DEUTSCHE BUNDESSTIFTUNG UMWELT (DBU - GERMAN FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL FOUNDATION)
DBU PhD Scholarships (German Federal Environmental Foundation)
full · phd
- ~1,600 euros / month stipend (est.)Monthly living stipend
- ~210 euros / month materials (est.)Research allowance
- 100+ expert networkDBU community
- 8 broad fieldsEligible disciplines
- Family child supplementSupport for parents
- All nationalitiesWho can apply
At a glance
full
Funding
€22k
Max amount
Jun 15, 2027
Deadline
All countries
Country
Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU - German Federal Environmental Foundation)
Provider
The DBU PhD Scholarships are awarded by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU), the German Federal Environmental Foundation, one of Europe's largest environmental foundations. The scheme funds doctoral research with a clear environmental and sustainability focus at universities and research institutions across Germany, and is open to international students as well as German nationals. Scholars receive a monthly stipend of about 1,600 euros (around 19,200 euros, est. per year) plus an additional research allowance of around 210 euros per month for materials, with a family child supplement available for parents. Beyond funding, fellows join a network of more than 100 environmental experts, attend events such as the DBU Summer Academy, and take part in workshops, field trips and conferences. Research can be carried out across roughly 8 broad fields, from natural sciences, environmental science and engineering to social sciences, humanities, economics, law and interdisciplinary environmental work. Applicants need an above-average academic record, German-language ability because the application is in German, and a project with clear environmental relevance. The annual deadline falls around 15 June 2026. Confirm the exact current-cycle stipend, supplements and deadline on the official DBU scholarship page before you apply.
What's covered
- Monthly living stipend — A monthly stipend of about ~€1,600 (est.) to cover living costs during the doctorate.
- Research materials allowance — An additional allowance of around ~€210 (est.) per month toward research materials, with further support possible depending on project needs.
- Family child supplement — A monthly child supplement for scholarship holders with children, supporting fellows who are parents.
- Professional development — Personalised mentorship from DBU advisors plus workshops, field trips and conferences to build research and professional skills.
- Networking and events — Access to the DBU online platform and invitations to events such as the DBU Summer Academy and the German Environmental Award ceremony.
How to apply
Applications are made online through the official DBU application portal, with documents prepared in German and a supervisor in place.
- Register online — Create an account on the official DBU application portal and complete your applicant profile.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble a motivation letter, a research proposal, academic transcripts, a recommendation letter and proof of German-language ability where required, in German.
- Confirm a supervisor — Arrange supervision for your doctorate at a German university or research institution to support your project.
- Submit your application — Check that all documents meet the required formats and size limits, then submit the complete application through the portal.
- Complete the selection stages — Pass the eligibility screening and expert review of your credentials and proposal, and attend an interview if you are shortlisted.
Eligibility
Academic excellenceAn above-average academic record in the qualifying degree.
Environmental relevanceA doctoral project with clear relevance to environmental protection, sustainability or related challenges.
LanguageGerman-language proficiency, as the application and many documents must be submitted in German.
Stage of studyEither beginning a PhD at a German university or within about one year of completing the qualifying degree.
NationalityOpen to candidates of all nationalities, including international students conducting their PhD in Germany.
An academic supervisor at a German institution is expected, and the doctorate should be carried out in Germany; check the official rules on residence and host-institution requirements for international applicants.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
2026/2027 cycle~15 June 2026 (est.)
Selection
Applications go through a three-stage evaluation: an initial eligibility screening against the published criteria, an expert review of the applicant's academic credentials and research proposal, and an interview for shortlisted candidates to assess their fit with the programme. Awards favour strong academic records combined with projects that have clear environmental relevance and practical impact.
Verified sources
- DBU Promotionsstipendium (PhD scholarship)dbu.deofficial
About the provider
The Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU), the German Federal Environmental Foundation, is one of Europe's largest environmental foundations. It funds innovative, model environmental projects and supports doctoral researchers through its scholarship programme, with a focus on sustainability, environmental protection and the transfer of research into practice.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who awards the DBU PhD Scholarships?
+
They are awarded by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU), the German Federal Environmental Foundation, one of Europe's largest environmental foundations.
Who is eligible to apply?
+
PhD candidates of all nationalities with an above-average academic record and a doctoral project relevant to environmental protection or sustainability.
What does the scholarship pay?
+
A monthly stipend of about ~1,600 euros (est.) plus a research-materials allowance of around ~210 euros (est.) per month, with a child supplement for parents.
Is German-language proficiency required?
+
Yes. The application is submitted in German, so proficiency in German is needed.
Which fields are eligible?
+
A broad range, from natural sciences, environmental science and engineering to social sciences, humanities, economics, law and interdisciplinary environmental research.
Do I need to study in Germany?
+
Yes. The doctorate is carried out at a German university or research institution, and a supervisor there is expected.
Is there support for scholars with children?
+
Yes. A monthly child supplement is available for scholarship holders who are parents.
What is the selection process?
+
A three-stage process: eligibility screening, expert review of credentials and proposal, and an interview for shortlisted candidates.
When is the application deadline?
+
The annual deadline falls around 15 June 2026; confirm the exact date on the official DBU page.
What benefits beyond money are offered?
+
Mentorship from DBU advisors, workshops, field trips, conferences, and events such as the DBU Summer Academy and the German Environmental Award ceremony.
How do I apply?
+
Register on the official DBU application portal, prepare your documents in German, confirm a supervisor and submit the complete application before the deadline.
Where can I confirm the current details?
+
Confirm the stipend, supplements, eligibility and deadline on the official DBU scholarship page each cycle.