DAAD Law and Society Doctoral Scholarships 2026 are now open for applications, offering an excellent opportunity for international graduates to pursue a fully funded PhD at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. This prestigious program welcomes highly motivated researchers with strong interdisciplinary interests in law, society, and related fields. Beginning in 2026, the scholarship provides comprehensive academic and financial support for outstanding candidates eager to advance their research in a world-class environment.
To qualify, applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree in law, social sciences, or a closely related discipline, along with a well-developed research proposal aligned with the programme’s core themes. Eligible candidates must be international (non-German) students who completed their most recent degree within the last six years and have not resided in Germany for more than 15 months before the nomination period. This scholarship is designed to attract exceptional global talent committed to impactful, interdisciplinary research.
Benefits of DAAD Law and Society Doctoral Scholarships 2026
Scholarship holders will receive:
- Monthly stipend of €1,400 (or €992 before doctoral admission)
- Travel allowance
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance contributions
- Annual research allowance (€460 for DAC-listed countries; €260 for others)
- Possible additional benefits including rent subsidy, family allowance, or disability support
- Fully funded German language courses
- Supervision and material support allowance of €1,000 per year
Eligibility for the DAAD Law and Society Doctoral Scholarships 2026
- Eligible Countries: All international (non-German) applicants
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded for the Doctoral Programme Law & Society at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:
• Hold a Master’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, or related fields
• Submit a research proposal contributing to interdisciplinary legal research
• Demonstrate strong academic qualifications and alignment with the Law & Society program’s themes
• Have completed their last Master’s exam within the past six years
• Not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months prior to nomination
• Be international applicants without German citizenship
• Provide required documents including CV, motivation letter, research proposal, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and language certificates
• Have English proficiency; German skills may be acquired during the program
How to Apply for DAAD Law and Society Doctoral Scholarships 2026?
- Prepare all required documents in one PDF file (maximum 10 MB).
- Email the PDF with subject line “Application DAAD grant Law & Society” to [email protected].
- Submission deadline: January 31, 2026.
- Shortlisted candidates will be nominated by the Law & Society programme.
- Nominated applicants must complete Step 2 by submitting an online application through the DAAD portal.
- Final selection is made by the DAAD committee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The DAAD Law & Society Doctoral Scholarship 2026 offers two fully funded PhD positions at Humboldt-Universität’s LSI/DynamInt, for up to four years. Targeting international graduates in law/social sciences, it covers stipend, insurance, research and language support. Applications (cv, proposal, recommendations etc.) are due by 31 Jan 2026.
What is the DAAD Law and Society Doctoral Scholarships 2026 about?
The DAAD Law & Society Doctoral Scholarship is a fully funded PhD opportunity at Integrative Research Institute Law & Society (LSI), in cooperation with DynamInt at Humboldt‑Universität zu Berlin. It supports doctoral research in interdisciplinary legal and societal issues.
How long does the DAAD Law and Society Doctoral Scholarships 2026 last?
The scholarship provides funding for up to four years of doctoral study, giving you time to complete your PhD dissertation under the Law & Society programme.
What benefits are included in the DAAD Law and Society Doctoral Scholarships 2026?
Recipients receive a monthly stipend, travel allowance, health/accident/personal liability insurance, a research allowance, coverage for material resources and supervision costs, and fully funded German language courses.
Who is eligible to apply?
International students with a Master’s (or equivalent) degree in law, social sciences or related fields, interested in interdisciplinary legal research, are eligible. Applicants should not have German citizenship.
Are there academic and residency restrictions?
Yes — your final exam (Master’s degree) must have taken place no more than six years ago, and you must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months before nomination.
In what language is the doctoral programme offered?
The doctoral courses are mostly taught in English. You’re expected to acquire working knowledge of German, but language courses are provided under the scholarship. The dissertation may be written in English or German.
How many scholarships are offered for 2026?
There are two doctoral scholarships available under the 2026 call for the Law & Society programme.
What is the application deadline for DAAD Law and Society Doctoral Scholarships 2026?
Applications must be submitted by 31 January 2026 for the 2026 call.
How to apply?
Submit a single PDF (max 10 MB) by email to the specified address. Include motivation letter (≤ 1,000 words), CV, research proposal (≤ 5 pages w/ abstract & schedule), two recommendation letters, academic certificates/transcripts, language certificates, any practical work evidence, and publication list if applicable.
What kinds of research topics are encouraged?
The programme seeks interdisciplinary legal research addressing core societal and global challenges — such as legal pluralism, democracy, digital transformation, social justice, inequalities, climate change, rule of law issues. Projects should align with this broad Law & Society agenda.
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