The Hans Böckler Foundation Scholarship extends an invitation to foreign candidates who are enthusiastic in economics, the humanities, or the social sciences to apply for their esteemed scholarship programmes in Germany in 2026. These scholarships are specially designed to help foreign PhD students who want to improve their research while in Germany, providing a chance to become part of the German academic community.
When is the Application Deadline:
📅 February 28, 2026
(For both the Dieter Schumacher and Ute & György Széll International PhD Scholarships.)
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Tell Me About the Award:
The Hans Böckler Foundation (Hans Böckler Stiftung) — the scholarship arm of the Confederation of German Trade Unions (DGB) — offers international doctoral scholarships to outstanding PhD candidates from around the world, with special consideration for applicants from the Global South.
The scholarships enable foreign PhD students to conduct research and academic work in Germany, combining rigorous scholarship with exposure to German research institutions, foundations, and archives.
Two distinct PhD scholarship programs are available for 2026:
- Dieter Schumacher International PhD Scholarship (Economics)
- Ute and György Széll International PhD Scholarship (Social Sciences & Humanities)
Both programs aim to support doctoral candidates who are academically excellent, socially engaged, and share the values of co-determination, fairness, and social justice upheld by the Foundation.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
- Economics (for the Dieter Schumacher Scholarship)
- Fiscal and monetary policy
- Labor markets
- Income distribution
- Financial markets
- Employee-oriented research
- Social Sciences and Humanities (for the Ute & György Széll Scholarship)
- Sociology
- Political Science
- History
- Literary Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Related fields
Type:
🎓 International Doctoral (PhD) Scholarships
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be foreign PhD candidates (from any country, especially the Global South).
- Be enrolled in a PhD program at a recognized institution.
- Have strong academic qualifications and a clear research focus.
- Be politically, socially, or culturally engaged, showing alignment with the Hans Böckler Foundation’s values.
- Provide a valid invitation letter from a German host university, research institute, or archive.
- For the Dieter Schumacher Scholarship: applicants must be under 30 years old.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Academic merit and relevance of the research proposal.
- Quality of the research project, including its goals, methods, and potential impact.
- Level of social, cultural, or political engagement.
- Recommendation letters and the fit with the Foundation’s mission.
Applications are first reviewed by the Hans Böckler Foundation Study Promotion Department, followed by evaluation by the PhD Committee for final approval.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌍 All nationalities are welcome to apply.
Applicants from the Global South are particularly encouraged.
Where will the Award be Taken?
🏛 Germany — at a German university, research institute, or (for the Ute & György Széll Scholarship) a foundation or archive.
How Many Awards?
The number of scholarships is not specified, but selections are highly competitive and based on available funding for each cycle.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
💰 Dieter Schumacher International PhD Scholarship
- Monthly stipend: €1,550
- Annual travel allowance: €1,400
- Duration: 12–24 months
💰 Ute and György Széll International PhD Scholarship
- Monthly stipend: €1,450
- Annual travel allowance: €1,300
- Duration: 6 months
Additional benefits include:
- Integration into the German academic community
- Access to research resources, archives, and expert supervision
- Networking opportunities with global scholars
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Dieter Schumacher Scholarship: 12–24 months
- Ute and György Széll Scholarship: 6 months
How to Apply:
Applicants must:
- Complete and download the official application form from the Hans Böckler Foundation website.
- Prepare the following documents:
- Description of the doctoral project (3 pages)
- Research paper (3 pages)
- Invitation letter from a German host supervisor
- Recommendation letter from home PhD supervisor
- CV in table format
- Diploma qualifying for PhD studies
- Signed application form
- Submit applications by email or post to:
📧 bewerbung@boeckler.de
(Encrypted files are recommended for data protection.)
📄 Application form and details: https://www.boeckler.de/de/international-scholarships-33846.htm
