The Berdelle Foundation Doctoral Scholarship supports doctoral students conducting research in natural sciences and technology, with particular focus on fields such as mechanical engineering, medical technology and biotechnology. It is intended to support promising doctoral research and the professional development of young researchers in Germany.
Table of Content
Summary
- Application DeadlineNovember 1, 2026
- Study LevelPhD
- SponsorBerdelle Stitfung
- Eligible CountryAll Countries
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Benefits
- Travel funds (travel and accommodation costs), material resources and, if necessary, printing cost subsidies may be granted as needed for specific purposes.
- A doctoral scholarship of up to €1,750 per month, including a €100 research-cost allowance.
- Research materials and other necessary expenses may be supported.
- Printing-cost grants may be available.
- Health insurance support of up to €100 per month may be provided.
- Family and child allowances may also be available for eligible scholars.
Requirements
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Eligible applicants are doctoral candidates in the fields of natural sciences and engineering who meet the requirements of Section 8 of the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) with regard to their nationality and are admitted to doctoral studies at a state or state-recognized German university in Germany.
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Funding is excluded if the applicant is or has been funded for the same period from other sources, if the doctorate is already in its final phase, or if post-doctoral programs are involved.
Selection Process
- Selection, provided all other funding requirements are met, is based on the applicant's professional qualifications, as demonstrated by academic and examination achievements. The dissertation project must also be expected to make a significant contribution to science and research. Dissertation projects in the field of pump, fluid, and conveying technology, and related and adjacent areas of engineering, are given priority. Applicants may be invited to a selection meeting, possibly after a preliminary screening.
- A scholarship (basic scholarship amount) is only granted if the scholarship recipient does not have sufficient financial resources to cover the basic scholarship amount (guidelines of the Federal Ministry of Education and Family). Simultaneous receipt of a scholarship and salary (unless a permissible secondary employment exists) or old-age pension/retirement benefits is not permitted.
Application Documents
- Cover letter with a detailed explanation of the doctoral thesis topic (exposé in German), five to ten pages, 1 1/2 line spacing, 12 points, plus – if necessary – a bibliography.
- A tabular curriculum vitae (without photo) and documents proving the most important stages of employment.
- Certificate(s) of the university degree qualifying for doctoral studies (usually a Master's degree certificate; for direct doctoral studies: seminar certificates; please do not submit Bachelor's degree certificates); the certificates should be submitted as photocopies and do not need to be certified;
- Informal letters of recommendation from two professors with habilitation or doctoral degree qualifications, relating to the project and confirming the applicant's qualifications. One of these letters must be from the primary supervisor of the dissertation ("doctoral advisor"). The letters of recommendation must not be older than six months at the application deadline.
- In the case of applying for printing cost subsidies, additionally
- Form completed by the publisher for the foundation,
- Manuscript that forms the basis for the publisher's calculations (in electronic form),
- two-page summary, including a presentation of the scientific output and innovation potential of the monograph/edited volume,
- Copy of the (provisional) doctoral certificate.
Application Deadline
November 1, 2026How To Apply
For more information, kindly visit the Berdelle foundation webpage.
