/iDiv

Also Check: Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Scholarship 2026

Required Documents for Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Motivation Letter (max 2 pages)
3. Research Proposal (2–3 pages)
4. Planned timeline of your PhD project, including any fieldwork or research abroad
5. Letter of Recommendation (using DAAD template)
6. Academic Transcripts & Certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
7. Proof of English Proficiency (if available)

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How to Apply for the DAAD GSSP PhD Scholarships at yDIV

1. Choose a PhD Project
   1. Review available PhD project descriptions on the yDiv website.
   2. Select a potential supervisor (PI) whose research matches your interests.
2. Prepare Application Documents
   1. Draft your research proposal and motivation letter.
   2. Collect transcripts and recommendation letters.
3. Submit to yDiv Graduate School
   1. Application is made via the yDiv online portal.
   2. Deadline: 30 September 2025, 06:00 pm CET.
4. Nomination Process
   1. yDiv and project supervisors review applications and nominate candidates in October 2025.
5. Final Application to DAAD
   1. Those nominated by yDIV will complete their official DAAD application in November 2025.
6. Start of Scholarship
   1. Between February and October 2026, always starting on the 1st of the month.

Important: After being nominated by yDIV, submit your application on the DAAD portal within two weeks and notify yDIV that you have also submitted a DAAD application. The DAAD may take up to three months to review applications and announce the final decision.

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