Join the Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) Programme fully funded by the DAAD EPOS Scholarship
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
Join the Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) Programme fully funded by the DAAD EPOS Scholarship
Overview
The Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research (BIGS-DR) is based at the Center for Development Research (ZEF), an institute of the University of Bonn. The University of Bonn is one of Germany’s 11 Universities of Excellence and runs 12 International Graduate Schools, among them BIGS-DR. The structured and interdisciplinary doctoral programme was established in 1999 and has since been offering outstanding opportunities for conducting development research, establishing international collaboration, and taking part in a tailored qualification programme.
ZEF’s doctoral programme is an excellent choice for those seeking to build a career in the field of sustainable development, including research, project development and implementation, or policy-making. Topics of special research interest at ZEF include agriculture, land use, climate change; water resources (management); biodiversity; food and nutrition; health; gender; migration, mobility, and urbanisation; governance and conflict; markets and services; and innovation and science policy.
Course organisation
Bonn International Graduate School for Development Research is a full-time programme with a duration of three and a half years. Doctoral students will participate in coursework, conduct field research, and complete their theses within this time frame. In addition, students take part in soft skills workshops that train them in academic writing, working interculturally, leadership skills, and ethical considerations.
On average, it takes four years for BIGS-DR students to complete their dissertations and obtain their doctoral degrees. During this time frame, they participate in a tailor-made course programme, conduct field research, analyse data, write academic papers, and present their results at international conferences. Furthermore, students improve their career prospects by attending workshops on academic writing, intercultural training, and research ethics.
As a structured doctoral programme, BIGS-DR provides intensive supervision and tutorship. Doctoral students are supported and guided by a team of experts consisting of their supervisors and senior researchers at ZEF.
Upon successfully defending their dissertation, students are awarded a doctoral degree from one of the faculties of the University of Bonn (agriculture, natural sciences, social sciences, economics, etc.) PDF Download A Diploma supplement will be issued
International elements
- International guest lecturers
- Training in intercultural skills
- Courses are led with foreign partners
- Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
- International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Diverse intercultural background of students
More than 500 students from 100 countries have participated in the BIGS-DR programme at ZEF so far. Each annual “batch” comprises around 20–30 students who come from different disciplinary backgrounds.
Special promotion / funding of the programme
- DAAD development-related postgraduate course
Academic admission requirements
- An excellent Master’s or equivalent degree: GPA higher than 3.0 in the American system or a grade higher than 2.0 in the German system or equivalent
- Relevant work experience (min. two years)
- An excellent and innovative research concept
- Certified proficiency in English
- The last MA degree should have been obtained less than six years ago.
Language requirements
- IELTS certificate (band 6)
- TOEFL (550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 80 Internet-based)
- University waiver that indicates the language of instruction was in English
Application deadline
The deadline for the DAAD EPOS scholarship via BIGS-DR is 31 August for the following academic year. For applicants with secured funding, the deadline is 1 May for a start in October of the same year. Submit application to
Click Here To Apply
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