Justus Liebig University Giessen Daad Epos Phd Programme In Agricultural Economics 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — Justus Liebig University Giessen and DAAD
⚠️ This scholarship's deadline has passed and it's no longer accepting applications.
Food security and bioeconomy research increasingly need doctoral-level specialists, and Giessen’s International PhD Programme in Agricultural Economics was built to train exactly that kind of researcher under full DAAD funding.
About the Scholarship
Justus Liebig University Giessen’s International PhD Programme in Agricultural Economics, Bioeconomy and Sustainable Food Systems is funded through DAAD’s Development-Related Postgraduate Courses scheme, known as EPOS. The structured doctoral programme combines coursework with independent dissertation research, drawing on Giessen’s long-standing strength in agricultural and nutritional sciences.
Scholarship Benefits
The funding is comprehensive, matching the standard EPOS doctoral package.
- Full tuition coverage for the doctoral programme
- A monthly stipend set at the standard DAAD doctoral rate
- Health insurance for the duration of the programme
- Travel allowance covering relocation to Germany
- Research-related allowances for fieldwork or data collection where applicable
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must come from a developing or emerging country on DAAD’s eligibility list and hold a relevant Master’s degree in agricultural economics, agricultural sciences, food systems, or a closely related discipline. Strong academic performance and a clear research proposal connecting the doctoral project to development outcomes in the applicant’s home country are required. English proficiency at B2 level or higher is expected since the programme is taught in English.
Fields of Study Covered
Research areas span agricultural economics, bioeconomy transitions, food systems sustainability, rural development, and related policy questions affecting low- and middle-income countries.
Required Documents
- DAAD EPOS scholarship application
- University admission application to the PhD programme
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Research proposal outlining the intended doctoral project
- CV
- Letters of recommendation from academic referees
- Proof of English proficiency
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Confirm eligibility against the current DAAD list of developing and emerging countries.
2. Develop a research proposal connecting agricultural economics or bioeconomy research to development outcomes at home.
3. Apply to the Giessen PhD programme alongside the DAAD EPOS scholarship application.
4. Submit transcripts, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency by the October deadline.
5. Attend an interview if shortlisted by the selection committee.
6. Begin visa processing once both university admission and scholarship funding are confirmed.
Selection Process
Selection weighs the strength and feasibility of the research proposal, prior academic performance, and how clearly the applicant connects their doctoral research to development challenges in agriculture or food systems back home. Interviews often probe the technical depth of the proposed research design.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
A research proposal grounded in a specific, researchable question, rather than a broad survey of agricultural challenges, tends to perform better with reviewers assessing doctoral readiness. Demonstrating prior exposure to agricultural economics research, even through a Master’s thesis or fieldwork, strengthens the application considerably. Students interested in other DAAD doctoral routes may also want to review the DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Young Academics for a broader, discipline-independent alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Master’s degree required before starting this PhD?
Yes, applicants need a relevant Master’s degree in agricultural economics or a closely related field before beginning the doctoral programme.
Can applicants from any country apply?
No, applicants must come from a country on DAAD’s current list of developing and emerging countries to qualify for this EPOS-funded programme.
Does the programme include coursework or is it purely research-based?
The programme combines structured coursework with independent dissertation research, following a standard graduate school model.
How long does the doctoral programme typically take?
Most candidates complete the programme within three to four years, depending on the scope of the research project.
Is fieldwork funding included in the scholarship?
Research-related allowances can cover fieldwork or data collection costs where relevant to the dissertation topic, in addition to the standard stipend.
What career paths follow this PhD?
Graduates often move into research roles with agricultural ministries, international development organizations, universities, or agribusiness research institutions.
Does the programme accept applicants with a Master’s degree in a closely related but not identical field?
Yes, Master’s degrees in agricultural sciences, economics, or related development fields are generally considered, as long as the research proposal shows a clear link to the programme’s focus areas.
Is the doctoral programme structured or independent?
The programme follows a structured model, combining required coursework with independent dissertation research under faculty supervision.
Can the research be conducted partly in the applicant’s home country?
Fieldwork and data collection relevant to the dissertation can often take place in the applicant’s home region, with the core academic supervision based at Giessen.