Germany University of Hamburg DAAD-CSMC Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Cluster of Excellence "Understanding Written Artefacts" (CSMC) at the University of Hamburg is inviting applications for its Doctoral Scholarships 2026 under the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). These prestigious scholarships are fully funded and designed for highly qualified international candidates eager to pursue a PhD in Germany.

Successful applicants will join the Graduate School of the CSMC and conduct cutting-edge research on manuscript cultures and written artefacts within an interdisciplinary environment.

Degree Level

The doctoral degree will be awarded either as:

Dr. phil. (Humanities)
Dr. rer. nat. (Natural Sciences: Computer Science, Chemistry, or Physics)

Available Subjects

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in disciplines related to manuscript cultures or written artefacts, including but not limited to:

Humanities (history, philology, cultural studies, linguistics, anthropology, archaeology)
Natural Sciences (computer science, chemistry, physics)
Other relevant fields connected to the study of manuscripts and inscriptions

Benefits

Awardees will receive:

Monthly stipend: €1,300 (for 3 years)
Health insurance coverage
Additional allowances (depending on eligibility, e.g., family benefits, research stays abroad)
Full access to Universität Hamburg facilities and resources

This financial support allows doctoral researchers to focus entirely on their studies and research.

Academic Environment

Doctoral researchers at the Graduate School of CSMC will benefit from:

Supervision by leading professors from their field
Participation in interdisciplinary colloquia, workshops, and summer schools
Access to specialized facilities such as the Artefact Profiling Lab and CSMC Library
A supportive environment to develop both academic expertise and soft skills
The option of pursuing a co-tutelle (bi-nationally supervised PhD)

Eligible Nationalities

International candidates (non-German citizens), especially from the Global South are eligible to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is open to:

International candidates (non-German citizens), especially from the Global South
Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in disciplines related to the study of manuscripts or written artefacts (e.g., history, philology, cultural studies, anthropology, linguistics, computer science, chemistry, physics, etc.)
English-speaking students with proficiency at least at B1 level (certified)

Who Cannot Apply?

Candidates who already hold a PhD degree
Applicants who completed their Master’s degree more than 6 years ago
Individuals who have resided in Germany for 15 months or longer at the time of nomination (November 2025)

Application Procedure

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit one PDF file containing the following documents by 30 September 2025:

Research proposal (max. 5 pages) including:

Abstract
Main research project description
3-year work schedule (in 3-month intervals, with research phases abroad if applicable)

Curriculum Vitae (CV) with personal information, academic background, publications, and language skills
Motivation letter (1 page) explaining academic and career goals
Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates (with translations if not in English or German)
One academic recommendation letter (from a professor at the home university, DAAD template optional)
Proof of English language proficiency (minimum B1)

All documents must be submitted in English or German (with certified translations if necessary).

Important Dates

Application deadline: 30 September 2025
Programme start: From 1 January 2026 onwards
Duration: 3 years (full-time PhD scholarship)

Why Choose the University of Hamburg?

As one of Germany’s leading universities, Universität Hamburg is renowned for its interdisciplinary research and global outlook. With over 40 disciplines represented in the Cluster of Excellence “Understanding Written Artefacts”, doctoral researchers gain access to a truly international academic community committed to innovation and excellence.

This DAAD-funded doctoral scholarship offers not only full financial support but also an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to world-class research in written artefact studies, manuscript cultures, and interdisciplinary sciences.

Final Thoughts

The University of Hamburg Doctoral Scholarships 2026 (DAAD GSSP) provide ambitious international students with the chance to pursue a fully funded PhD in Germany within a unique interdisciplinary research environment.

If you are passionate about studying manuscripts, written artefacts, and cultural heritage in dialogue with science and technology, this is your opportunity to start your academic career at one of Europe’s top research universities.

Apply by 30 September 2025 to secure your chance for a place in the CSMC Graduate School Doctoral Programme.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible to apply for the University of Hamburg Doctoral Scholarships 2026?

The scholarships are open to highly qualified international candidates (non-German citizens), especially from the Global South, who hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in fields related to the study of manuscripts, written artefacts, or associated disciplines such as humanities, cultural studies, linguistics, computer science, chemistry, or physics.

What financial support do the DAAD GSSP doctoral scholarships provide?

Awardees receive a monthly stipend of €1,300, health insurance, and additional allowances (e.g., for family members or research stays abroad). The funding covers a period of three years starting from January 2026.

Do I need to know German to apply?

No. Knowledge of German is not required. The working language at the CSMC is English, and the doctoral dissertation may be written in either English or German. However, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency at level B1 or higher.

What documents are required for the application?

Applicants must submit a research proposal (max. 5 pages with a 3-year plan), CV, motivation letter, copies of academic certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s), one academic recommendation letter, and proof of English proficiency. All documents must be submitted as one PDF file by email.