GIGA Doctoral Programme

The GIGA Doctoral Programme at the German Institute for Global and Area Studies in Hamburg offers doctoral candidates from social sciences, economics, and related disciplines an internationally oriented, structured doctoral program with close individual supervision. Participants benefit from a comprehensive training program that includes both subject-specific modules and soft skills workshops, as well as regular research colloquia for academic exchange. Additionally, the program promotes academic mobility through Mobility Grants for field research, conference attendance, and stays abroad. By being integrated into one of the four regional institutes and a GIGA research program, doctoral candidates receive optimal conditions to strengthen their publication profiles and build professional networks.

Eligible applicants are individuals with an excellent master’s degree (GPA ≤ 1.5 or equivalent), a high-quality project proposal clearly linked to the GIGA research agenda, and very good English skills. Applications are accepted year-round: required documents include the completed application form, motivation letter, CV, research proposal (up to 2,000 words), certificates, proof of English proficiency, and an academic writing sample. Selection is based on the fit of the research proposal, grade average, quality of the project proposal, and language proficiency. With flexible entry options and continuous supervision, the program supports ambitious doctoral candidates on their path to a successful doctorate and an internationally oriented academic career.