Doctoral scholarships (Promotionsstipendien) for 2027 come from foundations and scholarship bodies with very different profiles. This comparison sorts the main funding bodies by their sponsorship and profile, names the federal funding components and explains what to check before you choose.
Short answer: For doctoral scholarships funded by the federal government, the maximum rates are 1,750 euros basic scholarship and 100 euros research cost allowance a month (as of October 2026). Which body suits you depends mainly on profile, selection procedure and timing. Deadlines are published on each body’s website and must be checked before every application.
The most important points
- The bodies differ mainly by sponsorship and profile, not by a fixed amount.
- The maximum rates apply to doctoral scholarships funded by the federal government. The rules of each body apply in individual cases.
- Membership of a political party is not required for the party-affiliated foundations.
- Deadlines and documents change. Do not rely on information from earlier years.
- Keep a separate list for each body with its requirements and dates.
Which bodies are there, and what do they stand for?
The table sorts the funding bodies by sponsorship or profile. It describes what a body stands for, not its selection criteria. The criteria are set out in the rules of each body.
| Body | Sponsorship or profile | More in the guide |
|---|---|---|
| Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes | überparteilich, eigenes Auswahlverfahren | Overview of this body |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung | CDU-nah | Overview of this body |
| Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung | SPD-nah | Overview of this body |
| Hans-Böckler-Stiftung | gewerkschaftsnah (DGB) | Overview of this body |
| Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung | Bündnis 90/Die Grünen nah | Overview of this body |
| Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung | Die Linke nah | Overview of this body |
| Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung | FDP-nah | Overview of this body |
| Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung | CSU-nah | Overview of this body |
| Cusanuswerk | katholisch | Overview of this body |
| Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst | evangelisch | Overview of this body |
| Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk | für jüdische Studierende und Promovierende | Overview of this body |
| Avicenna-Studienwerk | Schwerpunkt muslimischer Hintergrund | Overview of this body |
| Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft | wirtschaftsnah | Overview of this body |
Funding components compared
The following figures apply to doctoral scholarships funded by the federal government. They come from the scholarship rates published by the Heinrich Böll Foundation for October 2026.
| Component | Amount per month | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Basic scholarship (maximum rate) | 1,750 euros | Some bodies pay less. The rules of the body apply. |
| Research cost allowance | 100 euros | Allowance for research costs. Use it according to the body’s rules. |
| Family allowance | 155 euros | Supplement for family. Check the conditions in your case, see childcare allowance and family supplement. |
The table is only a guide until you have read the rules of the body yourself. The source of the figures is the scholarship rates of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, October 2026.
How to compare the bodies properly
A comparison by amount is not enough. Access, profile, procedure and timing matter most. The points below help you prepare the documents for each body properly.
- Access: which qualifications do the rules set for degree, study phase and background?
- Profile: does the sponsorship fit your research topic and your social commitment?
- Procedure: are there reports, an exposé or a selection interview? Check the body’s requirements carefully.
- Timing: which deadline applies, and when does funding start? Reports need time.
A simple test helps you sort the bodies: write one sentence for each body explaining why you belong there. If that sentence does not come easily, the body probably does not fit you well. If it comes easily, it is worth reading the rules in detail.
What the funding means in practice
A scholarship is more than a monthly payment. The rules set out obligations that you should know before you accept. Check these points in particular:
- Reports: do you have to report annually on progress or the state of the dissertation, and in what form?
- Events: are there compulsory seminars, summer academies or network meetings, and are they covered by the funding?
- Duration and extension: how long is funding paid, and under which conditions can it be extended?
- End of funding: what happens if you drop out or interrupt your work, for example for parental leave?
The last two points often decide how well a scholarship fits your life plan. The answers are in the rules, not in the marketing text of the website.
Which documents are usually required
The required documents differ by body. The following items are common, and you should assemble them early:
- Curriculum vitae and proof of your studies and previous degrees.
- Certificates and, where relevant, proof of commitment or internships.
- An exposé or project outline for the planned doctorate.
- Reports or letters of recommendation, often from university teachers.
- A letter of motivation that reflects the profile and field interests of the body.
Plan the effort for reports carefully, because other people must deliver their contributions on time.
Frequently asked questions
When does funding start?
The start depends on the award and the rules of the body. Plan your finances from the expected start of funding, not from the date of your application.
Which degree is needed to apply?
The rules set out which degree and which stage of study or doctorate are required. Check this separately for each body, because the requirements differ.
Do I have to belong to a party to receive a party-affiliated scholarship?
No. Party membership is not required to apply. The guide on party-affiliated foundations and doctorates explains more.
Can I apply to several bodies at the same time?
The bodies decide for themselves whether multiple applications are allowed. Check the rules before you submit more than one application.
What if my grades are weak?
Bodies weigh grades differently. The guide on doctoral scholarships with weaker grades explains your chances.
Is there doctoral funding without a foundation?
Yes, for example posts at universities or in research projects. The guide on doctoral scholarship or post explains the difference between a post and a scholarship.
What to do next
- Make a list of all bodies that fit your field and profile.
- Open the current call for each body and note deadline, documents and procedure.
- Ask your supervisor whether they can support you with reports or contacts.
- Plan enough time for the application, because reports and documents need lead time.
Related reading
- Doctoral post or scholarship: net comparison with an example
- Scholarship foundations for doctoral students: who funds whom?
- Cusanuswerk, Evangelisches Studienwerk, Avicenna: doctoral funding compared
- Hans Böckler Foundation for doctorates: deadlines and application
- Doctoral scholarships 2026: foundations compared
Sources:
- Heinrich Böll Foundation: scholarship rates in the scholarship bodies, October 2026
- Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes: website with rules and deadlines
- Konrad Adenauer Foundation: website with rules and deadlines
- Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst: website with rules and deadlines
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
