Overview
The BerGSAS-DAAD Scholarships 2026 are part of the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP). They offer fully funded PhD scholarships in Germany for outstanding international students. Moreover, this highly competitive program is conducted in cooperation with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin, ensuring strong academic support throughout the doctoral journey. Hosted by the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS), it supports advanced research in ancient studies, philology, archaeology, theology, and related disciplines.
Funded by DAAD, this PhD program will run from October 2026 to September 2030. Additionally, it provides exceptional research opportunities and extensive academic resources. Consequently, it is an ideal choice for candidates seeking world-class research training in Germany. Furthermore, the program’s interdisciplinary environment allows scholars to develop innovative research projects and build strong academic networks. Thus, it stands out as one of the most prestigious doctoral funding options available to international researchers.
Degree Level
This scholarship supports applicants who:
- Completing the Master’s degree course -Predoc phase- and preparing for Doctoral research
- I plan to pursue a Doctorate (PhD) at Freie Universität Berlin.
- It is in line with the DAAD GSSP 2026 objectives of nurturing international research talents.
Available Study Programs (GSSP 2026)
1. Ancient Languages and Texts (ALT)
Focus: Ancient texts, philology, linguistics, digital humanities
Eligible Fields:
- Ancient History, Late Antiquity, Early Middle Ages
- Greek, Latin, Coptic, Ancient Oriental Languages
- Egyptology, Iranian Studies, Jewish Studies
- Protestant Theology, Religious Studies, Roman Law
- Comparative Indo-European Linguistics
This is the right pathway for students seeking philology PhD scholarships or ancient studies PhD programs in Germany.
2. Ancient Objects and Visual Studies (AOViS)
Focus: Archaeological artifacts, visual culture, image communication
Eligible Fields:
- Ancient Oriental Studies
- Classical, Near Eastern and Prehistoric Archaeology
- Egyptology and Northeast African Archaeology
Highly suitable for applicants looking to apply for archaeology PhD scholarships in Germany.
3. Landscape Archaeology and Architecture (LAA)
Focus: Landscape archaeology, architectural research, geostatistical methods
Eligible Fields:
- Classical, Near Eastern, and Prehistoric Archaeology
- Egyptology with landscape specialization
A very good choice for students interested in pursuing landscape archaeology at the PhD level.
Scholarship Benefits
The fully funded DAAD GSSP 2026 includes:
- Monthly allowance: €1,300
- Travel allowance
- Health, accident, and liability insurance
- Research and study funding
- Annual materials allowance of €1,000′
- Family and rent allowances (when applicable) Funded pre-sessional German language course
- International mobility support (up to 25% of scholarship duration)
These benefits position this as one of the top fully funded PhD scholarships for international students in Germany.
Eligible Nationalities
The DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program is open to international students worldwide, making it one of the most inclusive scholarships offered in Europe.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Non-German citizenship
- Master’s degree completed after 1 March 2020
- Not residing in Germany continuously since before 1 December 2024
- No prior PhD degree
- English proficiency (B2 minimum; C1 required for Freie Universität Berlin)
These conditions match general requirements for DAAD-funded PhD programs.
Application Procedure
Application Deadline
15 October 2025, 00:00 CET
Where to Apply
Submit your application through the BerGSAS Application Portal.
Two-Stage Selection Process
Stage 1: BerGSAS Shortlisting
- Register on the online portal
- Submit all required documents
- Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview
Stage 2: DAAD Final Selection
- DAAD reviews nominations
- Final decision depends on university admission and DAAD approval
- This aligns with the standard process for DAAD GSSP PhD scholarships.
Required Documents
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates & transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Research proposal (mandatory for DAAD GSSP 2026)
Curriculum vitae
- Two academic recommendation letters
- Referees must email letters directly to: application@berliner-antike-kolleg.org
- Additional Admission Options (Without Funding)
- You may also apply for a study place in these BerGSAS programs:
- Ancient Languages and Texts
- Ancient Objects and Visual Studies
- Landscape Archaeology and Architecture
- Ancient Philosophy and History of Science
Deadlines:
- Summer semester (April 2026): 30 September 2025
- Winter semester (October 2026): 30 April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can international students apply for the BerGSAS-DAAD Scholarships 2026?
Yes. All non-German international applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
2. Do I need to be enrolled at Freie Universität Berlin before applying?
No. Enrollment takes place only after successful selection by BerGSAS and DAAD.
3. Do I need a supervisor before submitting my application?
It is not mandatory, especially for the Predoc phase. However, identifying a potential supervisor may strengthen your application.
4. Can the Predoc scholarship be extended?
Extensions are generally not allowed unless justified by exceptional academic circumstances.
5. What is the purpose of the Predoc scholarship?
It supports students in transitioning from Master’s studies to a full PhD by assisting with proposal preparation, academic training, and research readiness.
6. What English level is required?
A minimum of B2, but C1 is required especially for PhD enrollment at Freie Universität Berlin.
7. Are German language skills required?
No. However, the DAAD funds a pre-sessional German language course to support daily life and research integration.
8. What makes a strong application?
A clear research proposal aligned with BerGSAS programs, excellent academic grades, strong recommendation letters, and relevant academic background.
