The PhD scholarship of the Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (SDW), a German foundation of the business community, supports doctoral candidates whose actual monthly amount depends on their income situation. This guide sets out the figures the foundation states on its website, explains the supplements and requirements, and marks the points you must clarify directly with the foundation.
Short answer: The SDW states a monthly maximum of 1,750 euros and a research cost allowance of 100 euros a month, which does not depend on income. The actual amount depends on your income situation. Funding usually lasts no more than 36 months, and an extension of up to six months is possible on application. The website gives no application deadline (last updated October 2026).
The most important points
- According to the website, the monthly maximum is 1,750 euros. The actual amount depends on your income situation.
- The research cost allowance is 100 euros a month and does not depend on income.
- Child and family supplements, and a contribution to health insurance, are possible under certain conditions.
- Funding usually lasts no more than 36 months. An extension of up to six months is possible on application.
- Outside work is allowed up to ten hours a week, and the website expects active participation in a regional group.
How high is the SDW PhD scholarship?
The foundation pays in several components. The table shows what the website states and which details are missing.
| Component | Amount according to the website | Requirement or note |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly maximum | 1,750 euros a month | The actual amount depends on your income situation. |
| Research cost allowance | 100 euros a month | Independent of income. |
| Child allowance | 155 euros for the first child, 50 euros for each further child | Under certain conditions. |
| Family supplement | 155 euros a month | Under certain conditions. |
| Health insurance contribution | Up to 170 euros a month | Under certain conditions. |
| Stays abroad | Supplements, travel lump sums, contributions to foreign health insurance, language course and possibly tuition fees | The website gives no amounts. |
Worked example. Assumption: you receive the maximum of 1,750 euros, the allowance of 100 euros, the child allowance for the first child of 155 euros and the full health insurance contribution of 170 euros. That makes 2,175 euros a month. Over 36 months this would be 78,300 euros. Whether the supplements are paid together, and how the amount is calculated in detail, is set out in the foundation’s funding guidelines. We have not evaluated those guidelines in full, so treat this calculation as a rough orientation only.
What requirements does the foundation set?
The website describes the requirements mainly in qualitative terms. You should have completed your studies with good to very good results and be at the beginning of your doctoral project. The foundation also expects social commitment, an interest in economic and social questions and a willingness to take responsibility.
In concrete terms, the foundation expects active work in a regional group and attendance at face-to-face events. If you cannot meet this, clarify it before you apply. According to the website, doctoral projects in founding and entrepreneurship, sustainability, transformation and education are especially welcome.
The page does not name a grade limit or an age limit. The foundation describes its selection in a separate funding guideline as a PDF, which we have not fully evaluated for this text.
How long is the scholarship paid?
According to the website, funding usually lasts no more than 36 months. On application it can be extended by up to six months. For your financing this means you should plan for three years, and add a buffer in case your project takes longer and an extension becomes necessary.
For stays abroad the foundation names supplements and travel lump sums, but the website gives no amounts. If your project includes a stay abroad, ask the foundation for the concrete rates before you fix your plan.
What is allowed alongside the scholarship?
According to the website, outside work of up to ten hours a week is possible. If you want to work more, agree this with the foundation first. On taxes, the rule is section 3 no. 44 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG), which governs whether a scholarship is tax-free. Its conditions include that the scholarship is awarded under the donor’s guidelines and that the recipient is not bound to a specific counter-performance.
Does the scholarship suit your situation?
The SDW scholarship suits you if you see your doctoral project at the beginning, meet the requirements and identify with the foundation’s focus. It suits you less well if your thesis is already far advanced, if you have no time for the regional group, or if you prefer a doctoral position with a salary and social insurance.
A comparison with a position is worth doing. Our guide financing a PhD shows how to set the two side by side. Compared with the Villigst scholarship, both foundations name 1,750 euros a month. Villigst does not describe its supplements on the page with amounts, while the SDW does. More on Villigst in our guide to the Villigst PhD scholarship (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Is there an application deadline for the SDW scholarship?
The website gives no deadline for 2026/27. According to the website, the team lead for doctoral funding is responsible for questions. Ask there for the current date before you plan your application.
Will I receive the full maximum?
The website names a maximum, and the actual amount depends on your income situation. You are therefore not automatically entitled to the maximum.
Is there support if I have children?
Yes. The website names a child allowance of 155 euros for the first child and 50 euros for each further child, and a family supplement of 155 euros a month. Both apply under certain conditions.
How much is the contribution to health insurance?
The website names up to 170 euros a month under certain conditions. Whether you qualify depends on your insurance situation, so clarify it before you apply.
What to do now
- Read the foundation’s website and its funding guideline, so you know the requirements in full.
- Check whether you can meet the requirements for the regional group and the face-to-face events.
- Calculate with the maximum, the supplements and the allowance, and deduct your own costs for insurance and living expenses.
- Ask the team lead for doctoral funding about the current application date.
- Compare the scholarship with a doctoral position before you decide.
Related guides
- PhD funding: position, scholarship or own savings compared
- Is a scholarship taxable? Tax and social insurance
- Health insurance for PhD students in Germany
- Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst: PhD scholarship overview
Sources: Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft, Scholarships for doctoral candidates (in German, last changed 01.10.2026 according to the page, retrieved October 2026); German Income Tax Act, section 3 no. 44 EStG on scholarships (in German, retrieved October 2026)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
