Call for Applications: DAAD-GSSP Scholarships 2025 for international candidates from the global south
Closing Date: 30 September 2025
Call for Applications: DAAD-GSSP Scholarships 2025 for international candidates from the global south
Overview
The yDiv Graduate School is looking for highly-motivated, international candidates from the global south to apply for the DAAD-GSSP Scholarships 2025 funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The research area is limited to the field society and nature. Scholarship holders will carry out their own doctoral research project closely related to ongoing research in the working group of their supervisor. Two DAAD-GSSP scholarships will be available, each with a funding period of up to four years. The positions are expected to start on the 1st of each month between February and October 2026.
The DAAD Scholarships Include:
- EUR 1,400 per month
- A country-dependent travel allowance
- Combined health, accident and liability insurance
- A study and research allowance
Additionally, applicants can apply for a one-time final grant of up to six months, which will commence after the regular funding period ends.
Stays outside Germany within the framework of the DAAD scholarship can only be funded if they are integral parts of the research proposal. No more than 25% of the total funding period can be approved as stays abroad, and a foreign phase cannot take place directly at the beginning of the funding. If possible, the planned phases abroad should be discussed with the nominees during the selection process of the doctoral programs. All scholarship holders will join the Graduate School yDiv at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and will have access to iDiv resources and services.
Applicant Qualifications and Criteria
The selection process is highly competitive and based entirely on qualifications, motivation for doctoral studies at iDiv, the research proposal, and references.
- A strong motivation to pursue a doctorate in integrative biodiversity research, with no prior completion of a PhD
- An above-average Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
- Proficiency in English
- Non-German citizenship and not having resided in Germany for more than the 15 months preceding the application submission
- The scholarships are intended to support candidates from the Global South
- Graduation no longer than six years before October 2025 (possible exceptions are listed on the DAAD website “Important information for scholarship applicants” in section A, point 2)
Application Process
How to apply
- Submit your application via the application portal. Applications sent via email or regular mail will not be accepted.
- Selected candidates will be invited to online interviews in October.
Please contact Beate Horn, with any questions about the application portal.
Required Application Documents
- Research proposal
- Schedule of planned research work, including details of any potential field studies or stays outside Germany
- Selection of a supervisor you’d like to work with
- Recommendation letter from a university professor at your home university (please use the DAAD template)
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages), explaining your reasons for applying for the GSSP scholarship
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates, transcripts of records with grades, and an explanation of the home university’s grading system
- Proof of English language skills (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS – optional)
- Documents certifying completed practical work (e.g., internships – optional)
- List of publications (optional)
DAAD Nomination Process
- Nominated applicants must submit their application documents and confirmation of nomination to the DAAD within two weeks of receiving a positive response from yDiv.
- The application must include the DAAD form (in German or English) and the required documents.
- Inform the Graduate School yDiv once you have completed your application via the DAAD portal.
- Wait for the final admission decision from the DAAD, which may take up to three months.
Additional Information
Research Proposal
The proposal should focus on the research areas or topics offered by the supervisors and should be well-structured, not exceeding 2-3 pages. Include a title, a brief introduction to the field, the research question you intend to address, the methods you plan to use to answer this question, and, if possible, some speculation on the potential impact of the results. Finally, include references. The proposal must be written in English.
Working Language
English is the primary language used at iDiv and within the research groups. Therefore, fluency in spoken and written English is essential.
Click Here To Apply
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