DBU Doctoral Scholarships (German Federal Environmental Foundation)
DBU scholarship program for doctoral theses related to environment and sustainability; funding for up to 36 months with monthly basic support as well as material, health insurance, and child allowances; applications possible twice a year by January 15 and June 15.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The DBU doctoral scholarship program aims to promote young researchers in applied environmental research and to establish an interdisciplinary network of environmental experts. It supports individuals pursuing doctoral projects at German universities that have a clear connection to current environmental issues and contribute to practical, sustainable solutions.
Eligible expenses
- Living expenses (monthly basic funding)
- Material resources
- Health insurance supplement
- Child allowance
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Doctoral studies must not have started at the time of application
- Above-average university degree
- Good proof of German language skills (at least level B2)
- Clear environmental research relevance
- Application deadlines: January 15 and June 15
Documents required for application
- Complete tabular curriculum vitae
- Copies of all university certificates
- Proof of degree recognition
- Brief description of the research project
- Time and work schedule
- Statement from the supervising university professor
- Second independent expert opinion
- If applicable, material cost plan
Evaluation criteria
- Scientific quality of the doctoral project
- Environmental relevance of the topic
- Interdisciplinary approach
- Personal motivation and demeanor
Description
The DBU Doctoral Scholarship Program supports outstanding early-career researchers who aim to pursue a doctorate at a German university in the environmental and sustainability sciences. Over a period of up to 36 months, scholarship holders receive a monthly basic funding amount of €1,650 as well as a flat rate of €150 for material expenses. Additionally, grants for health insurance and child allowances can be claimed. Besides financial support, the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) offers ideal support through personal supervision, interdisciplinary scholarship seminars with presentation and excursion modules, as well as the opportunity to organize their own specialist colloquia. The goal is to gain knowledge in applied environmental research and to build a network of environmentally knowledgeable experts from all disciplines.
Applicants with an above-average university degree who have not yet started their doctorate at the time of application and whose research project has a clear connection to current environmental issues are eligible for funding. A detailed schedule and work plan, two references (one statement from the supervising university professor and one independent expert opinion), as well as proof of German language skills (at least B2) must be submitted. Application deadlines are annually on January 15 and June 15. Selection is conducted through a multi-stage process, including a technical review and a personal interview. The program is aimed at doctoral candidates from all disciplines who wish to complete their doctorate within three years and who interdisciplinarily combine ecological, economic, and social aspects.
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