Applications are invited for Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich Scholarships to study dissertation projects related to Buddhism within a broad range of subjects and disciplines for the year 2020. International applicants are eligible to apply for this scholarship program.

Welcome to Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München – the University in the heart of Munich. LMU is recognized as one of Europe’s premier academic and research institutions. Since our founding in 1472, LMU has attracted inspired scholars and talented students from all over the world, keeping the University at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change our complex world.

In order to be eligible fluency in English is required. Basic knowledge of German is also desirable, though not a prerequisite, but willingness to learn German/improve German language skills will be expected.

Scholarship Description: 

• Applications Deadline: October 6th 2019
• Course Level: Scholarships are available to study Ph.D. program.
• Study Subject: Scholarships are awarded to study dissertation projects related to Buddhism within a broad range of subjects and disciplines.
• Scholarship Award: €1200 per month + insurance2 + support for rent3 + €460 per year + lump sums for travel.
• Nationality: International students are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
• Number of Scholarships: Two PhD scholarships are available.
• Scholarship can be taken in Germany

Eligibility for the Scholarship: 

Eligible Countries: International students are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Entrance Requirements: Applicants must meet the following criteria:

The prerequisites for application are non-German citizenship, a Master of Arts or Magister Artium degree or equivalent in a relevant field, excellent knowledge of at least one Buddhist source language, outstanding qualifications in the subject, and fluency in English. Basic knowledge of German is also desirable, though not a prerequisite, but willingness to learn German/improve German language skills will be expected. Applicants should not have lived in Germany for more than fifteen months at the time of the submission of their materials to the DAAD, which will most probably take place in December or January, and the last final exam (Master Degree) should have taken place no more than six years before this date.

Depending on the degree of previous knowledge of German, a 2-6 month intensive German language course might be necessary before the start of the 4-year scholarship (the DAAD will provide the fees for the language course, free accommodation, insurance, €400 per month, and a travel lump sum during this period).

Research stays abroad for fieldwork are possible, but their total duration must not exceed 25% of the duration of the scholarship.

English Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Basic knowledge of German is also desirable, though not a prerequisite, but willingness to learn German/improve German language skills will be expected.

Application Procedure: 

How to Apply: Please apply using our online application tool: https://www.portal.graduatecenter.uni-muenchen.de/ocgc/buddstud

After you have registered, you will be asked to submit the following documents

1. Full curriculum vitae
2. A letter of motivation that demonstrates your acquaintance with our program and your qualification in the subject.
3. An outline of the planned dissertation project including a schedule (no more 2700 words)
4. A short schedule/ working plan of your planned research stays/field trips abroad (when, where, what, how long) (if applicable)
5. A digital version of your M.A. thesis
6. Contact details of two university professors from your home university, who are willing to write a report about you. Once you have filled in the information about these professors (referees) and saved it, they will receive an email from the application portal asking them to write a report about you and to upload it onto the portal by October 31st.
7. Certificates:
8. (school leaving certificate qualifying you for admission to higher education in your own country)
9. certificates of annual examinations taken at the home university (transcripts of records) (including an explanation of the grading system)
10. certificates of any academic degrees or advanced qualifications showing grades and explaining the grading system (description of grade scale).

The essential parts of all university certificates and diplomas in languages other than German or English should be translated.

(For French-speaking countries: License or Maitrise with Assez-Bien along with a DEA/DESS degree or a Master’s degree according to the LMD system.)

Certified copies of all translated documents must be submitted to DAAD only after a letter of award has been received.

8. A document certifying fluency in English or German.
9. The document certifying excellent knowledge of at least one Buddhist source language.
10. Documents relating to periods of practical training, if applicable.
11. List of publications, if any.
12. For applicants from China: You can upload a certificate from the Academic Evaluation Center (Akademische Prüfstelle) about the authenticity of your submitted documents. You don’t necessarily have to upload it now, but if we nominate you and you submit your documents to the DAAD (probably in December) you have to submit this certificate together with your other documents. Applicants from other countries do not need this document.

Scholarship Link