Are you passionate about linguistic sciences and looking for a prestigious PhD opportunity in Germany? The Class of Language at the Graduate School of Language & Literature, LMU Munich, invites applications for the highly competitive GSSP/DAAD PhD Scholarship and regular PhD positions for the Winter Semester 2025/2026.
This is an excellent opportunity for international students to conduct cutting-edge research at one of Germany’s leading universities while benefiting from generous DAAD funding and expert academic support. If you’re an aspiring linguist eager to expand your academic horizons, this program is for you!
Scholarship Overview
| Scholarship Name | GSSP/DAAD PhD Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Institution | Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich |
| Program | PhD in Linguistics and Related Fields |
| Location | Munich, Germany |
| Starting Date | October 1, 2025 |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Application Deadline | April 1, 2025 |
| Working Language | German, English |
| Open Positions | 1 funded scholarship + non-funded PhD positions |
Scholarship Benefits
Selected candidates for the DAAD-funded GSSP PhD Scholarship will receive:
- Monthly Stipend: €1,300 to cover living expenses.
- Travel Allowance: A one-time payment for travel costs.
- Insurance Coverage: Full health, accident, and liability insurance.
- Research Allowance: €260 to €460 per year for research expenses.
- Academic Support: Personalized supervision, interdisciplinary training, and skill development workshops.
- Conference & Research Funding: Financial assistance for attending international conferences and research trips.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the GSSP/DAAD PhD Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Qualification: Hold an above-average university degree in a relevant linguistic discipline (e.g., Master’s, Diplom, Magister Artium, State Examination).
- Language Skills: Proficiency in at least two European scientific languages (preferably including German).
- Residency Status: Must not have been residing in Germany for more than 15 months before May 1, 2025.
- Degree Completion: Your last degree should have been completed within 6 years prior to May 1, 2025.
- No Prior PhD: Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree.
- International Students Only: Open exclusively to non-German nationals, with special encouragement for candidates from developing and emerging nations.
Eligible Fields of Study
This scholarship supports PhD research in the following disciplines:
- Comparative Linguistics
- Linguistics and Phonetics
- General Linguistic Science
- Speech Science
- Romance Studies
- Albanian Studies
- Slavic Studies
- Indo-European Studies
- German Studies
- German as a Foreign Language
- American Studies
- Uralic Studies
- English Studies
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Academic CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Project Outline detailing your proposed PhD research
- Academic Transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of Language Proficiency in required languages
- Two Letters of Recommendation from academic referees
- Statement of Interest specifying whether you’re applying for the funded or non-funded PhD position
Application Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | April 1, 2025 |
| Scholarship Results Announcement | June/July 2025 |
| PhD Program Commencement | October 1, 2025 |
Apply Now: GSSP/DAAD PhD Scholarship Application
FAQ:
Who is eligible for the GSSP/DAAD PhD Scholarship?
International students with a strong academic background in linguistic disciplines who have not resided in Germany for more than 15 months prior to May 1, 2025.
What financial benefits does the DAAD scholarship offer?
The scholarship provides a €1,300 monthly stipend, a travel allowance, full insurance coverage, a research allowance (€260-€460/year), and funding for conferences and research travel.
What is the deadline to apply for the GSSP/DAAD PhD Scholarship?
The application deadline for the scholarship is April 1, 2025.
Do I need to be proficient in German to apply?
Proficiency in at least two European scientific languages is required, and knowledge of German is preferred.
When will the classes for the PhD program start?
Classes for the PhD program will commence on October 1, 2025.
