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Study in Germany | Hans Böckler Foundation Scholarships 2026

January 10, 2026 10:31 am

Study in Germany | Hans Böckler Foundation Scholarships 2026

For exceptional international PhD candidates engaged with social and economic issues, a unique opportunity to fund a research stay in Germany is now open. The Hans Böckler Foundation is accepting applications for its two prestigious international PhD scholarships for the 2026 intake. These awards support doctoral researchers in Economics and the Social Sciences/Humanities who align with the foundation’s values of social engagement, offering a fully funded pathway to immerse themselves in Germany’s vibrant academic ecosystem.

Two Targeted Scholarships with Comprehensive Support

The foundation offers two distinct scholarships, each with a specific focus and a generous funding package:

1. Dieter Schumacher International PhD Scholarship (Economics)

Monthly Stipend: €1,550 for living expenses.
Annual Travel Allowance: €1,400.
Duration: A 12 or 24-month research stay in Germany.
Research Focus: Topics relevant from an employee perspective, such as labour markets, income distribution, fiscal policy, or financial markets.

2. Ute and György Széll International PhD Scholarship (Social Sciences & Humanities)

Monthly Stipend: €1,450 for living expenses.
Annual Travel Allowance: €1,300.
Duration: A 6-month research stay.
Unique Advantage: The research stay can be hosted not only by a university but also by a relevant foundation or archive.

Are You the Ideal Candidate?

These scholarships seek researchers who combine academic excellence with a commitment to societal issues. General eligibility requires you to be an international PhD student with a clear invitation from a host supervisor in Germany and a demonstrated interest in the foundation’s social values.

Specific Criteria:

For the Economics Scholarship: You must be under 30 years old, and your research should connect to the foundation’s thematic priorities.
For the Social Sciences/Humanities Scholarship: There is no age limit.

Application Process

A successful application is built on a crucial first step: securing a formal invitation letter from a PhD supervisor at a German university or research institute. This is the cornerstone of your application. After securing this, you must prepare a comprehensive dossier including:

A detailed doctoral project description (3 pages).
A specific research plan for your stay in Germany (3 pages).
A recommendation from your home institution supervisor.
Your academic CV and relevant diplomas.

Click Here to Apply

Key Application Deadline

The final deadline to submit your complete application for both scholarships is 28 February 2026. Given the time required to identify and secure a host supervisor in Germany, initiating this process many months in advance is essential.

Building a Winning Application

Your application must convincingly demonstrate a dual commitment: to rigorous academic research and to the foundation’s ethos of social engagement. First, proactively network with German academics in your field to find a suitable host supervisor whose work aligns with your project. Your research proposals should clearly articulate the academic merit of your work and its relevance to contemporary social or economic challenges. Furthermore, your CV and recommendation letters should highlight not only your educational achievements but also your extracurricular activities, leadership, or activism, showcasing you as a well-rounded candidate.

The Hans Böckler Foundation scholarships offer more than just funding; they provide access to a unique network focused on labour, social justice, and economic policy. By securing a strong German host partnership and presenting a research plan that bridges academic rigor and social relevance, you can position yourself for this transformative award. For official application forms and detailed guidelines, visit the Hans Böckler Foundation website.