University of Vechta Doctoral Scholarship 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded

The University of Vechta Doctoral Scholarship 2027 offers up to three fully funded PhD positions for researchers interested in sustainability-oriented transformation processes in rural areas.

The scholarship is offered through the doctoral college, “Justice Dimensions of Sustainability-Oriented Transformation Processes in Rural Areas” (PK 060), and supports doctoral research using comparative case studies, quantitative research, and mixed-methods approaches.

University of Vechta Doctoral Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Germany
• Host University: University of Vechta
• Host Institute: Vechta Institute of Sustainability Transformation in Rural Areas (VISTRA)
• Study Level: PhD
• Eligible Countries: All Countries
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Benefits: Monthly stipend, research allowance, health insurance contribution, family allowance where applicable, workshops, and academic supervision
• Application Deadline: November 2, 2026

University of Vechta Doctoral Scholarship Details

The University of Vechta Doctoral Scholarship supports doctoral researchers working on issues related to justice and sustainability-oriented transformation in rural areas.

The doctoral college is affiliated with the Vechta Institute of Sustainability Transformation in Rural Areas (VISTRA) at the University of Vechta. It is funded by the Hans Böckler Foundation and brings together researchers and partner institutions from Germany and other countries.

The program is jointly directed by Prof. Dr. John-Oliver Engler and Prof. Dr. Jana Zscheischler. Successful applicants will conduct independent doctoral research while benefiting from structured academic supervision, thematic workshops, methodological training, and opportunities to collaborate with national and international partners.

The scholarship particularly encourages research projects that use comparative case studies, quantitative methods, or mixed-methods approaches to examine sustainability transformations and questions of justice in rural areas.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the University of Vechta Doctoral Scholarship 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold an academic background relevant to the research themes of the doctoral program.
• Applicants from disciplines such as human geography, social sciences, applied ethics, economics, sustainability science, and psychology are encouraged to apply.
• Be interested in conducting doctoral research related to sustainability-oriented transformation processes and justice dimensions in rural areas.
• Have good German language skills at a minimum of B2 level.
• Have strong English language skills at a minimum of C1 level.
• Be prepared to participate in the academic activities and collaborative environment of the doctoral college.

Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches are accepted. However, applicants proposing quantitative or mixed-methods research designs are particularly encouraged to apply.

The doctoral dissertation may be written in English.

Benefits of University of Vechta Doctoral Scholarship 2027

Successful scholarship recipients will receive:

• A doctoral fellowship for a maximum period of three years.
• A monthly stipend of €1,650.
• A basic monthly stipend of €1,550.
• An additional €100 monthly research cost allowance.
• A health insurance contribution of up to €100, where applicable.
• A family allowance for eligible scholarship holders.
• Access to thematic and methodological workshops.
• Structured academic supervision and guidance throughout the doctoral program.
• Opportunities to collaborate with national and international academic partners.
• Access to a professional research network that supports the development and implementation of doctoral projects.

Scholarships are expected to begin between June and September 2027.

How to Apply for the University of Vechta Doctoral Scholarship 2027

Interested and qualified applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the research focus and requirements of the doctoral college on the University of Vechta website.
2. Prepare all required application documents, including a research exposé of no more than 10 pages.
3. Clearly explain how your proposed research project fits into the doctoral college’s research program on Justice Dimensions of Sustainability-Oriented Transformation Processes in Rural Areas.
4. Submit your application exclusively through the Hans Böckler Foundation’s online application portal before November 2, 2026.
5. Promising candidates may receive support from the academic leadership of the doctoral program to revise and further develop their research exposé where necessary.
6. Successful scholarship recipients are expected to be announced in May 2027.

For more information about the doctoral college and its research program, applicants can visit: