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DAAD GSSP Scholarships in Germany 

The yDiv Graduate School, part of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) in Leipzig, is pleased to announce two PhD scholarships under the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) 2025.

To be eligible for the scholarships at yDiv, applicants must be from the Global South, hold an above-average master’s degree in a relevant field, and demonstrate strong motivation for pursuing a PhD in integrative biodiversity research.

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The yDiv Graduate School, or Young Biodiversity Graduate School is the graduate school of iDiv, the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research. It offers a doctoral and postdoctoral program in integrative biodiversity research, with the core mission of fostering an exchange between theorists and empiricists to bridge different levels of biodiversity research. yDiv’s unique training program is characterized by a diverse curriculum of scientific and methodological courses, as well as soft-skills training.

Application Deadline: 30 September 2025

Brief Description

  • University or Organization: German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Leipzig

  • Department: yDiv Graduate School

  • Course Level: PhD (Doctoral level)

  • Award: EUR 1,400/month stipend, plus allowances

  • Access Mode: Online

  • Number of Awards: 2

  • Nationality: Citizens of countries in the Global South

  • The award can be taken in: Germany

Eligibility

  • Eligible Countries: Applicants must be from countries of the Global South.

  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in the field of society and nature, related to biodiversity research.

  • Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

    • Hold an above-average Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.

    • Show strong motivation for pursuing a PhD in integrative biodiversity research.

    • Have not previously completed a PhD.

    • Be proficient in English.

    • Be a non-German citizen and must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months prior to the application deadline.

    • Have graduated no longer than six years before October 2025.

    • Be committed to developing an independent research proposal aligned with one of the iDiv research groups.

    • Candidates should plan for no more than 25% of their research time outside Germany.

How to Apply

  • Submit your complete application via the yDiv application portal by 30 September 2025 (6:00 pm CET).

  • Required documents include:

    • Research proposal (max. 2–3 pages)

    • Research schedule with planned fieldwork or international stays

    • Supervisor selection (from listed PhD project PIs)

    • Letter of recommendation (DAAD template)

    • CV

    • Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)

    • Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts

    • Proof of English proficiency (optional but recommended)

    • Certificates of internships or publications (optional)

  • Selected candidates will be invited for online interviews in October 2025.

  • Nominated applicants will then submit final documents to DAAD for final approval.

Benefits

  • Monthly stipend of EUR 1,400

  • Country-specific travel allowance

  • Health, accident, and liability insurance

  • Study and research allowance

  • Optional final grant for up to six months after the funding period

  • Access to iDiv’s research resources and yDiv’s structured PhD program

  • Opportunity to participate in international research networks and interdisciplinary training.

Apply Now