A scholarship or proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the doctoral studies must be submitted along with your application.
Funding options
- Scholarship via BIGS-DR (deadline: August 31st, annually)
Candidates from developing and emerging economies can apply for a scholarship provided by the Development-Related Postgraduate Course program (EPOS) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). A number of these DAAD scholarships are sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and are available via BIGS-DR.
- Other DAAD/Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship (deadline: varies)
The German Ministry of External Affairs has bilateral agreements with many countries for DAAD scholarships or "government scholarships". These DAAD scholarships may be of interest for candidates from countries which are not officially considered developing countries, such as the CIS and Europe. Typically, applicants should aim to apply simultaneously for scholarships and for the doctoral program. The University of Bonn may issue a conditional letter of acceptance to students who require a confirmation from the university in order to grant the scholarship.
- Other sponsors (deadline: varies)
You can also apply for a scholarship from any other foundation or sponsor. The procedure is the same as above. Applicants should apply simultaneously for scholarships and for the doctoral program and provide a copy of the scholarship information to BIGS-DR. Be sure to indicate in your application (motivation letter or attachment) if the foundation or sponsor has a deadline. The University of Bonn may issue a conditional letter of acceptance to students who require a confirmation from the university in order to grant the scholarship.
- Vacancies at ZEF (deadline: varies)
You may also apply for a doctoral position in one of ZEF's projects. In this case, the topic, region and discipline of the research are set by the project. You can apply only for vacancies announced on ZEF's website. Please apply first for the project vacancy with the contact person listed on the posting, and then submit your BIGS-DR application documents. The deadlines are mentioned in the respective vacancies.
- Independent/self-funding (deadline: varies)
BIGS-DR will also considers qualified candidates with funds of their own. If you plan to study with your own funds, please submit your application documents according to the list of required application documents. A conditional letter of support will be issued once your application has been reviewed by our Selection Committee. Proof of self-funding can be determined by including a bank statement in your application that covers the entire duration of your studies. This includes expenditure that you may incur during your planned field research.
External applicants
External doctoral students can participate in one or more of the doctoral courses. As an external participant, you will have to organize your own funds (cost of living, research expenses, etc.). You can apply by submitting the following documents in one PDF file:
- A letter of application
- A letter of application
- A BIGS-DR application form
- A CV
- Copies of your past academic certificates
- A certified registration as a PhD student at a university
- A letter of recommendation from your supervisor
You should email your completed application to us at least two months prior to the start of the course.
Qualified candidates who cannot be offered a DAAD or Robert Bosch scholarship directly available from ZEF may receive a letter of qualification and acceptance. It will help them seek financial assistance at other institutions and foundations.
Please specify if applicable to the selected choice above: