In 2026, the Gerda Henkel Foundation offered its famous fully funded PhD scholarships in the humanities again. These scholarships are now open to early-career researchers from all over the world. The Gerda Henkel Research Scholarships for PhD Students 2026-2027 give junior academics the chance to get a doctoral degree in Germany or another country with the help of generous financial aid, family benefits, and the freedom to focus on research.
This scholarship is perfect for students who have shown a lot of academic potential. It lets recipients focus on writing a high-impact doctoral thesis in the historical sciences without having to worry about money.
What the Scholarship Offers?
- Monthly stipend: EUR 1,920
- Foreign residence allowance: EUR 480 (where applicable)
- Family allowance: EUR 480 for one child, plus EUR 120 for each additional child
- Research funding: Help with the costs of travel, materials, and other things connected to research
- Funding period: 12–24 months, extendable up to 36 months in justified cases
The scholarship is dedicated, meaning recipients cannot combine it with employment income, ensuring full academic focus.
Is prior admission to a doctoral program required?
Applicants must already be admitted to a recognized doctoral program before applying, ensuring that the scholarship supports candidates ready to start or continue their research with established academic guidance and a clear plan for their doctoral thesis.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Admitted to a doctoral program
- Demonstrate excellent academic records and research potential
- Proposed research must be original and within priority disciplines such as
- Archaeology
- Historical sciences
- Historical Islamic studies
- History of art, law, or science
- Prehistory and early history
- Open to any nationality and any country of residence
How long does Gerda Henkel PhD funding last?
Initial funding ranges from 12 to 24 months, with the possibility of extending up to 36 months for justified cases, offering early-career researchers stable financial support to focus fully on completing their doctoral studies without interruptions.
Benefits of Gerda Henkel Research Scholarships for PhD Students:
- Generous Monthly Stipend and Financial Security: Scholarship winners receive a monthly stipend of EUR 1,920, plus extra money for living abroad and research-related costs. This way, students can focus on their graduate studies without worrying about money.
- Family-Friendly Support for Scholars with Dependents: The scholarship gives a family allowance of EUR 480 for one child and EUR 120 for each additional child. This makes it one of the few PhD funding programs that actively helps researchers balance family duties and academic work.
- Full Research Freedom and Academic Focus: Because this is a dedicated grant, recipients are not allowed to use it to pay for work. This means that they will have uninterrupted time to do original research and write a high-impact doctoral thesis.
- Flexible Funding Period with Extension Options: The initial funding period is between 12 and 24 months, but it can be extended up to 36 months in certain cases. This gives doctoral students the long-term security they need to finish their projects successfully.
- Full Support for Research Activities: The grant covers more than just living expenses. It also pays for travel, materials, and other costs related to research. This means that students can do fieldwork, access resources, and go to conferences without worrying about money.
- International Prestige and Networking Opportunities: The scholarship, which is funded by the prestigious Gerda Henkel Foundation, raises academic credentials, connects scholars with a global network of humanities researchers, and opens doors to future academic and professional possibilities all over the world.
Check Also: TUM Scholarships for Global Students in Germany
Who can apply for the Gerda Henkel PhD scholarship?
Applicants of any nationality and country of residence are eligible if admitted to a doctoral program, possess excellent academic records, and propose original research in humanities fields recognized by the Gerda Henkel Foundation.
How to Apply For Gerda Henkel Research Scholarships for PhD Students 2026-2027?
- Review the official application guidelines carefully. https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en
- Prepare academic documents, including doctoral admission confirmation and a research proposal.
- Complete the online application via the DAAD portal.
- Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, allowing flexibility throughout the year.
Application Deadline:
The Gerda Henkel PhD Scholarships 2026–2027 operate on a rolling deadline, meaning applications can be submitted anytime once your research plan and doctoral admission are ready.
