DAAD GSSP Scholarships 2025 are now open for applications at the prestigious yDiv Graduate School, part of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) in Leipzig, Germany. These scholarships offer outstanding students from the Global South the opportunity to pursue a fully funded PhD in integrative biodiversity research. Applicants must hold an above-average master’s degree in a relevant field and show strong motivation for advancing research in biodiversity, conservation, and related disciplines. With full financial support and access to world-class academic resources, this program is an exceptional gateway to a high-level research career in Germany.
The yDiv Graduate School—also known as the Young Biodiversity Graduate School—stands out for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to biodiversity studies. As part of iDiv, it fosters collaboration between theorists and empiricists, bridging various levels of biodiversity research. Its structured PhD program includes a rich curriculum of scientific and methodological courses, complemented by soft-skills training to prepare scholars for academic and professional excellence. Selected candidates for the DAAD GSSP Scholarships 2025 will benefit from expert supervision, networking opportunities, and a vibrant international research community in one of Europe’s leading biodiversity hubs.
Scholarship Summary
- Country: Germany
- Provider: DAAD
- Host: German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig
- Study Level: PhD
- Deadline: 30 September 2025
Benefits
- Monthly stipend of EUR 1,400
- Country-specific travel allowance
- Health, accident, and liability insurance
- Study and research allowance
- Optional final grant for up to six months after the funding period
- Access to iDiv’s research resources and yDiv’s structured PhD program
- Opportunity to participate in international research networks and interdisciplinary training.
Eligibility for DAAD GSSP Scholarships 2025
- Eligible Countries: Applicants must be from countries of the Global South.
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in the field of society and nature, related to biodiversity research.
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold an above-average Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
- Show strong motivation for pursuing a PhD in integrative biodiversity research.
- Have not previously completed a PhD.
- Be proficient in English.
- Be a non-German citizen and must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months prior to the application deadline.
- Have graduated no longer than six years before October 2025.
- Be committed to developing an independent research proposal aligned with one of the iDiv research groups.
- Candidates should plan for no more than 25% of their research time outside Germany.
How to Apply for DAAD GSSP Scholarships 2025 in Germany
- Submit your complete application via the yDiv application portal by 30 September 2025 (6:00 pm CET).
- Required documents include:
- Research proposal (max. 2–3 pages)
- Research schedule with planned fieldwork or international stays
- Supervisor selection (from listed PhD project PIs)
- Letter of recommendation (DAAD template)
- CV
- Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (optional but recommended)
- Certificates of internships or publications (optional)
- Selected candidates will be invited for online interviews in October 2025.
- Nominated applicants will then submit final documents to DAAD for final approval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Two fully-funded DAAD GSSP PhD scholarships at iDiv are open to candidates from the Global South. Applications close on 30 Sept 2025, possible start from Feb–Oct 2026. They cover living, travel, insurance, research costs, plus a final grant, and allow limited overseas stays.
What are the DAAD GSSP Scholarships 2025?
They’re two fully-funded doctoral scholarships offered through the yDiv Graduate School for international candidates from the Global South, focusing on research that links society and nature. Each lasts up to four years.
Who is eligible to apply?
Highly-motivated international applicants from the Global South with a strong Master’s degree, proficiency in English, no prior PhD, and who haven’t lived in Germany for more than 15 months prior to application.
When is the application deadline?
Applicants must apply via the yDiv application portal by 30 September 2025 at 6:00 pm CET. Late, email or mail applications won’t be accepted—it’s all online and strictly deadline-driven.
When do the scholarships start?
Successful candidates may begin their doctoral studies between February and October 2026, with start dates possible on the 1st of each month during that window.
What does the scholarship cover?
Monthly funding of EUR 1,400, a travel allowance that depends on your country, combined health, accident, and liability insurance, plus a study and research allowance.
Is there any extra financial support?
Yes, successful applicants can apply for a one-time final grant of up to six months after the main funding period ends—handy for wrapping up research or preparing your next steps.
Can I include stays abroad in my proposal?
Yes, stays outside Germany are allowed if integral to your research, but they must not exceed 25 % of the total funding period—and they can’t be scheduled right at the start.
What’s required in the application?
You need a research proposal (2–3 pages), a research schedule, choice of supervisor, a DAAD-template recommendation letter, CV, letter of motivation, transcripts, degree certificates, and optional extras like publications.
What happens after nomination by yDiv?
If yDiv nominates you, you’ll submit your application and confirmation of nomination to the DAAD within two weeks via their portal. Then you wait for a final admission decision, which may take up to three months.
How competitive is the selection process?
Quite competitive—it’s based entirely on your academic qualifications, motivation, research proposal, and references. Basically, you need to shine across all those areas to succeed.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Scholarship Union shares publicly available scholarship opportunities for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any listed institution unless clearly stated.
Listings may come from public sources or user submissions. We do not guarantee their accuracy, completeness, or availability.
To report issues or request updates, please contact us here.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
