Job advertisements for doctoral posts often use only a term such as Drittmittel (third-party funds) or DFG-Projekt (DFG project). What lies behind it can affect how long your position runs, what work the project expects and how much time you have for your dissertation. This guide explains the terms, using German originals in brackets, and lists the questions to settle before you accept a contract.
Short answer: A PhD position can be funded by a DFG project, by other third-party funds or by the university’s core budget (Haushalt). According to a factsheet of the University of Hamburg, the term of a DFG Sachbeihilfe (single grant) is usually 36 months, and staff costs are calculated at the DFG rates (as of 1 June 2026).
The most important points
- A DFG position is tied to a project approved by the German Research Foundation (DFG).
- According to the Hamburg factsheet, only researchers with a doctorate may apply for a DFG Sachbeihilfe, which means the project lead.
- The term of a Sachbeihilfe is usually 36 months. A cost-neutral extension is possible with good justification.
- Third-party funds are money raised in addition to the basic university funding. Scholarships for study support do not count.
- The contract and the job advertisement show who funds your post. The term of the contract decides whether you can finish the dissertation.
What are third-party funds?
Third-party funds (Drittmittel) are funds that universities raise on top of their basic funding from public or private bodies for research, development, early-career researchers and teaching. The federal statistics office’s university finance statistics (survey H21, status 21 January 2026) only record funds that are booked into the university budget or managed through university trust accounts. The basic funding itself and allocations from the university’s sponsor are not counted.
For you, the distinction matters because a third-party-funded post depends on a specific funder. A core-budget post (Haushaltsstelle) is paid from the regular finance of the university. Both routes lead to an employment contract, but terms and tasks can differ.
What is a DFG position?
The German Research Foundation (DFG) funds research projects, and this funding can include staff posts. The factsheet of the University of Hamburg on the DFG Sachbeihilfe describes funding in modules, such as a basic module, an own position, a stand-in or project-specific workshops. A post is only eligible if it fits the approved plan. Further staff categories are eligible only if the hire complies with the approval.
The application is submitted through the elan portal by the project lead, working with the responsible administration. The DFG calculates staff costs using its own staff rates. If an own position becomes more expensive because of collective agreements, an application for the additional cost is generally possible.
Third-party post and core-budget post compared
The table sets out the main points side by side. Where the factsheet says nothing, the table states so. The Hamburg factsheet does not cover core-budget posts, so for those the staff department is the contact.
| Feature | Third-party post (for example a DFG project) | Core-budget post |
|---|---|---|
| Source of funding | Third-party funds from a specific funder | Regular funding of the university |
| Term | Tied to the project. For DFG Sachbeihilfe usually 36 months, extension only with justification | Stated in the employment contract, ask the staff department |
| Staff costs | Calculated at DFG staff rates for DFG projects | Pay is in the contract, information from the staff department |
| Tasks | Closely linked to the project. Your dissertation should fit into the project. | Tasks can be worded more broadly. Clarify the share available for your doctorate. |
What does this mean for your doctorate?
A post with a 36-month term can be enough for a dissertation, but it need not be. What counts is whether you can plan to finish within that time and whether the work lies inside the project. If the post covers only part of your research, you need a written agreement on how much time you have for the dissertation.
Plan beyond the contract as well. If the post ends before the thesis is submitted, clarify early how to continue, for example through an extension, a scholarship or your own funds. The German guide Promotion finanzieren: Stelle, Stipendium oder Eigenmittel im Vergleich (in German) compares these routes.
Frequently asked questions
What does the share of the post mean?
The share (Stellenanteil) states which part of regular working time the post covers, for example half of a full-time post. The rest may be set aside for teaching, administration or your own research. Check how the share is fixed in the contract and whether your dissertation is named there.
Is a core-budget post safer than a third-party post?
That cannot be said across the board. A third-party post depends on the project, while a core-budget post depends on the university’s funding and on the contract. What matters is that you know the concrete term and do not infer it from the name of the funding source.
What if the project is extended?
An extension of the project does not automatically extend your contract. Raise it early, because the decision lies with the project lead and the employer. Keep agreements in writing.
Can I apply for a DFG Sachbeihilfe myself?
According to the Hamburg factsheet, researchers with a doctorate are eligible. As a doctoral candidate you therefore usually do not apply yourself. The project lead applies for the funds, and you can take part in the project through the job advertisement.
What if my contract is shorter than my doctorate?
Then clarify the term with your supervisor and the administration. For Sachbeihilfen a cost-neutral extension is possible with good justification, for example if a hire was delayed. Whether your contract can be extended depends on the employer and the project.
Does the German fixed-term research contracts act apply?
Fixed-term contracts at universities follow the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG). The German guide WissZeitVG 2026: Befristung und Höchstdauer für Doktoranden explains the details on maximum duration and fixed terms. The Hamburg factsheet gives no information on fixed-term details or types of posts.
How do I recognise the funding in an advertisement?
Ask about the source of funding and the term before you accept. Job advertisements often name a project or a third-party funder. If something is unclear, the staff department or the project lead can help, and can also tell you which tasks the post covers.
What to do next
- Read the advertisement and note the funder, project title, term and share of the post.
- Ask whether the post comes from an approved DFG project, from other third-party funds or from the core budget.
- Check in the contract the term, working hours and whether your dissertation belongs to the tasks.
- Agree in writing with the project lead how much time is provided for your doctorate.
Related guides
- PhD Funding: Position, Scholarship or Own Savings
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
- Abschlussstipendium Promotion: Wer es vergibt und was gilt
Sources: Factsheet DFG-Sachbeihilfe, Drittmittelportal University of Hamburg (in German) (as of 1 June 2026); Hochschulfinanzstatistik H21, definition of third-party funds, Federal Statistical Office, state document Hesse (in German) (as of 21 January 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
