Under the German Academic Exchange Service’s Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP), the University of Hamburg’s Cluster of Excellence “Understanding Written Artefacts” (CSMC) is currently accepting applications for its Doctoral Scholarships 2026. These fully funded scholarships are intended for exceptional foreign students who want to study for a PhD in Germany.
Those that succeed will join the CSMC Graduate School, where they will conduct cutting-edge studies on written artefacts and manuscript cultures in a vibrant, multidisciplinary setting. Universität Hamburg, one of Germany’s best institutions, is well-known across the world for its robust research profile, international partnerships, and dedication to academic achievement.The Cluster of Excellence encompasses over 40 fields, and doctoral researchers will be part of a thriving global community that encourages cooperation between the sciences, digital technology, and humanities.
These doctoral fellowships, which are funded by the DAAD, offer full financial assistance as well as the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research in interdisciplinary sciences, manuscript studies, and cultural heritage. Aspiring scholars have the chance to further their academic careers while working on top-notch projects at one of Europe’s top research institutions through the University of Hamburg Doctoral Scholarships 2026 (DAAD GSSP).
This program offers a special opportunity to advance your knowledge and influence the direction of interdisciplinary research if you are driven to investigate the realm of manuscripts, written artefacts, and cultural heritage in close conversation with cutting-edge scientific methodologies.
Host Country: Germany
University: University of Hamburg
Opportunity Type: PhD
Subjects: Humanities, Ancient History, Natural Sciences, Physics, Chemistry
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to international applicants (non-German citizens), with particular encouragement for candidates from the Global South.
- Eligible applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in fields connected to the study of manuscripts or written artefacts (such as history, philology, cultural studies, anthropology, linguistics, computer science, chemistry, physics, etc.).
- Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency at a minimum of B1 level (with certification).
Who Cannot Apply?
- people who have already earned a doctorate.
- candidates who earned their master’s degree more than six years before submitting their application.
- candidates who, as of the nomination date (November 2025), have been residing in Germany for at least 15 months.
Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: For a period of three years, €1,300 in monthly financial assistance is given.
- Health Insurance: Throughout the funding period, comprehensive health insurance coverage is provided.
- Extra perks: Qualified applicants can be eligible for additional perks including family allowances or financial assistance for overseas research stays.
- University Resources: Complete access to Universität Hamburg’s research, academic, and library resources is provided, in addition to additional institutional resources.
Academic Environment
The Graduate School of CSMC’s doctoral researchers will gain from:
- Expert Supervision: Advice and mentoring from eminent academics and authorities in their domains.
- Participating actively in workshops, summer schools, and colloquia that promote interdisciplinary exchange is known as interdisciplinary training.
- Specialised Facilities: Availability of special resources including the CSMC Library and the Artefact Profiling Lab.
- Holistic Development: A nurturing environment to improve transferable soft skills and academic proficiency.
- International Opportunities: The opportunity to enrol in a co-tutelle program, which is a PhD program overseen by two different countries.
Deadline: 30 September 2025
