University of Munster DAAD PhD Scholarships 2026–2029

Are you a passionate international researcher in literary or cultural studies looking to pursue a fully funded PhD in Germany? The Graduate School Practices of Literature (GSPoL) at the University of Münster invites international candidates to apply for its prestigious DAAD PhD Scholarships for the academic period April 2026 to March 2029.

These scholarships are funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) under the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP), in cooperation with the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.

Scholarship Overview

• Host University: University of Münster (WWU Münster), Germany
• School: Graduate School Practices of Literature (GSPoL)
• Funding Body: DAAD (GSSP Program)
• Duration: 3 years (with a possible 1-year extension)
• Application Deadline: 31 May 2025
• Start Date: 1 April 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded (stipend, health insurance, and academic support)
• Eligibility: Incoming international candidates only

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Degree Level

University of Münster Germany DAAD PhD Scholarships 2026–2029 (Fully Funded) is available to undertake PhD level programs at University of Münster.

Available Subjects

Candidates with research interests in the following fields may apply:

1. English and American Studies
2. Arabic and Islamic Studies
3. German Studies
4. Latin and Neo-Latin Philology
5. Dutch, Scandinavian, Romance (French, Spanish, Italian), Slavic Studies
6. Sinology
7. Comparative Literature and Literary Theory

PhD Research Themes

GSPoL supports doctoral research under three major thematic clusters:

1. Literature, Culture, and Society – Exploring literature's relationship with cultural and social systems
2. Theories of Literature and Culture – Emphasizing methodologies, science studies, and theoretical frameworks
3. Literary and Cultural Studies in the Professional World – Examining the relevance of literary training in various sectors

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

Benefits

1. Monthly stipend in accordance with DAAD guidelines
2. Health insurance and mobility allowance
3. Support for research stays abroad (up to 25% of program duration)
4. Training in transferable skills, supervision, and mentoring by three academic advisors

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Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

1. Hold a Master’s degree in a literary/cultural discipline with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (German system) or, in rare cases, a Bachelor’s degree with GPA ≥ 1.5
2. Demonstrate language proficiency: one of German or English at C1, the other at least B1 level
3. Possess additional foreign language skills as outlined in the PhD study regulations
4. Not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months prior to nomination
5. Have completed their last academic degree within the past 6 years
6. Not hold a PhD
7. Be willing to reside in Germany for the duration of the program (research stays abroad are allowed for up to 25% of the total duration)