DAAD-GSSP PhD Scholarships at University of Münster | Literature & Cultural Studies (2026-2029)
- Omran Aburayya
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
The University of Münster's Graduate School Practices of Literature (GSPoL) is now accepting applications for its fully funded DAAD PhD Scholarships for the 2026–2029 academic period. This prestigious opportunity, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP), offers international scholars the chance to engage in advanced literary and cultural studies within a vibrant academic environment. Details in this article.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
Host Institution: University of Münster (WWU Münster), Graduate School Practices of Literature (GSPoL), Germany
Funding Body: DAAD (GSSP Program)
Study Level: PhD
Duration: 3 years (with a possible 1-year extension)
Start Date: April 1, 2026
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
Funding Coverage: Monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, and academic support
Eligibility: International candidates not residing in Germany for more than 15 months prior to nomination
📚 Eligible Fields of Research and Thematic Areas
Fields of Research:
English and American Studies
Arabic and Islamic Studies
German Studies
Latin and Neo-Latin Philology
Dutch, Scandinavian, Romance (French, Spanish, Italian), and Slavic Studies
Sinology
Comparative Literature and Literary Theory
Thematic Clusters:
Literature, Culture, and Society: Investigating the interplay between literature, cultural dynamics, and societal structures.
Theories of Literature and Culture: Focusing on methodological approaches, science studies, and theoretical frameworks within literary and cultural contexts.
Literary and Cultural Studies in the Professional World: Exploring the application of literary and cultural expertise in various professional sectors.
💲 What is Covered?
The DAAD-GSSP PhD Scholarships at the University of Münster provides a comprehensive package including:
Monthly Stipend : €1,200 per month for a duration of 36 months (3 years) with Possible 12-month extension depending on progress and DAAD approval.
Health Insurance: Fully covered through DAAD’s insurance scheme (health, accident, and personal liability).
Travel Allowance: A one-time travel allowance based on your country of origin to cover the cost of travel to and from Germany.
Research Allowance: Annual research subsidy of €460 (lump sum), meant for costs related to academic work.
Study and Language Support: Coverage for language courses in Germany before the PhD program (if needed).
Reimbursement of language exams and application fees if required.
Rent Subsidy (if applicable): Monthly rent subsidy available if housing costs are high and not covered by other means.
Family Allowances (if applicable): Spouse allowance and child allowance if relocating with family members.
Additional Support:
DAAD-funded interdisciplinary networking activities, field research, and research stays abroad (if justified and approved).
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Hold a Master's degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA equivalent to 2.0 in the German grading system. In exceptional cases, a Bachelor's degree with a GPA of 1.5 or better may be considered.
Demonstrate proficiency in German or English at the C1 level, and the other language at least at the B1 level.
Possess additional foreign language skills as specified in the PhD study regulations.
Not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months prior to nomination.
Have completed their last academic degree within the past six years.
Not already hold a PhD.
Be willing to reside in Germany for the duration of the program, with research stays abroad not exceeding 25% of the total duration.
📝 Application Process
Step 1: Application to GSPoL
Submit a written application by May 31, 2025, including:
Letter of motivation
Curriculum vitae (without photograph)
Degree certificates and transcripts (with certified translations if not in German or English)
Proof of language proficiency
Abstract and detailed research proposal (approx. 10 pages)
Timeline for the PhD program, including any planned research stays abroad
Two or three letters of recommendation (submitted separately by referees)
Submission
Please submit your application (via email as a single PDF file, except for the letters of recommendation) to:
Dr. Anna Thiemann
Graduate School Practices of Literature
Universität Münster, Fachbereich 09 (Philologie)
c/o Germanistisches Institut
Schlossplatz 34
48143 Münster
For further information please contact
Dr. Anna Thiemann (Coordinator)
Step 2: Interview and Nomination
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
Successful candidates will be nominated by GSPoL for the DAAD scholarship.
Step 3: DAAD Application
Nominated candidates will submit their application documents through the DAAD portal for final selection.
🗓️ Application Process and Timeline
May 31, 20: written application to the GSPoL
June/July 2025: interviews & nomination by the GSPoL
July to Oct. 2025: online application via the DAAD portal & DAAD funding decision
ℹ️ For detailed information [GSPoL DAAD Scholarships page]
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
