📚 Pursue a Fully Funded PhD in Literary or Cultural Studies in Germany
Are you an ambitious international scholar passionate about literary or cultural studies? The University of Münster in Germany, through its Graduate School Practices of Literature (GSPoL), invites applications for its fully funded DAAD PhD Scholarships for the academic period April 2026 to March 2029.
These prestigious scholarships are awarded under the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in collaboration with the Federal Foreign Office of Germany. Selected candidates will benefit from full financial support, academic guidance, and valuable research training in a dynamic international environment.
🏫 Host Institution Details
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University: University of Münster (WWU Münster), Germany
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Graduate School: GSPoL – Graduate School Practices of Literature
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Funding Organization: DAAD (via GSSP Program)
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Scholarship Duration: 3 years (with possible 1-year extension)
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Program Start Date: 1 April 2026
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Application Deadline: 31 May 2025
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Type: Fully funded PhD opportunity
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Eligibility: International candidates only
🎓 Degree Level & Fields of Study
This scholarship supports PhD-level research in the following disciplines:
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English and American Studies
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German Studies
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Arabic and Islamic Studies
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Dutch, Scandinavian, Romance (French, Spanish, Italian), Slavic Studies
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Latin and Neo-Latin Philology
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Sinology
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Comparative Literature
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Literary Theory & Cultural Studies
🧠 Thematic Research Clusters at GSPoL
Doctoral projects must align with one or more of the following key thematic areas:
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Literature, Culture, and Society
Explore how literature interacts with broader cultural and social systems. -
Theories of Literature and Culture
Engage in methodological, theoretical, and science studies-focused literary analysis. -
Literary and Cultural Studies in the Professional World
Investigate the real-world relevance of literary knowledge in diverse industries.
Additional Program Features:
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Research seminars and interdisciplinary workshops
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Public lectures and colloquia
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Opportunities for internships and teaching
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Training in transferable skills
💸 Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
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A monthly stipend according to DAAD standards
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Health insurance coverage
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Mobility allowance
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Funding for research stays abroad (up to 25% of program duration)
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Mentorship by a three-member academic advisory team
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Access to professional development and academic workshops
🌍 Who Can Apply?
✅ Eligible Nationalities
Open to international applicants from all countries (excluding those who have been in Germany for more than 15 months).
✅ Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
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Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant literary or cultural field (minimum GPA: 2.0 in the German system), OR in exceptional cases, a Bachelor’s degree with GPA ≥ 1.5
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Show language proficiency: C1 in English or German, and B1 in the other
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Have additional foreign language skills (as required by GSPoL regulations)
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Have obtained their last degree within the past 6 years
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Must not already hold a PhD
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Be ready to reside in Germany full-time during the program
📝 How to Apply
Step 1: Apply to GSPoL
Deadline: 31 May 2025
Prepare and email the following documents as a single PDF (except letters of reference):
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Motivation letter
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Curriculum Vitae (CV) without photo
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Degree certificates & transcripts (with certified translation if necessary)
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Language proficiency certificates
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10-page PhD research proposal + abstract
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Timeline of your project (include planned stays abroad)
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Letters of recommendation (2–3, using DAAD template — submitted separately by your professors)
📧 Email your application to:
Dr. Anna Thiemann
✉️ thiemann.gspol@uni-muenster.de
Apply
Step 2: Interview Process
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online or in-person interview at GSPoL.
Step 3: DAAD Nomination & Final Submission
Selected candidates will be nominated by GSPoL and must complete an official DAAD application through the DAAD portal.
📌 Final Thoughts
The DAAD PhD Scholarships at the University of Münster represent a rare and prestigious opportunity for international students in the field of literature and cultural studies. With its structured interdisciplinary training, financial security, and access to global research networks, this program equips scholars for academic and professional success.
🔔 Apply by 31 May 2025 and take your research ambitions to new heights at one of Germany’s leading universities.
❓ FAQ – University of Münster DAAD PhD Scholarships
Q1: Can I apply with only a Bachelor’s degree?
Yes, in exceptional cases, if your GPA is 1.5 or higher (German system).
Q2: Do I need to speak both English and German fluently?
You must demonstrate C1 proficiency in either English or German, and B1 in the other.
Q3: Can I stay outside Germany during the PhD?
Yes, but only for up to 25% of the program duration (e.g., research stays).
Q4: What if I’ve recently lived in Germany?
You are not eligible if you have lived in Germany for more than 15 months prior to nomination.
Also read: https://fercost.com/mccall-macbain-scholarships-2026-in-canada-fully-funded/
