The German Federal Environmental Foundation Scholarships (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, DBU) offers fully funded doctoral scholarships for the 2025 academic year. These scholarshipsare designed to support highly qualified international students committed to advancing environmental protection and nature conservation through interdisciplinary research.
Details About the German Federal Environmental Foundation Scholarships
Host Country: Germany
Institution: German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU)
Degree Level: PhD
Fields of Study: Natural Sciences, Environmental Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities, Economics, Law, Interdisciplinary Environmental Research
Application Deadline: January 15, 2025
Financial Coverage for German Federal Environmental Foundation Scholarships
The DBU doctoral scholarships provide comprehensive financial support, including:
- Monthly Stipend: €1,600 for living expenses.
- Research Material Allowance: €210 per month, with potential for additional funding based on project needs.
- Family Support: Monthly child supplement and other support options available.
- Duration of Funding: Up to 36 months.
Ideal Promotion and Support
DBU offers extensive non-material support to scholarship holders, including:
- Personal Mentorship: Individual guidance and supervision by DBU consultants.
- Research Presentation Opportunities: Platforms to present results, engage in interdisciplinary exchange, and participate in excursions during DBU scholarship seminars (one week per year).
- Networking Events: Invitations to the Summer Academy, Environmental Award Ceremony, and other DBU events, fostering connections with experts and alumni.
- Professional Development: Support in organizing specialist colloquia and access to the Stipnet communication platform for networking among scholarship holders and alumni.
Eligibility Criteria for the German Federal Environmental Foundation Scholarships
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Qualifications: Possess an above-average degree in any discipline, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental research.
- Research Focus: Doctoral thesis should address environmental issues pertinent to Germany or global environmental challenges with relevance to Germany.
- Language Proficiency: All application documents must be submitted in German; applicants should have a good command of the German language.
- Doctoral Status: Enrollment at a German university; the doctoral project should not have commenced (defined as having engaged in scientific work on the doctoral topic for more than one year post-graduation).
Application Procedure
- Online Registration:
- Register through the DBU online application system.
- After successful registration, receive access credentials via email to complete the application.
- Application Submission:
- Complete the online application form, providing detailed information about your academic background, research proposal, and motivation.
- Ensure all required documents are uploaded in German.
- Required Documents:
- Comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV).
- Detailed research proposal outlining the environmental relevance and objectives of the doctoral project.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Two academic reference letters.
- Proof of German language proficiency.
- Application Deadline: Submit the complete application by January 15, 2025.
Selection Process for the German Federal Environmental Foundation Scholarships
Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence, the environmental significance of the proposed research, and the applicant’s commitment to contributing to sustainable development. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or further assessments.
Important Considerations
- Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
- Applicants are encouraged to ensure their research proposals align with DBU’s mission to develop sustainable solutions for current environmental problems.
- Reapplication is not permitted if a previous scholarship application was rejected.
Note: For detailed information and access to the application portal, please visit the official DBU website.
