Overview
The doctoral degree will be awarded either as:
Dr. phil. (Humanities) Dr. rer. nat. (Natural Sciences: Computer Science, Chemistry, or Physics)
Description
The doctoral degree will be awarded either as:
Dr. phil. (Humanities) Dr. rer. nat. (Natural Sciences: Computer Science, Chemistry, or Physics)
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to:
International candidates (non-German citizens), especially from the Global South Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in disciplines related to the study of manuscripts or written artefacts (e.g., history, philology, cultural studies, anthropology, linguistics, computer science, chemistry, physics, etc.) English-speaking students with proficiency at least at B1 level (certified)
Additional Information
Degree Level
The doctoral degree will be awarded either as:
Dr. phil. (Humanities) Dr. rer. nat. (Natural Sciences: Computer Science, Chemistry, or Physics)
Available Subjects
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in disciplines related to manuscript cultures or written artefacts, including but not limited to:
Humanities (history, philology, cultural studies, linguistics, anthropology, archaeology) Natural Sciences (computer science, chemistry, physics) Other relevant fields connected to the study of manuscripts and inscriptions
Benefits
Awardees will receive:
Monthly stipend: €1,300 (for 3 years) Health insurance coverage Additional allowances (depending on eligibility, e.g., family benefits, research stays abroad) Full access to Universität Hamburg facilities and resources This financial support allows doctoral researchers to focus entirely on their studies and research.
Academic Environment
Doctoral researchers at the Graduate School of CSMC will benefit from:
Supervision by leading professors from their field Participation in interdisciplinary colloquia, workshops, and summer schools Access to specialized facilities such as the Artefact Profiling Lab and CSMC Library A supportive environment to develop both academic expertise and soft skills The option of pursuing a co-tutelle (bi-nationally supervised PhD)
Eligible Nationalities
International candidates (non-German citizens), especially from the Global South are eligible to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
The scholarship is open to:
International candidates (non-German citizens), especially from the Global South Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in disciplines related to the study of manuscripts or written artefacts (e.g., history, philology, cultural studies, anthropology, linguistics, computer science, chemistry, physics, etc.) English-speaking students with proficiency at least at B1 level (certified)
Who Cannot Apply
Candidates who already hold a PhD degree Applicants who completed their Master’s degree more than 6 years ago Individuals who have resided in Germany for 15 months or longer at the time of nomination (November 2025)
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit one PDF file containing the following documents by 30 September 2025:
Research proposal (max. 5 pages) including: Abstract Main research project description 3-year work schedule (in 3-month intervals, with research phases abroad if applicable) Curriculum Vitae (CV) with personal information, academic background, publications, and language skills Motivation letter (1 page) explaining academic and career goals Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates (with translations if not in English or German) One academic recommendation letter (from a professor at the home university, DAAD template optional) Proof of English language proficiency (minimum B1)
All documents must be submitted in English or German (with certified translations if necessary).
Important Dates
Application deadline: 30 September 2025 Programme start: From 1 January 2026 onwards Duration: 3 years (full-time PhD scholarship)
Why Choose The University Of Hamburg
As one of Germany’s leading universities, Universität Hamburg is renowned for its interdisciplinary research and global outlook. With over 40 disciplines represented in the Cluster of Excellence “Understanding Written Artefacts”, doctoral researchers gain access to a truly international academic community committed to innovation and excellence.
This DAAD-funded doctoral scholarship offers not only full financial support but also an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to world-class research in written artefact studies, manuscript cultures, and interdisciplinary sciences.
Final Thoughts
The University of Hamburg Doctoral Scholarships 2026 (DAAD GSSP) provide ambitious international students with the chance to pursue a fully funded PhD in Germany within a unique interdisciplinary research environment.
If you are passionate about studying manuscripts, written artefacts, and cultural heritage in dialogue with science and technology, this is your opportunity to start your academic career at one of Europe’s top research universities.
Apply by 30 September 2025 to secure your chance for a place in the CSMC Graduate School Doctoral Programme.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Who is eligible to apply for the University of Hamburg Doctoral Scholarships 2026? The scholarships are open to highly qualified international candidates (non-German citizens), especially from the Global South, who hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in fields related to the study of manuscripts, written artefacts, or associated disciplines such as humanities, cultural studies, linguistics, computer science, chemistry, or physics.
What financial support do the DAAD GSSP doctoral scholarships provide? Awardees receive a monthly stipend of €1,300, health insurance, and additional allowances (e.g., for family members or research stays abroad). The funding covers a period of three years starting from January 2026.
Do I need to know German to apply? No. Knowledge of German is not required. The working language at the CSMC is English, and the doctoral dissertation may be written in either English or German. However, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency at level B1 or higher.
What documents are required for the application? Applicants must submit a research proposal (max. 5 pages with a 3-year plan), CV, motivation letter, copies of academic certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s), one academic recommendation letter, and proof of English proficiency. All documents must be submitted as one PDF file by email.
What is the deadline for applications? The deadline for submitting applications is 30 September 2025. The doctoral programme will start on 1 January 2026 and run for three years.
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Card
Funding
Fully Funded
Organization
University of Hamburg
Degree
PhD
Subjects
Chemistry, All Subjects, Humanities, Computer Science, Physics, Anthropology +3 More , Natural Sciences, Ancient History, Linguistics
Nationality
International Students
Country
Germany
Source
Information provided by scholarships_ads.