BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026 offer a unique opportunity for international doctoral candidates to pursue fully funded research at the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies. This prestigious scholarship program, supported by DAAD, provides comprehensive funding from October 2026 to September 2030, enabling scholars to advance their expertise in archaeology, ancient studies, philology, theology, and related fields.
Hosted by leading German institutions, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin, the BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026 aim to nurture exceptional early career researchers. Applicants benefit from world-class academic resources and a vibrant research community dedicated to exploring ancient civilizations and cultures. Don’t miss your chance to join this distinguished program and elevate your academic career.
Benefits
Each selected PhD student will receive:
- Monthly stipend of €1,300
- Travel allowance
- Health, accident, and liability insurance
- Study and research funding
- Material resources: €1,000 per year
- Family and rent allowances (if applicable)
- Pre-sessional German language course support
- International research mobility support (up to 25% of scholarship period)
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the DAAD GSSP scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a non-German citizen
- Hold a master’s degree (or be close to completing it) after March 1, 2020
- Not have resided in Germany continuously since before December 1, 2024
- Have not previously completed a PhD
- Demonstrate proficiency in English (minimum B2; C1 required for FU Berlin)
Required Documents for BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026
- Copy of degrees and transcripts (B.A. and M.A.)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Research proposal
- Two letters of recommendation (one from your home university)
- Curriculum vitae
Fields of Study
Ancient Languages and Texts (ALT)
Focus: Ancient texts, philology, linguistics, digital humanities
Eligible Fields:
- Ancient History, Late Antiquity, Early Middle Ages
- Greek, Latin, Coptic, Ancient Oriental Languages
- Egyptology, Iranian Studies, Jewish Studies
- Comparative Indo-European Linguistics
- Protestant Theology, Religious Studies, Roman Law
Ancient Objects and Visual Studies (AOViS)
Focus: Image communication, archaeological artifacts, visual culture
Eligible Fields:
- Ancient Oriental Studies
- Classical, Near Eastern, and Prehistoric Archaeology
- Egyptology and Northeast African Archaeology
Landscape Archaeology and Architecture (LAA)
Focus: Landscape archaeology, architecture, geostatistical methods
Eligible Fields:
- Classical, Near Eastern, Prehistoric Archaeology
- Egyptology with a landscape focus
How to Apply?
- Visit the official BerGSAS application portal to start your application.
- Prepare all required documents, including your academic transcripts, CV, research proposal, language certificates, and two letters of recommendation.
- Make sure your Master’s degree was completed after March 1, 2020, and that your thesis grade is available at the time of application.
- Fill out the online application form carefully, providing accurate personal and academic information.
- Upload all supporting documents in the specified formats before submitting your application.
- Double-check your application to ensure everything is complete and correct.
- Submit your application before the deadline on 15 October 2025, 00:00 CET. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- After submission, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview between November and December 2025.
- Wait for the final decision from DAAD, which will be communicated after the interview process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026 fund PhD studies in ancient studies for non-German citizens with recent Master’s degrees. Benefits include a stipend, insurance, and research support. Applications close October 15, 2025, with interviews in late 2025. Language skills and no prior PhD required.
What are the BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026?
The BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026 support doctoral candidates in ancient studies, including archaeology, theology, and history. They provide funding for up to four years to pursue a PhD at the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies, fostering international research collaboration.
Who is eligible to apply for the BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026?
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree completed after March 1, 2020, and must not have resided continuously in Germany since December 1, 2024. The scholarship is open to non-German citizens who have not yet started a PhD and meet the academic and language requirements.
What benefits do the BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026 offer?
The scholarship covers a monthly stipend of 1,300 euros, health insurance, travel allowances, and research funding. It also supports language courses and research stays abroad, providing comprehensive financial support to help scholars focus fully on their doctoral research.
How can I apply for the BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026?
Applications must be submitted online through the BerGSAS portal. You need to upload your CV, research proposal, academic transcripts, language certificates, and two letters of recommendation. Complete applications must be submitted before the deadline to be considered.
What is the application deadline for the BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026?
The deadline for submitting applications is October 15, 2025, at 00:00 CET. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted, so it is important to prepare all documents and submit your application well before this date.
What fields of study are supported by the BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026?
The scholarships support doctoral research in ancient studies, including archaeology, ancient history, theology, and related disciplines. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches and international collaboration within these fields.
Are language skills required for the BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or German. Language certificates must be submitted with the application to prove the ability to participate fully in academic activities and research at BerGSAS.
What is the selection process for the BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026?
After submitting applications, shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview between November and December 2025. The final selection is made by DAAD based on academic merit, research proposal quality, and interview performance.
Can I apply if I already have a PhD?
No, the scholarship is only available to candidates who have not yet completed a doctoral degree. It is designed to support early-stage researchers embarking on their PhD journey in ancient studies.
Is it possible to conduct research outside Germany with the BerGSAS DAAD Scholarships 2026?
Yes, the scholarship allows for research stays abroad for up to 25% of the funding period. This supports international collaboration and access to resources not available in Germany, enriching the doctoral research experience.
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