FNA Doctoral Scholarship 2027

The FNA offers exceptionally qualified early-career researchers the opportunity to finance research projects on old-age security issues, which also serve to obtain an academic degree, through a scholarship.

They support doctoral projects in law, economics, and social sciences, as well as other relevant fields, that address issues of old-age security and are expected to make a significant contribution to the academic discourse.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 31, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorResearch Network for Old-Age Security
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• In addition to a monthly basic stipend of €1,750 (including a research allowance), allowances for children and retirement savings are paid. Travel and printing costs may also be reimbursed under certain conditions.

The duration of a doctoral scholarship is 18 to 36 months. In certain exceptional cases, a longer funding period is possible. 

Requirements

• The prerequisites are admission to doctoral studies at a state or state-recognized German university and two letters of recommendation from professors authorized to supervise doctoral candidates, who agree to provide academic supervision.
• Academic performance and examination results must demonstrate a particular aptitude for scholarly work; the degree program leading to doctoral eligibility must have been completed in a timely manner.
• Participation in the FNA's interdisciplinary graduate colloquia, which are aimed at early-career researchers from various disciplines working on issues relevant to old-age security, is expected.
• Funding is also provided to junior researchers who are aiming for a habilitation or an equivalent scientific qualification to qualify for a professorship (post-doc).

Selection Process

• The scholarship applications are reviewed by the FNA advisory board. This board advises the committees of the German Federal Pension Insurance Fund on the allocation of funding.
• We kindly request that you submit your application in German. We would like to briefly explain why: The German Federal Pension Insurance Fund is a self-governing body. We therefore provide funding on behalf of this self-governing body, i.e., on behalf of the insured, the contributors, and the pensioners. The self-governing body has a strong interest in ensuring that issues of old-age security are reflected in the broader public debate in Germany. It is helpful for these debate contributions to be submitted in German, as this facilitates their entry into the public discourse.

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more information, kindly visit the FNA webpage.