A doctoral scholarship in Göttingen is often the first way to fund a dissertation. Yet the programmes differ a lot in amount, eligibility and effects on health and social insurance. This guide sorts the main routes, lists the exclusions that the University of Göttingen itself names, and shows when a position (Stelle) is the better option.
Short answer: In Göttingen, doctoral candidates mainly look at scholarships from foundations (Begabtenförderungswerke) and positions in third-party funded projects (Drittmittelprojekte). According to the University of Göttingen, the Deutschlandstipendium and the Niedersachsenstipendium are not open to doctoral students. For BMFTR-funded doctoral scholarships, the basic scholarship is at most 1,750 euros per month (status: October 2026).
The most important points at a glance
- The Deutschlandstipendium and the Niedersachsenstipendium are not intended for doctoral students at the University of Göttingen (press release of 25.08.2026).
- Foundations (Begabtenförderungswerke) pay doctoral scholarships at BMFTR rates. The basic scholarship is at most 1,750 euros per month (status: October 2026).
- Positions in chairs and third-party projects are usually fixed-term, often for about three years, according to the university.
- Scholarship holders are usually responsible for their own health and social insurance. Employees are insured through their employer.
- Before you apply, check the funding conditions, especially eligibility, duration and insurance.
Which programmes does the University of Göttingen exclude for doctoral candidates?
In its press release No. 109 of 25 August 2026, the University of Göttingen names two scholarships for students. Both explicitly exclude doctoral students. The application period for both ran from 1 to 30 September 2026.
| Programme | Amount according to the university | Eligibility according to the university | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutschlandstipendium | 300 euros per month for one year | Students, excluding doctoral students | Press release, 25.08.2026 |
| Niedersachsenstipendium | 500 euros as a one-off payment | Students, excluding doctoral students | Press release, 25.08.2026 |
Other universities handle the Deutschlandstipendium differently. These details therefore apply only to Göttingen. Check the university website before you apply, because deadlines and eligibility change from year to year.
Which scholarships are available for doctoral candidates?
For doctoral scholarships, the most relevant providers are the foundations (Begabtenförderungswerke), other foundations and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD, Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst). The DAAD supports international applicants depending on their country of origin. According to the University of Göttingen, church-affiliated and party-related foundations are the largest providers. That page carries no date.
For scholarships of the foundations funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the following rates apply. The figures come from the Heinrich Böll Foundation, status October 2026. According to this source, other foundations use the same rates. Still, check the information of the foundation you apply to.
| Item | Amount per month | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Basic scholarship (maximum) | 1,750 euros | October 2026 |
| Research cost allowance | 100 euros | October 2026 |
| Family allowance | 155 euros | October 2026 |
According to the source, the rates apply to German nationals, German-educated international students with a German university entrance qualification (Bildungsinländer) and EU citizens. The amount actually paid depends on the rules of the foundation in each case.
Which positions exist at the University of Göttingen?
Besides scholarships, positions (Stellen) are the second main route. The University of Göttingen distinguishes two variants: assistant posts at a chair (Mitarbeiterstellen) and posts in third-party funded projects, such as research training groups, collaborative research centres or DFG-funded projects. According to the university:
- Assistant posts at a chair are usually fixed-term for three years and at most six years. They can include administrative and teaching tasks.
- Third-party funded posts usually run for about three years. They are limited in number and are advertised about every three years.
- According to the university, contracts are set at 65 to 100 percent of a TV-L E13 position (the public-sector pay grade).
A position is an employment relationship. Different rules apply than for a scholarship, for example for health and social insurance. Read health insurance for PhD students in Germany for an overview of the options.
Can I finance a doctorate alongside work in Göttingen?
The university also names part-time doctorates (nebenberufliche Promotion), where the dissertation is written alongside work outside the university. Göttingen doctoral programmes allow credits to be earned. According to the university, courses must be attended in Göttingen, and in individual cases courses from other universities are recognised.
If you also work, clarify the effects on your scholarship or insurance beforehand. The German guide Stipendium steuerpflichtig? Steuern und Sozialversicherung im Überblick (in German) gives a first overview of tax and social insurance for scholarships.
Worked example: the maximum monthly amount of a doctoral scholarship
Assumption: A doctoral candidate receives a foundation scholarship at the maximum rates. The research cost allowance and the family allowance for one child are added.
- Basic scholarship: 1,750 euros
- Research cost allowance: 100 euros
- Family allowance: 155 euros
- Total as an upper limit: 2,005 euros per month (status: October 2026)
The actual amount depends on the foundation, the start of funding and the rules in each individual case. Health insurance contributions are not included in these rates and must be planned separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Deutschlandstipendium for doctoral candidates in Göttingen?
No. According to the University of Göttingen, the Deutschlandstipendium is not open to doctoral students. Other universities apply different rules, so the question must be checked separately for each university.
Where can I find suitable job advertisements?
According to the university, third-party funded posts are tied to a specific project and are advertised about every three years. Chair posts are filled by the respective professor. If you know the project and the chair, you can anticipate where an advertisement is likely to appear.
Is a doctoral scholarship taxable?
That depends on the type and amount of the payment. A first orientation on tax and social insurance for scholarships is offered in the German guide mentioned above. The binding answer comes from the responsible tax office (Finanzamt).
Do I have to get personal advice?
No. The funding routes can be checked without advice. If you want to go through your situation with an expert, you can book a personal appointment with Academycon. Details are on the page So arbeiten wir (in German).
What to do now
- Check whether your doctoral project is tied to a chair or a third-party funded project, and ask which positions are currently open.
- Read the funding conditions of the foundation or position, especially eligibility, duration and insurance.
- Ask your health insurer which coverage fits your situation before you accept an offer.
- Calculate your monthly budget with the amount actually paid, not with the maximum rate.
Related reading
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
- Scholarships for students: types, providers, requirements
- Health Insurance for PhD Students in Germany
- Studying in Göttingen: Semester Fee, Housing and Costs
- Promotion finanzieren: Stelle, Stipendium oder Eigenmittel im Vergleich (in German)
Sources: University of Göttingen, press release No. 109, 25.08.2026; University of Göttingen, funding options for a doctorate (no date given); Heinrich Böll Foundation, scholarship rates, status October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
