DAAD GSSP Scholarships 2025 in yDiv Graduate School in Leipzig, Germany
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 15
- 4 min read
If you're an aspiring PhD candidate from the Global South with a passion for integrative biodiversity research, the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) 2025 at the yDiv Graduate School in Leipzig, Germany, presents a remarkable opportunity. Applications are now open for two fully funded scholarships, each offering up to four years of support for doctoral research in the field of society and nature. Everything you need to know in this article!
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Leipzig, Germany
Host Institution: yDiv Graduate School at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv)
Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
Target Group: International candidates from the Global South
Fields of Study: Integrative biodiversity research, focusing on the intersection of society and nature
Value & Coverage:
EUR 1,400 per month
Country-dependent travel allowance
Combined health, accident, and liability insurance
Study and research allowance
Optional final grant of up to six months after the regular funding period
Duration: Up to four years
Application Deadline: 30 September 2025 (6:00 pm CET)
Start Date: 1st of each month between February and October 2026
Eligible To: Non-German citizens who have not resided in Germany for more than 15 months prior to application
⭐ Scholarship Overview
The yDiv Graduate School of the German Centre for Integrated Biodiversity Research is seeking highly motivated international candidates from the Global South to apply for the DAAD-GSSP Scholarships 2025. Successful applicants will undertake their doctoral research closely related to ongoing projects within the research groups at iDiv. The research area is limited to the field of society and nature, with a focus on integrative biodiversity research. The positions are located in Leipzig, Germany, and are expected to start between February and October 2026.
🎁 Benefits
Monthly Stipend: EUR 1,400
Travel Allowance: Country-dependent
Insurance: Combined health, accident, and liability insurance
Research Support: Study and research allowance
Final Grant: Optional one-time grant of up to six months after the regular funding period
Research Environment: Access to iDiv's resources and services
Professional Development: Participation in yDiv's structured PhD programme, including international research networks and interdisciplinary training
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Academic Background: Above-average Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
Research Motivation: Strong motivation to pursue a doctorate in integrative biodiversity research
PhD Status: No prior completion of a PhD
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English
Residency: Non-German citizenship and not having resided in Germany for more than 15 months preceding the application submission
Graduation Timeline: Graduation no longer than six years before October 2025 (possible exceptions listed on the DAAD website)
Research Proposal: Proposed research must align with the research areas or topics offered by the supervisors at iDiv
📝 Application Procedure
Online Submission: Submit your application via the yDiv application portal by 30 September 2025 (6:00 pm CET). Applications sent via email or regular mail will not be accepted.
Online Interviews: Selected candidates will be invited to online interviews in October 2025.
DAAD Nomination: Nominated applicants must submit their application documents and confirmation of nomination to the DAAD within two weeks of receiving a positive response from yDiv.
Final Decision: Wait for the final admission decision from the DAAD, which may take up to three months
📂 Required Documents:
Research proposal (max. 2–3 pages)
Schedule of planned research work, including details of any potential field studies or stays outside Germany
Selection of a supervisor you'd like to work with
Recommendation letter from a university professor at your home university (use the DAAD template)
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages), explaining your reasons for applying for the GSSP scholarship
Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates, transcripts of records with grades, and an explanation of the home university’s grading system
Proof of English language skills (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS – optional)
Documents certifying completed practical work (e.g., internships – optional)
List of publications (optional)
📚 Research Proposal Guidelines
Your research proposal should focus on the research areas or topics offered by the supervisors at iDiv. It should be well-structured, not exceeding 2–3 pages, and include:
Title: Clear and descriptive
Introduction: Brief overview of the field
Research Question: Specific and focused
Methodology: Appropriate and feasible methods to address the research question
Potential Impact: Speculation on the potential impact of the results
References: Relevant and up-to-date sources
The proposal must be written in English and specify the research area or topic and the potential supervisor.
📆 Timeline
30 September 2025 (6:00 pm CET): Application deadline via the yDiv application portal
October 2025: Candidate selection and nomination by PhD Project PIs and yDiv
November 2025: Nominees submit their application documents to the DAAD
February – October 2026: Scholarship start date
📨 Contact Information
For any questions about the scholarships or the application process, please contact:
Dr. Nicole Sachmerda-SchulzGraduate School CoordinatorEmail: nicole.sachmerda-schulz@idiv.de
Beate HornAdministrative AssistantEmail: beate.horn@idiv.de