Scholarship Foundations for PhD Candidates: Who Funds Whom

In Germany, scholarship foundations for gifted students (Begabtenförderungswerke) are one way to fund a PhD without an employment contract. They differ strongly in outlook, denomination and political affiliation. This guide shows which foundations offer PhD support and which rates apply to PhD scholarships.

Key points

• The foundations are denominational, party-affiliated, union-linked or without an explicit orientation. This orientation often shapes the requirements.
• According to the Marburg list, several foundations offer PhD support and others are not listed for it. The foundation itself is the binding source.
• The rates for federally funded PhD scholarships (BMFTR) are up to 1,750 euros per month as of October 2026, plus a research cost allowance.
• Full-time doctoral study, admission to the doctorate and a selection procedure are common requirements, but the details differ.
• Whether a denomination or party affiliation is a requirement is stated in each foundation’s guidelines.

What are scholarship foundations for gifted students?

These are non-profit foundations and associations that support particularly gifted students and doctoral candidates. Part of the funding comes from federal money. The list of the University of Marburg names thirteen foundations and their orientation. The foundations decide on selection, applications and funding themselves.

Which foundation supports which group?

The table takes over the data from the list of the University of Marburg. The document is undated, so check each entry on the foundation’s website.

“Not mentioned in the list” only means that the document does not show PhD support. It does not mean there is none. Ask these foundations directly. The source of the list is the document of the University of Marburg (in German), which is undated.

How high is a PhD scholarship?

According to the Heinrich Böll Foundation (status October 2026), the following rates apply to PhD scholarships funded by the federal ministry (BMFTR): basic scholarship up to 1,750 euros per month, research cost allowance 100 euros per month, family supplement 155 euros per month. Other foundations use the same federal rates. Older figures in guidelines, for example 1,650 euros in a document from June 2026, should be checked against this status.

Assumption: 36 months with a basic scholarship of 1,750 euros and a research cost allowance of 100 euros. Total: (1,750 + 100) x 36 = 66,600 euros. The family supplement is not included. These figures are an example and not a promise by any foundation. Source of the rates: Heinrich Böll Foundation, scholarship rates 10/2026 (in German).

What should you check before applying?

Selection procedures differ. Some foundations require admission to the doctorate, others a supervision commitment. Read the foundation’s guidelines carefully before you decide. The Cusanuswerk, for example, requires admission to the doctorate no later than the start of the scholarship, and a supervision commitment is sufficient beforehand (guidelines of 25 June 2026, Cusanuswerk, in German).

Denominational foundations require membership of the respective church, at the Cusanuswerk the Catholic Church. For party-affiliated and union-linked foundations you check the requirements in their guidelines, because the orientation alone says nothing about the application conditions.

What to compare

A comparison between foundations only helps if you apply the same criteria. These points appear in almost every guideline and can be set side by side:

• Orientation and affiliation: is a denomination, worldview or party a requirement?
• Admission and stage of the doctorate: must admission already exist, or is a supervision commitment enough?
• Scope of study: is full-time study required?
• Rates and supplements: are there research cost allowances, child supplements or travel costs?
• Selection procedure: which documents are required, and is there an interview?

Documents differ from foundation to foundation. Typical are certificates from all completed degree programmes, proof of admission and a description of the dissertation project. Planning early avoids losing valuable time.

How does a selection procedure work?

The process depends on the foundation. The Cusanuswerk accepts documents as PDFs through an online application portal. Activation after registration can take a few days, so early registration is advisable. The Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst requires a written application with reports and a concept for the dissertation. According to its guidelines, an interview of about 30 minutes follows at several locations in Germany. The Villigst document is undated.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply to several foundations?

Each foundation regulates this in its application documents. Check the guidelines for notes on multiple applications and on combining scholarships before you submit several applications.

Is citizenship a requirement?

The Cusanuswerk requires German citizenship, with exceptions for applicants with German language skills at level C1. This applies to the Cusanuswerk only, so check the rules of your foundation.

Is the PhD scholarship also available part-time?

The Cusanuswerk requires full-time doctoral study. For other foundations, check the rules in the guidelines. If you work alongside your PhD, clarify the effects on taxes and social insurance with the foundation.

Must my dissertation topic be fixed already?

Not necessarily, but many foundations expect an outline. Villigst requires an outline, a concept and a timetable for the dissertation of 10 to 15 pages in the application, together with a report from the supervisor. If the topic is still open, read the guidelines early and agree on it with your supervisor.

What to do next

1. Narrow down the foundations by denomination, worldview or union link, where that fits you.
2. Read the current guidelines and the application deadlines on the foundation’s website.
3. Clarify whether you already have admission to the doctorate or need a supervision commitment.
4. Plan with the rates as of October 2026 and ask the foundation about supplements and allowances.

Related guides

• Scholarships for students: Types, providers, requirements
• How to Apply for a Scholarship: Tips That Impress
• PhD Funding: Position, Scholarship or Own Savings
• PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements

Sources: List of scholarship foundations, University of Marburg, undated (in German); Heinrich Böll Foundation: scholarship rates, October 2026 (in German); Cusanuswerk: guidelines for classic PhD support, 25 June 2026 (in German).

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.