Hans Böckler Foundation International PhD Scholarships
by Hans-Böckler-Stiftung (Confederation of German Trade Unions / DGB)
Stipend
1,550 EUR/month (Economics) or 1,750 EUR/month (Social Sciences/Humanities)
Duration
6–24 months depending on programme
Level
PhD
Deadline
28 February each year
Overview
The Hans Böckler Foundation, backed by the German Trade Union Federation (DGB), offers two international PhD scholarship programmes: the Dieter Schumacher PhD Scholarship (Economics, 12–24 months, under 30) and the Ute and Gyorgy Szell Scholarship (Social Sciences & Humanities, 6 months, no age limit).
Provider
Hans-Böckler-Stiftung (Confederation of German Trade Unions / DGB)
Type
foundation Scholarship
Who Can Apply
All international students (especially from the Global South)
Degree Levels
PhD
Benefits & Financial Support
Funding Amount
1,550 EUR/month (Economics) or 1,750 EUR/month (Social Sciences/Humanities) + annual travel allowance
About
The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung promotes co-determination, research tied to the world of work, and academic talent on behalf of the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB). It offers two international PhD scholarship programmes for outstanding doctoral researchers:
1. Dieter Schumacher PhD Scholarship (Economics)
- 12–24 months research stay at a German university or research institute
- Monthly stipend: 1,550 EUR for living expenses
- Annual travel allowance of 1,400 EUR
- Applicants must be under 30 years of age
- Field: Economics
2. Ute and Gyorgy Szell International Scholarship (Social Sciences & Humanities)
- 6 months at a German university, research institute, foundation, or archive
- Monthly stipend: 1,750 EUR for living expenses
- Annual travel allowance of 1,300 EUR
- No age limit
- Fields: Social Sciences and Humanities
Common Requirements
- Active doctoral candidacy
- Political, cultural, and social engagement
- Interest in the core values of the Hans Böckler Foundation (labour rights, trade unions, co-determination)
- Applications from all countries are welcome, especially from the Global South
Eligibility Requirements
- Active PhD candidacy
- political/social engagement
- interest in labour rights and trade union values. Under 30 for Dieter Schumacher programme, no age limit for Szell programme.
What This Scholarship Covers
Living Allowance
Monthly stipend for rent, food, and daily expenses
Travel Allowance
Contribution toward flights to and from Germany
How to Apply
Check Eligibility
Verify you meet the nationality, degree level, academic, and language requirements listed above.
Prepare Documents
Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, letters of recommendation, language certificates, and motivation letter.
Find a Programme
Identify the German university and programme you want to study. Some scholarships require university admission before applying.
Submit Application
Apply through the official application portal before the deadline. Upload all required documents as PDFs.
Interview & Selection
If shortlisted, attend an interview (may be online). Selection committees assess academic merit, motivation, and fit.
Receive Decision
Scholarship decisions typically arrive 3–6 months after the deadline. If awarded, complete visa and enrolment procedures.
Application Document Checklist
- Completed application form
- Curriculum vitae (CV / resume)
- Motivation letter / statement of purpose
- Bachelor's or Master's degree certificate
- Academic transcripts with grades
- Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH)
- Letter(s) of recommendation from university professors
- Valid passport copy
- Passport-sized photograph
- University admission letter (if already accepted)
Note: Exact document requirements vary. Always check the official scholarship page for the definitive list.
Need Help With Your Application?
Scholarship applications are competitive — a strong profile evaluation, polished SOP, and the right university selection make the difference. GradGermany's experts can help at every step.
Quick Facts
- Amount
- 1,550 EUR/month (Economics) or 1,750 EUR/month (Social Sciences/Humanities) + annual travel allowance
- Duration
- 6–24 months depending on programme
- Degree Levels
- PhD
- Deadline
- 28 February each year
- Who Can Apply
- All international students (especially from the Global South)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hans Böckler Foundation International PhD Scholarships
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