HANS BÖCKLER STIFTUNG
Dieter Schumacher International PhD Scholarship
living only · phd
- EUR 1,550/month stipendLiving expenses
- EUR 1,400/year travel allowanceTravel costs
- 12 to 24 monthsResearch stay duration
- ~EUR 37,200 over 24 months (est.)Total stipend value
- Under 30 years oldAge limit
- 4 economic research themesFocus areas
At a glance
living only
Funding
€37k
Max amount
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
Open to international applicants, with preference for the global south
Country
Hans Böckler Stiftung
Provider
The Dieter Schumacher International PhD Scholarship, offered by the Hans Böckler Stiftung, funds a research stay of 12 to 24 months at a German university or research institute for international PhD students in economics. The program is aimed particularly at doctoral candidates from the global south and supports work on 4 core economic themes: fiscal and monetary policy, labor markets, income distribution, and financial markets. Funding consists of a monthly stipend of EUR 1,550 to cover living expenses in Germany plus a travel allowance of EUR 1,400 per year toward travel costs. Over a full 24-month stay the stipend alone totals about EUR 37,200, while a 12-month stay is worth roughly EUR 18,600 in stipend support. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled as PhD students in economics, be under 30 years old, and focus their research on one of the eligible themes. The application deadline for the 2026 cycle falls around 28 February 2026, with shortlisted candidates invited to interview before the research stay begins. Because the stipend rate, the travel allowance, and the closing date are reviewed each cycle, confirm the current-cycle figures on the official Hans Böckler Stiftung page before you apply.
What's covered
- Monthly living stipend — A monthly stipend of EUR 1,550 covers living expenses during the research stay in Germany.
- Travel allowance — An annual travel allowance of EUR 1,400 helps cover travel between the home country and Germany.
- Research stay funding — The scholarship funds a research stay of 12 to 24 months; a 24-month stay provides about EUR 37,200 (est.) in stipend support.
- Access to German institutions — Funded researchers gain access to German universities and economic research institutes for their doctoral work.
- Professional networking — Recipients connect with economists and host institutions in Germany, supporting roughly EUR 1,400 per year of academic travel and exchange.
How to apply
Prepare the required documents, arrange a German host, and submit the application before the deadline.
- Prepare your documents — Complete the application form and assemble a research proposal of up to 10 pages, your CV, transcripts, and certificates.
- Arrange a research stay — Identify a German university or research institute to host your 12-to-24-month stay and confirm the arrangement.
- Obtain recommendation letters — Secure two recommendation letters from academic supervisors and proof of enrollment in your PhD program.
- Submit the application — Send your complete application to the Hans Böckler Stiftung before the deadline around 28 February 2026, ensuring all documents meet the guidelines.
- Attend an interview if shortlisted — Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview before final decisions are made.
Eligibility
EnrollmentMust be enrolled as a PhD student in economics.
Research focusDoctoral research must address fiscal and monetary policy, labor markets, income distribution, or financial markets.
AgeMust be under 30 years old.
OriginApplicants should preferably be from the global south.
The research stay must take place at a German university or research institute and last between 12 and 24 months. Applicants should confirm their host arrangement and ensure all documents meet the program guidelines.
Eligible countries
Open to international applicants, with preference for the global south
Deadlines
2026/2027 research stay~28 February 2026 (est.)
Selection
The Hans Böckler Stiftung reviews applications on the quality and relevance of the research proposal, the candidate's academic record, and the fit of the project with the program's economic themes and its focus on the global south. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews before the foundation makes its final funding decisions.
Verified sources
- Hans Böckler Stiftung Scholarship Programmesboeckler.deofficial
About the provider
The Hans Böckler Stiftung is the foundation of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), based in Düsseldorf, Germany. It funds research and academic scholarships, including doctoral support, with a focus on the economy, labor, and society, and runs international programs that bring researchers to German universities and institutes.
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 can apply for the Dieter Schumacher Scholarship?
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International PhD students in economics, preferably from the global south, who are under 30 and whose research fits the program's themes.
What does the scholarship fund?
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It funds a research stay of 12 to 24 months at a German university or research institute, with a monthly stipend and an annual travel allowance.
How much is the monthly stipend?
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The stipend is EUR 1,550 per month to cover living expenses in Germany; confirm the current rate officially.
Is there a travel allowance?
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Yes. A travel allowance of EUR 1,400 per year helps cover travel costs to and from Germany.
How long can the research stay last?
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Between 12 and 24 months; a 24-month stay provides about EUR 37,200 (est.) in total stipend support.
What is the age limit?
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Applicants must be under 30 years old.
Which research areas are eligible?
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Fiscal and monetary policy, labor markets, income distribution, or financial markets.
Do I need to be enrolled in a PhD already?
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Yes. You must be enrolled as a PhD student in economics and provide proof of enrollment.
How many recommendation letters do I need?
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Two recommendation letters from academic supervisors are required.
When is the deadline?
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The application deadline for the cycle is around 28 February 2026; verify the exact date on the official page.
Is the award open only to applicants from the global south?
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The program preferably supports candidates from the global south, but applicants should confirm current eligibility details officially.
Where do I confirm the official details?
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On the official Hans Böckler Stiftung scholarship pages, which publish the binding criteria, amounts, and deadlines.