Vechta Doctoral Scholarship supports up to three PhD scholarships within the doctoral college “Justice dimensions of sustainability-oriented transformation processes in rural areas” (PK 060). The scholarship funds doctoral research using comparative case studies, quantitative and mixed-methods approaches, and offers stipends, workshops and networked supervision.
The doctoral college is affiliated with the Vechta Institute of Sustainability Transformation in Rural Areas (VISTRA) at the University of Vechta and is funded by the Hans Böckler Foundation. The program is jointly directed by Prof. Dr. John-Oliver Engler and Prof. Dr. Jana Zscheischler and involves national and international partner institutions.
Vechta Doctoral Scholarship Benefits
- Fellowships begin between June and September 2027 and are awarded for a maximum of three years.
- Doctoral students receive a stipend of €1,650 (€1,550 basic stipend and €100 lump sum for research costs).
- In addition, a health insurance contribution of up to €100 and, if applicable, a family allowance may be paid.
- The doctoral college offers thematic and methodological workshops for the scholarship holders and supports the collaboration in a moderating and motivating way.
- It features a network of national and international partners to complement, support and deepen its expertise.
Vechta Doctoral Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- We welcome applications from fields relevant to the topics of the doctoral program, such as human geography, social sciences, applied ethics, economics, sustainability science or psychology.
- Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches are welcome and supported; applications with a quantitative or mixed-methods design are explicitly encouraged.
- Good German and English language skills are required for the application (at least level B2 for German, C1 for English); the doctoral thesis can be written in English.
How to Apply for Vechta Doctoral Scholarship?
- Application deadline for scholarships is November 2, 2026
- Please apply with the required documents and an exposé (max. 10 pages) in which the planned project is outlined and classified in the research program of the doctoral college (https://www.uni-vechta.de/vistra/promotionskolleg).
- Please submit your application exclusively via the Hans Böckler Foundation’s online application portal.
- Promising applicants will be supported by the academic leadership of the doctoral program in revising and adapting their exposé, if necessary, to fit the topic and the requirements of the program.
- The winners of the scholarship will be announced in May 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Vechta Doctoral Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application steps, and contact information based on the official announcement.
How many scholarships are available?
The call states that, with funds from the Hans Böckler Foundation, up to 3 PhD scholarships will be awarded within the doctoral college “Justice Dimensions of Sustainability-Oriented Transformation Processes in Rural Areas” (PK 060) at the University of Vechta.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for scholarships is November 2, 2026, as specified in the announcement. Applicants must submit their materials by this date via the Hans Böckler Foundation’s online application portal.
What funding and stipend do scholarship holders receive?
Doctoral students receive a stipend of €1,650, comprised of a €1,550 basic stipend and a €100 lump sum for research costs. In addition, a health insurance contribution of up to €100 and, if applicable, a family allowance may be paid.
When do the fellowships start and how long do they last?
Fellowships begin between June and September 2027 at the earliest and are awarded for a maximum of three years. The standard funding period may be extended in justified cases.
What research topics and methods are encouraged?
The doctoral program emphasizes justice dimensions of sustainability-oriented transformation processes in rural areas. It pursues a comparative case study approach and explicitly welcomes quantitative and mixed-methods approaches. Examples of topics include energy sector transformation, spatial justice, gender justice, and socio-technical transitions.
What are the language requirements for applicants?
Good German and English language skills are required for the application, with at least level B2 for German and C1 for English. The doctoral thesis can be written in English.
Who directs the doctoral college and which institutions are involved?
The doctoral program is jointly directed by Prof. Dr. John-Oliver Engler and Prof. Dr. Jana Zscheischler. Other participating researchers include Prof. Dr. Paula Bögel and Prof. Dr. Karl Martin Born. The program involves partners such as Leuphana University Lüneburg, Lund University, and Utrecht University.
How should I prepare and submit my exposé?
Applicants must prepare an exposé (max. 10 pages) outlining the planned project and its classification within the doctoral college’s research program. The announcement notes that promising applicants will be supported by academic leadership in revising exposés and that submissions must be made via the Hans Böckler Foundation’s online portal.
When will selection results be announced?
The winners of the scholarship will be announced in May 2027, according to the official call for applications.
Who can I contact for questions about the application or the program?
For application process questions contact [email protected]. For content-related questions regarding the doctoral program contact the postdoc via [email protected], and applicants are invited to contact Prof. Dr. Jana Zscheischler and Prof. Dr. John-Oliver Engler in advance to discuss projects.
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