Hans Böckler Foundation International Phd Scholarship Programme 2027 | Study in Germany — Hans-Böckler-Stiftung
A foundation built around trade unions and the world of work might not be the first place international doctoral students think to look for funding, but Hans-Böckler-Stiftung runs three distinct scholarship tracks specifically for researchers from outside Germany.
About the Scholarship
The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, linked to the Confederation of German Trade Unions, offers international scholarships for outstanding doctoral candidates, with applications from all countries, and especially from the Global South, explicitly welcomed. The foundation runs three named tracks: the Ute and György Széll scholarship for social sciences and humanities, the Dieter Schumacher scholarship for economics, and the Paul and Maria Kremer scholarship for doctoral candidates at Christian theological faculties.
Scholarship Benefits
Each track funds a defined research stay at a German institution.
- Ute and György Széll Scholarship: a six-month stay at a German university, research institute, foundation, or archive, with no age limit
- Dieter Schumacher Scholarship: a 12 to 24-month stay for economics researchers under the age of 30
- Paul and Maria Kremer Scholarship: a 6 to 24-month stay for doctoral candidates researching at Christian theological faculties
- Integration into the foundation’s broader research and policy network
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be outstanding international doctoral candidates in the relevant field for each track, social sciences and humanities for the Széll scholarship, economics for the Schumacher scholarship, or theology for the Kremer scholarship. The Schumacher track specifically requires applicants to be under 30, while the other two tracks carry no stated age restriction. Applications from all countries are accepted, with particular encouragement for candidates from the Global South.
Fields of Study Covered
Coverage spans social sciences, humanities, economics, and Christian theology, depending on which of the three named scholarship tracks an applicant qualifies for.
Required Documents
- Scholarship application specific to the chosen track
- Doctoral research proposal
- CV and academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation from academic supervisors
- Confirmation of a host institution or research plan in Germany
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Identify which of the three named tracks matches the doctoral research field and, where relevant, the applicant’s age.
2. Develop a research proposal explaining the planned stay at a German host institution.
3. Gather transcripts, a CV, and recommendation letters.
4. Submit the complete application for the appropriate track by the stated deadline.
5. Await the selection committee’s review and decision.
6. Plan the research stay in Germany around the track’s defined funding duration.
Selection Process
Each track’s review panel evaluates the strength and relevance of the research proposal, the applicant’s academic record, and, for the Schumacher track, confirmation of meeting the age requirement, prioritizing candidates whose research connects clearly to the foundation’s broader interest in social and economic research.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Applying to the track that most precisely matches both subject area and any track-specific eligibility rule, rather than the one that seems broadly available, improves the odds of a well-matched review. A research proposal that clearly explains why the stay needs to happen in Germany, rather than treating the location as incidental, strengthens the case considerably. Doctoral candidates in economics or social sciences comparing other funding routes may also want to review the Gerda Henkel Foundation PhD Scholarship for Historical Sciences for a related but historically focused alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to more than one of the three tracks?
Applicants typically apply to the single track matching their research field, since each track has its own distinct subject focus and eligibility rules.
Is the Dieter Schumacher scholarship only for applicants under 30?
Yes, that specific track carries a strict age requirement of under 30 at the time of application.
Does the Ute and György Széll scholarship have an age limit?
No, this track has no stated age limit, unlike the Dieter Schumacher scholarship for economics.
Can non-Christian applicants apply for the Paul and Maria Kremer scholarship?
This track is specifically designed for doctoral candidates researching at Christian theological faculties, so the research focus itself is the primary eligibility factor.
Is there a nationality restriction?
No, applications are welcomed from all countries, with particular encouragement extended to candidates from the Global South.
How long can the funded stay in Germany last?
Duration varies by track, from a fixed six months for the Széll scholarship up to 24 months for the Schumacher and Kremer scholarships.