Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Study Foundation (ELES) Doctoral Scholarship 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
If you are a Jewish doctoral candidate—or a non-Jewish candidate researching Jewish topics—with academic excellence and social commitment, the ELES Doctoral Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications…
The Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Study Foundation (ELES), supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), invites applications for its Doctoral Scholarship for the 2026 intake. This prestigious program nurtures academically gifted researchers with strong social engagement, aiming to shape a pluralistic, tradition-conscious, and self-confident Jewish leadership.
🎓 ELES Scholarship Summary
Location: Germany (state or state-recognized university—and for German citizens, also EU or Switzerland; possible exceptions for non-European universities in justified cases)
Study Level: Doctoral (PhD) research program
Target Group:
Jewish doctoral candidates in any discipline (excluding medicine)
Non-Jewish doctoral candidates whose research focus is Jewish topics
Field of Study: All academic fields (except medicine), with allowance for interdisciplinary and thematic relevance to Judaism
Value & Coverage:
Monthly stipend: €1,350 plus €100 research allowance
Intellectual and non-material support: seminars, mentorship, religious accompaniment, international networking, and seminars in New York and Israel
Duration: Standard funding for 3 years (in some sources two years, with possible 6-month extension)
Application Deadlines:
31 March for October 1, 2026 admission
Start Date: Either 1 April or 1 October 2026, depending on the chosen application window
📚 Scholarship Overview
ELES offers a robust support framework for doctoral candidates, emphasizing both academic excellence and holistic development:
Financial Support: Monthly stipend and research allowance included.
Intellectual & Religious Support:
Regular seminars—often numbering over 50 annually—covering Jewish identity, leadership, and societal reflection.
Religious accompaniment through ELES Counsellors and rabbis.
International Networking:
Programs like foreign academies in New York and Israel, Benno Jacob and Bertha Pappenheim Scholarships.
Collaboration with Jewish institutions and fellowships.
Alumni Engagement: Ongoing involvement through alumni networks that shape Jewish life in Germany and beyond.
🎁 Benefits
Comprehensive Support: Covers living and research expenses, plus additional intellectual and spiritual nourishment.
Community & Identity Building: Tailored programming fosters personal and leadership development within a cosmopolitan Jewish context.
Global Reach & Collaboration: Access to international platforms and cross-disciplinary networking opportunities.
Lasting Impact: Alums contribute back to communities, academic spheres, and Jewish culture.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Academic and Research:
Admission to a doctoral program in Germany (or EU/Switzerland for German citizens), with proposals expected to be at an early stage of dissertation development.
Candidacy:
Jewish doctoral students (except medicine)
Non-Jewish candidates researching Jewish topics
Language: German language proficiency at B2 level required
Personal Profile:
Strong academic record
Documented social commitment (community, youth work, Jewish organizations, etc.)
Willingness to engage with ELES structures during and after the scholarship
📝 Application Procedure
Prepare comprehensive documentation (see below).
Apply online through the ELES portal (desktop access only, on weekdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; holidays may delay access) .
Submit your application before the relevant deadline.
Engage with interview or mentor follow-ups as required.
📂 Documents Required:
Dissertation exposé (max. 10 pages)
Motivation letter detailing fit with ELES values
Short narrative CV (max. 3,500 characters) plus tabular CV
Evidence of social/community engagement
Reference letter from a Jewish institution representative
Academic report from the dissertation supervisor, sent directly to ELES via mail or email
📆 Deadlines
31 March for October 1, 2026 admission
30 September for April 1, 2026 admission
⭐ Why This Matters
ELES’s Doctoral Scholarship is not just funding—it is a transformative journey. It cultivates scholars who carry their Jewish heritage proudly into the future, combining rigorous research with deep-rooted social responsibility. Through intellectual, spiritual, and communal backing, ELES prepares candidates to become tomorrow’s thought leaders, educators, and cultural innovators.
