BerGSAS-DAAD PhD Scholarships 2026 in Germany | Fully Funded Doctoral Program for International Students

The Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS), in partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), invites international applicants to apply for fully funded doctoral scholarships under the Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP). This competitive program supports outstanding early career researchers in ancient studies and related fields.

Available PhD Tracks

1. Ancient Languages and Texts (ALT)

Focus: Philology, digital humanities, linguistics
Eligible Disciplines:

• Ancient History, Late Antiquity, Early Middle Ages

• Greek, Latin, Coptic, Ancient Oriental Languages

• Egyptology, Iranian Studies, Jewish Studies

• Indo-European Linguistics, Protestant Theology, Roman Law

2. Ancient Objects and Visual Studies (AOViS)

Focus: Visual culture, archaeological objects
Eligible Disciplines:

• Classical, Near Eastern, Prehistoric Archaeology

• Egyptology, Northeast African Archaeology

• Ancient Oriental Studies

3. Landscape Archaeology and Architecture (LAA)

Focus: Landscape studies, architecture, geostatistics
Eligible Disciplines:

• Classical, Near Eastern, Prehistoric Archaeology

• Landscape-oriented Egyptology

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend: €1,300

• Health, accident, and liability insurance

• Travel allowance

• Annual research allowance (€1,000)

• Family and rent support (if applicable)

• Pre-sessional German language course

• International mobility funding (up to 25% of total duration)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be non-German nationals

• Hold (or soon complete) a relevant master’s degree awarded after March 1, 2020

• Not have resided in Germany continuously since before December 1, 2024

• Not hold a prior PhD

• Demonstrate English proficiency (minimum B2; C1 for FU Berlin)

Application Process

Step 1: Submit Application

• Apply via the BerGSAS application portal

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview

Step 2: Final Selection

• DAAD makes the final decision after university admission review

Deadline: October 15, 2025, 00:00 CET

Required Documents

• Degree certificates and academic transcripts (B.A. and M.A.)

• Proof of English proficiency

• Research proposal

• Curriculum Vitae

• Two letters of recommendation (one from home university)

  • To be sent directly to: application@berliner-antike-kolleg.org

Additional Opportunities

Applicants may also apply for unfunded study places in these BerGSAS programs:

• Ancient Languages and Texts

• Ancient Objects and Visual Studies

• Landscape Archaeology and Architecture

• Ancient Philosophy and History of Science

Study Place Deadlines:

• Summer semester: Apply by September 30, 2025

• Winter semester: Apply by April 30, 2026

FAQs

1. Can I apply without a master’s certificate?
Yes, as long as you’ve submitted your thesis and received a grade by the deadline. Final documentation must be provided before enrollment.

2. Is German language proficiency required?
No, but a pre-sessional German course is encouraged and covered by DAAD.

3. What makes a strong application?
A well-aligned research proposal, strong academic performance, recommendation letters, and language proficiency in English and ancient languages.