Applications are now open for the DAAD-Funded Doctoral Scholarships in Law & Society at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Outstanding international graduates with strong interdisciplinary research interests are encouraged to apply for this fully supported PhD opportunity starting in 2026.

Eligibility for the scholarships requires applicants to hold a relevant master’s degree in law, social sciences, or related fields and to present a strong, interdisciplinary research proposal aligned with the programme’s themes. Candidates must be international (non-German) applicants who completed their last degree within the past six years and have not lived in Germany for more than 15 months before nomination.

Founded in 1810, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin stands as one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities, renowned for pioneering the Humboldtian model of higher education that integrates research and teaching. The university coordinates multiple Collaborative Research Centers and Graduate Colleges, earning recognition in the Excellence Strategy as part of the Berlin University Alliance. It continues to emphasize interdisciplinary studies, critical thinking, and societal impact through its central institutes.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Integrative Research Institute Law & Society (LSI) in cooperation with DFG Graduate School DynamInt
• Department: Integrative Research Institute Law & Society (LSI) & DynamInt Graduate School
• Course Level: Doctoral (PhD)
• Award: DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) – monthly stipend, travel allowance, insurance coverage, research allowance, and additional benefits
• Access Mode: Online (email submission for Step 1; DAAD online portal for Step 2)
• Number of Awards: Two
• Nationality: Open to international applicants (non-German citizens)
• The award can be taken in: Germany 

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: All international (non-German) applicants
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded for the Doctoral Programme Law & Society at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:
  • Hold a Master’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, or related fields
  • Submit a research proposal contributing to interdisciplinary legal research
  • Demonstrate strong academic qualifications and alignment with the Law & Society program’s themes
  • Have completed their last Master’s exam within the past six years
  • Not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months prior to nomination
  • Be international applicants without German citizenship
  • Provide required documents including CV, motivation letter, research proposal, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and language certificates
  • Have English proficiency; German skills may be acquired during the program

How to Apply

Applicants must submit all required documents as a single PDF file (max 10 MB) via email with the subject “Application DAAD grant Law & Society” to [email protected] by January 31, 2026. Selected candidates will be nominated by the Law & Society programme. Nominees then complete Step 2 by applying online through the DAAD portal, where the final selection is made by the DAAD committee.

Benefits

Scholarship holders will receive:
• Monthly stipend of €1,400 (or €992 before doctoral admission)
• Travel allowance
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance contributions
• Annual research allowance (€460 for DAC-listed countries; €260 for others)
• Possible additional benefits including rent subsidy, family allowance, or disability support
• Fully funded German language courses
• Supervision and material support allowance of €1,000 per year

Apply Now