Fully Funded PhD DAAD Scholarships at University of Münster, Germany 2026

Fully Funded PhD DAAD Scholarships at University of Münster, Germany 2026

The University of Münster is offering fully funded PhD scholarships for the academic period from April 2026 to March 2029. The scholarships, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP), present an incredible opportunity for international scholars to pursue advanced research in one of Germany’s leading academic institutions.

Scholarship Overview

• Host University: University of Münster (WWU Münster), Germany

• School: Graduate School Practices of Literature (GSPoL)

• Funding Body: DAAD (Graduate School Scholarship Programme – GSSP)

• Duration: 3 years (with a potential 1-year extension)

• Application Deadline: May 31, 2025

• Start Date: April 1, 2026

• Funding Type: Fully funded (including stipend, health insurance, and academic support)

• Eligibility: Open to international candidates only

Research Fields

The PhD scholarships are open to candidates interested in the following research areas:

• English and American Studies

• Arabic and Islamic Studies

• German Studies

• Latin and Neo-Latin Philology

• Dutch, Scandinavian, Romance (French, Spanish, Italian), Slavic Studies

• Sinology

• Comparative Literature and Literary Theory

PhD Research Themes

The Graduate School Practices of Literature (GSPoL) offers three key thematic clusters for doctoral research:

1. Literature, Culture, and Society: Explore the connections between literature and cultural/social systems.

2. Theories of Literature and Culture: Focus on methodologies, science studies, and theoretical frameworks.

3. Literary and Cultural Studies in the Professional World: Investigate the relevance of literary training in various professional sectors.

The program integrates lectures, colloquia, interdisciplinary workshops, and offers opportunities for internships or teaching roles.

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: In line with DAAD guidelines.

• Health Insurance: Covered by the scholarship.

• Mobility Allowance: Support for research stays abroad (up to 25% of the program duration).

• Training & Mentorship: Comprehensive training in transferable skills, with guidance from three academic advisors.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must:

• Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant literary/cultural discipline (minimum GPA of 2.0, German system) or a Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 1.5.

• Demonstrate proficiency in German or English at C1 level and the other language at least at B1 level.

• Possess additional foreign language skills as required by the PhD study regulations.

• Have not resided in Germany for more than 15 months before the application.

• Have completed their last academic degree within the past 6 years.

• Not have completed a PhD previously.

• Be willing to reside in Germany for the entire duration of the program (with the possibility of research stays abroad for up to 25%).

Application Procedure

Step 1: Apply to GSPoL (Deadline: May 31, 2025)

Submit the following documents in a single PDF (excluding reference letters) by email to Dr. Anna Thiemann at [email protected]:

• Motivation letter

• CV (without a photo)

• Degree certificates and transcripts (plus certified translation if not in German/English)

• Language proficiency certificates

• 10-page PhD research proposal with abstract

• Research timeline (including any planned stays abroad)

• Two or three letters of reference (DAAD template, submitted separately by professors)

Step 2: Interview at GSPoL

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (either online or in person).

Step 3: DAAD Nomination

Final selection is made by DAAD after GSPoL’s nomination. Nominees must also complete the online DAAD application with supporting documents via the DAAD portal.

Final Thoughts

The DAAD-funded PhD scholarships at the University of Münster are a prestigious opportunity for international scholars in literary and cultural studies to engage in high-level doctoral research. With robust academic support, interdisciplinary mentoring, and generous financial backing, this program is an exceptional pathway to success in academia and beyond.

Don’t miss your chance to apply before May 31, 2025, and begin your fully funded PhD journey at one of Germany’s most renowned research institutions.