The doctoral scholarship of the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German National Academic Foundation) is aimed at doctoral candidates with an outstanding degree. This guide explains what the foundation pays according to its website, who can apply and which application windows apply for 2026/27.
Short answer: According to the Studienstiftung’s website, the doctoral scholarship includes a basic amount of 1,750 euros per month plus a research cost allowance of up to 100 euros. The standard funding period is three years. Applications run in fixed calls, and the next one opens from 1 to 14 February 2027. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- Basic amount: 1,750 euros per month for doctoral candidates in Germany, plus a research cost allowance of up to 100 euros per month (Studienstiftung website, retrieved October 2026).
- Funding period: three years as a rule. An extension of up to six months can be requested, and the maximum is 42 months, or 54 months with a child in the household.
- Applications run in fixed calls: 1 to 14 October, 1 to 14 February, 1 to 14 June and 1 to 14 October. The October 2026 call has already closed.
- Selection: a committee decides, usually about seven months after the call opens, based on two written reports.
- Health insurance allowance: 50 percent of proven costs, up to 170 euros per month, but only for people without compulsory statutory insurance.
How much is the funding, and what comes on top?
The website gives a basic amount of 1,750 euros per month for doctoral candidates in Germany. The research cost allowance is up to 100 euros per month and can be paid at year end. Family and childcare supplements are provided for, but the website does not state amounts. A book allowance is not mentioned.
| Funding component | Figure on the website | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Basic amount | 1,750 euros per month | The page shows no date; retrieved October 2026 |
| Research cost allowance | up to 100 euros per month | May be paid at year end |
| Maximum total | up to 1,850 euros per month | Basic amount plus allowance |
| Health insurance allowance | 50 percent of proven costs, up to 170 euros per month | Only without compulsory statutory insurance |
| Family supplements | provided for, amount not stated | Ask the foundation for the amount |
An example shows the effect of the health insurance allowance. Assumption: your private health insurance proven costs 300 euros per month. The foundation then pays 50 percent, or 150 euros, because that amount is below the 170 euro cap. At 400 euros per month, the allowance would be capped at 170 euros. If you are compulsorily insured in statutory insurance, you do not receive the allowance.
Who can apply, and what is expected?
The Studienstiftung looks for doctoral candidates with an outstanding degree and a scientifically demanding dissertation project. The website names neither an age limit nor a minimum grade. What counts is the overall picture of study results, project and motivation. The foundation sets the exact documents in each call, so check them there in full. According to the website, applications go directly by post to the Studienstiftung in Bonn; a nomination by a third party is not described.
When can I apply? The 2026/27 calls
Since summer 2026, the Studienstiftung has worked with fixed calls. There is no limit on the number of applications. The posting date counts, meaning the postmark or the matrix code. Complete applications posted one or two days before a call opens are also accepted.
| Call opens | Selection meeting (as a rule) | Earliest start of funding |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 14 October 2026 | May 2027 | 1 July 2027 |
| 1 to 14 February 2027 | September 2027 | 1 October 2027 |
| 1 to 14 June 2027 | January 2028 | 1 April 2028 |
| 1 to 14 October 2027 | May 2028 | 1 July 2028 |
The October 2026 call is closed. For February 2027, print the documents on one side only, without staples, clips or folders, and plan to post within the window.
How does selection work, and how long does it take?
A committee decides in a single meeting, usually about seven months after the call opens. Two written reports should be in place for that meeting. If a report is missing by then, the application goes to the next meeting. Build a buffer into your start date, because the earliest possible start ranges from July 2027 to July 2028, depending on the call.
What applies to extensions and the end of funding?
Regular funding lasts three years. An extension of up to six months can be requested. The maximum period is 42 months, or 54 months with a child in the household. Discuss any interruptions, such as parental leave or illness, with the foundation early, so that your timetable stays realistic.
What are the alternatives if this call does not suit me?
If you miss a call or do not fully meet the requirements, other foundations are worth a look. The Begabtenförderungswerke each set their own deadlines and procedures. The Konrad Adenauer Foundation works with fixed application cut-offs on 15 January and 15 July, and the Hans Böckler Foundation with set dates for individual scholarships. An overview of scholarships during studies is in Stipendium im Studium finden (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a nomination to apply?
According to the Studienstiftung’s website, you apply directly. A nomination by a third party is not described there. Still, check the documents in the current call, because requirements can change from one call to the next.
Do I get the health insurance allowance if I am in statutory insurance?
No. According to the foundation, the allowance is only provided for people without compulsory statutory insurance. If you are compulsorily insured in statutory insurance, you do not receive it.
Is there an age limit?
The website names no age limit. If you are older or have an unusual academic path, ask the foundation before you apply which documents it expects in your case.
Do I have to show a particular grade?
The website names no minimum grade. It asks for an outstanding degree. Whether yours fits is judged on the overall picture of degree, project and motivation, not on a single number.
How does the scholarship interact with other support?
Whether and how a scholarship is offset against other benefits depends on the individual case. A general overview is available in Stipendium und BAföG. The Studienstiftung gives binding information.
What to do now
- Check whether your degree meets the standard “outstanding” and whether you have a concrete dissertation project.
- Enter the call from 1 to 14 February 2027 in your calendar and plan your documents so that the posting date falls inside the window.
- Request the two written reports early, because they must be in place before the selection meeting.
- Clarify your health insurance before you plan the allowance, since it only applies without compulsory statutory insurance.
- Read the requirements of the call in full and ask the Studienstiftung if any point remains unclear.
Related reading
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
- Scholarships for students: types, providers, requirements
- Health Insurance for PhD Students in Germany
- Stipendium und BAföG: Wird das Stipendium angerechnet
Sources: Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes, Financial support for doctoral candidates (in German, retrieved October 2026); Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes, Doctoral support, requirements and calls (in German, retrieved October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
