Overview of DAAD-CSMC Scholarships 2026
The Cluster of Excellence “Understanding Written Artefacts” (CSMC) at the University of Hamburg, Germany, invites international students to apply for the DAAD-CSMC Doctoral Scholarships 2026 under the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
It is a fully funded PhD scholarship in Germany, which targets highly qualified candidates who are willing to conduct advanced research in the fields of manuscript cultures, written artefacts, and cultural heritage studies. The opportunity to study at one of the best universities in Germany includes state-of-the-art facilities and important academic networks.
Degree Level
Successful applicants will pursue a Doctoral (PhD) degree at the University of Hamburg, awarded as either:
Dr. phil. (Humanities)
Dr. rer. nat.(Natural Sciences: Computer Science, Chemistry, or Physics)
These DAAD PhD scholarships for international students are designed for those aiming to specialize in Humanities or Natural Sciences fields in Germany.
Eligible Subjects
The DAAD University of Hamburg Scholarships 2026 are open to candidates holding a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in disciplines related to manuscript cultures or written artefacts, including:
Humanities: History, Philology, Cultural Studies, Linguistics, Anthropology, Archaeology
Natural Sciences: Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics
Other related areas: Disciplines connected to the study of manuscripts, inscriptions, or cultural artefacts
This interdisciplinary PhD programme in Germany encourages collaboration between the humanities and sciences, emphasizing the study of written artefacts and manuscript cultures.
Eligibility Criteria
- The DAAD-CSMC Scholarships 2026 at the University of Hamburg are open to:
- International candidates (non-German citizens), particularly from the Global South
- Applicants with a Master’s degree in humanities, natural sciences, or cultural studies
- English proficiency of at least B1 level (certified)
Not Eligible:
- Applicants who already hold a PhD
- Those who completed their Master’s degree more than six years ago
- Individuals who have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by November 2025
These criteria ensure that the DAAD PhD scholarships in Germany remain accessible to new researchers worldwide.
Application Procedure
Required Documents:
Applicants must submit a single PDF file with the following documents by 30 September 2025:
Research proposal (max. 5 pages), including:
- Abstract Detailed project description
- Three-year research timeline (in 3-month intervals)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with academic background and publications
- Motivation letter outlining academic goals and research interest
- Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates (with English or German translations)
- One academic recommendation letter (preferably DAAD template)
- Proof of English proficiency (minimum B1 level)
All application materials must be submitted in English or German.
If you’re seeking how to apply for DAAD scholarships in Germany 2026, this process is your step-by-step guide.
- Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2025
- Programme Start: From 1 January 2026
- Duration: 3 years (Full-time doctoral programme)
This DAAD PhD scholarship 2026 provides sufficient time for planning research and relocation to Germany.
Why Choose the University of Hamburg?
The University of Hamburg is one of the top research universities in Germany and is known for interdisciplinary excellence and internationality.The Cluster of Excellence “Understanding Written Artefacts” brings together more than 40 academic disciplines, making cutting-edge research possible within the humanities, natural sciences, linguistics, and archaeology.
Students of a PhD level in Germany under the DAAD GSSP at Hamburg will benefit from:
- Global research networks
- World-class facilities
- Interdisciplinary collaborative projects
- Full financial and academic support
This is an excellent opportunity for international students to achieve a fully funded PhD in Germany at one of the country’s top-ranking institutions.
Final Thoughts
- The DAAD-CSMC Doctoral Scholarships 2026 at the University of Hamburg represent one of the best fully funded PhD opportunities in Germany for international students interested in cultural heritage, manuscripts, and interdisciplinary research.
- If you have a passion for the study of written artefacts, languages, and material cultures by both scientific and historical approaches, this is a unique programme in Europe.
- Apply before 30 September 2025 and become a part of the Graduate School of CSMC Hamburg to pursue your doctoral journey with a prestigious DAAD scholarship in Germany 2026.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the University of Hamburg DAAD-CSMC Scholarships 2026?
Applicants from other countries may apply with a Master’s degree in related areas like the humanities, natural sciences, or cultural studies.
2. What kind of financial support does DAAD GSSP give?
It includes a monthly stipend of €1,300, health insurance, and possible allowances for research stays or dependents.
3. Do I need proficiency in the German language to apply?
None. The application may be written in English-minimum B1 level.
4. What are the main research areas?
Key focus areas are on manuscript cultures, written artefacts, cultural heritage, computer-based analysis, and material sciences.
5. What is the application deadline?
Application deadline is 30 September 2025; studies start in January 2026.
