The doctoral scholarship of the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung (HBS, the foundation of the German trade union federation DGB) supports doctoral candidates who can show a special aptitude for academic work. This guide explains how the monthly amount of up to 1,850 euros is made up, which age limit the foundation names and which application windows apply to individual scholarships and doctoral colleges.
Short answer: According to the Heinrich Böll Foundation (BMFTR rates, October 2026), the doctoral scholarship is up to 1,850 euros per month, made up of a basic scholarship of up to 1,750 euros and a research cost allowance of 100 euros. Funding usually lasts three years. Individual scholarships can only be applied for online by fixed cut-off dates. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- Monthly amount of up to 1,750 euros basic scholarship plus 100 euros research cost allowance, together up to 1,850 euros (status October 2026, BMFTR rates as stated by the Heinrich Böll Foundation).
- Health insurance allowance: up to 100 euros per month. A family supplement is possible, but the website does not state its amount.
- Funding period: usually three years, extendable in justified cases.
- Age limit: 40 years according to the website. There is no grade threshold; a special aptitude for academic work is required.
- Deadlines: individual scholarships with application windows ending on 2 November 2026 and 2 May 2027, doctoral colleges with their own cut-off dates.
How is the doctoral scholarship made up?
The monthly total has two parts. The basic scholarship is up to 1,750 euros. A research cost allowance of 100 euros is added, so the total is up to 1,850 euros. According to the Heinrich Böll Foundation, these are the BMFTR rates as of October 2026. The health insurance allowance is a separate component.
| Component | Amount per month | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Basic scholarship | up to 1,750 euros | BMFTR rate, October 2026 |
| Research cost allowance | 100 euros | For research expenses |
| Total | up to 1,850 euros | Arithmetic sum of the two components |
| Health insurance allowance | up to 100 euros | The website names no further condition |
| Family supplement | possible, amount not stated | Ask the foundation |
The website gives an upper limit of up to 100 euros per month for the health insurance allowance, but no formula that links the amount to your actual contributions. Clarify with the foundation how the allowance relates to your insurance before you plan costs.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung website names an age limit of 40 years for the doctoral scholarship. Check the programme text of each call to confirm that the limit applies in the same way. If you are close to it, ask the foundation before applying whether any other rule applies to you.
Individual scholarship or doctoral college? Two routes with separate deadlines
The foundation funds doctoral candidates by two routes. You apply for an individual scholarship yourself. Doctoral colleges and junior research groups advertise their places with their own cut-off dates. The table shows the cut-off dates the website listed when it was retrieved.
| Programme | Application cut-off | Earliest start |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral college PK 059 (four subject areas) | 2 November 2026 | June 2027 or November 2026 |
| Doctoral college PK 060 (Vechta) | 2 November 2026 | June 2027 |
| Doctoral college PK 063 (Bamberg) | 2 May 2027 | November 2027 |
Which application windows apply to individual scholarships?
For individual scholarships, the page lists two application windows. Applications are only possible online within these windows. If you want to start later, keep the second window in view.
| Funding starts | Application from | Application until |
|---|---|---|
| June to September 2027 | 15 August 2026 | 2 November 2026 |
| October 2027 to January 2028 | 15 February 2027 | 2 May 2027 |
For outlines of applications for doctoral networks, the cut-off is 31 January 2027 (inclusive). The page gives no separate status date, so recheck the dates shortly before you submit.
What requirements apply?
The foundation requires a special aptitude for academic work, which must follow from your study and examination results. A steady course of study and official proof of the degree that qualifies you for a doctorate are also required. The page names no specific grade. Keep the degree certificate ready early, because it is one of the mandatory documents.
How does the application work?
Applications go through the foundation’s online system. Use the deadlines in the tables above and plan a buffer. The website also refers to a page called “Fristen und Termine” (deadlines and dates), which contains further details.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the current deadlines?
For individual scholarships the website refers to its “Fristen und Termine” page, which lists the valid cut-off dates. The figures in this guide reflect the status of October 2026 and should be checked before you submit.
How long is the scholarship paid?
Usually three years. The foundation mentions an extension in justified cases. The page does not say how long an extension can be or which reasons count, so ask in advance.
Is there a book allowance?
The page does not mention a book allowance. The funding consists of the basic scholarship, the research cost allowance and the stated supplements.
Do I need a particular grade to apply?
There is no grade threshold. What counts is the special aptitude for academic work, which should be visible in your study and examination results. A steady course of study is also part of the requirements.
When will I get a decision?
The page gives no fixed period. Applicants who submit in time can plan around the funding start listed for each window. The foundation provides the binding timetable after your documents arrive.
What to do now
- Check whether you meet the 40-year age limit and whether your degree qualifies you for a doctorate.
- Decide between an individual scholarship and a doctoral college, since the cut-off dates differ.
- Note the deadline of 2 November 2026 or 2 May 2027 and plan the online application with a buffer.
- Clarify the health insurance allowance and any family supplement with the foundation before you submit.
Related reading
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
- Scholarships for students: types, providers, requirements
- Health Insurance for PhD Students in Germany
- Doctoral scholarship of the Studienstiftung
- Doctoral scholarship of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
- Doctoral scholarship of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Sources: Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, Scholarship for doctoral candidates (in German, retrieved October 2026); Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, Application deadlines for doctoral scholarships and programmes (in German, retrieved October 2026); Heinrich Böll Foundation, scholarship amounts of the German scholarship foundations (BMFTR rates, in German, October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
