The DLGS PhD Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded doctoral scholarship offered by the Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS) in Germany. The program supports outstanding graduates interested in conducting interdisciplinary research on sustainable urban mobility, spatial planning, and urban transformation.
The scholarship provides a three-year fully funded PhD opportunity with a monthly stipend, research support, and access to an internationally recognized research environment focused on ecological urban and regional development.
DLGS PhD Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institution: Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS)
- Partner Institutions: Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) and TU Dresden
- Study Level: PhD
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Scholarship Value: €1,515 monthly stipend, research and travel support
- Scholarship Duration: 3 Years
- Application Deadline: 1 September 2026
About the DLGS PhD Scholarship
The Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS) is inviting applications from highly qualified graduates for its fully funded PhD program focusing on sustainable urban mobility transformations.
The program encourages innovative doctoral research addressing major challenges affecting cities today, including:
- Sustainable urban mobility.
- Digitalization of transport systems.
- Automation and smart mobility.
- Integration of transport and spatial planning.
- Urban sustainability.
- Climate-responsive mobility systems.
- Participatory planning and governance.
The scholarship is jointly offered by the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) and TU Dresden, providing candidates with interdisciplinary supervision, advanced research training, and opportunities to collaborate across multiple academic disciplines.
The program emphasizes systemic thinking, data-driven research, participatory approaches, and practical solutions for sustainable urban development.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- Fully funded PhD scholarship for three years.
- Monthly stipend of €1,515.
- Financial support for research activities.
- Funding for academic travel and conferences.
- Supervision by researchers from IOER and TU Dresden.
- Access to interdisciplinary research networks and professional development opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as:
- Transport Studies
- Urban Planning
- Geography
- Data Science
- Urban Informatics
- Economics
- Business
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Transition Studies
- Or another closely related field.
- Have completed their first Master’s degree within the last three years.
- Demonstrate above-average academic performance equivalent to the German grade “gut” or higher.
- Submit a research proposal that aligns with the research priorities of the IOER.
- Identify potential supervisors from TU Dresden or IOER (prior contact is not required).
For transdisciplinary research projects connected to IOER activities in the Dresden or Saxony region, applicants must demonstrate German language proficiency at C1 level.
Scholarship Conditions
Successful applicants are expected to:
- Enroll full-time in the doctoral program.
- Conduct interdisciplinary research aligned with the objectives of the DLGS.
- Participate actively in graduate school seminars, workshops, and research activities.
- Maintain satisfactory academic and research progress throughout the scholarship period.
How to Apply
To apply for the DLGS PhD Scholarship:
- Visit the official DLGS website and carefully review the application requirements.
- Prepare all required application documents, including your CV, academic transcripts, and research proposal.
- Ensure your proposed doctoral research aligns with the research priorities of the IOER and the DLGS program.
- Complete and submit your online application before 1 September 2026.
- Shortlisted applicants will be contacted regarding the next stages of the selection process.
📋 Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Research proposal
- Any additional supporting documents specified in the official application guidelines
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Completed Application Form