Doctoral Scholarships of the Wüstenrot Foundation

The Wüstenrot Foundation supports highly qualified early-career researchers during their doctoral phase with a nationwide scholarship program. Dissertations from all disciplines are eligible for funding, provided their content aligns with the Foundation’s focus areas: monument preservation and communication, architecture and urban design, sustainable urban and rural development, urban and housing sociology, as well as urban, regional, and spatial planning. The funding includes a monthly base amount of €1,400 plus an allowance for materials and travel costs of €150. Additionally, a family allowance (up to €500) and a printing cost subsidy may be granted. The maximum duration is 24 months, which can be extended once by up to twelve months for special academic or personal reasons. Concurrent employment with salary or additional scholarships are not permitted; secondary employment up to eight hours per week remains possible.

Applications may be submitted by doctoral candidates from all disciplines at German universities, provided the doctoral program is registered at a German university and the first qualifying degree was obtained no earlier than the candidate’s 30th birthday (special periods such as child-rearing or military/civil service are taken into account). Selection takes place twice a year based on topic relevance, scientific significance, and outstanding achievements. To apply, the following documents must be submitted: a completed applicant form, a cover letter (max. 1 page), a project proposal (max. 11 pages), a timeline and work plan (max. 2 pages), a curriculum vitae in tabular form (max. 2 pages), the certificate of the degree qualifying for the doctorate, and two academic references. Deadlines for complete applications are May 1 and November 1 each year. Scholarship recipients will be notified within four months of application receipt.