The DBU Scholarship Program 2027

The DBU scholarship program for doctoral candidates aims to promote qualified young scientists in applied environmental research and to build an interdisciplinary network of environmental professionals. It supports doctoral theses at German universities that have a clear connection to current environmental issues and contribute to practical and sustainable solutions.

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 15, 2027
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorGerman Federal Environmental Foundation
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

Financial benefits

• Funding period: max. 36 months
• Monthly basic funding: €1,650
• Monthly expenses for supplies and travel: €150
• Further subsidies for material costs are possible.
• Health insurance subsidy of up to €150 possible
• Monthly child allowance and other support possible

Non-material support

• personal guidance and support from DBU speakers
• Presentation of results, interdisciplinary exchange and excursions at DBU scholarship seminars (1 week per year)
• Support in organizing your own specialist colloquia
• Invitation to the DBU Environmental Award ceremony and other  events; also for alumni
• Networking between scholarship holders and alumni via the Stipnet communication platform

Requirements

• Applications are welcome from all disciplines, i.e., not only from the natural sciences and engineering, but also from the social sciences, humanities, economics, and law. Interdisciplinary environmental research is particularly encouraged.
• Promising applicants have above-average degrees and are highly motivated to contribute in a goal-oriented manner to solving current environmental problems or to promoting sustainable development.
• All application documents must be submitted in German; applicants must have good German language skills (at least level B2).
• Study abroad is possible as long as the doctoral studies take place predominantly at the supervising institution in Germany.
• Incomplete applications and applications received after the respective application deadline cannot be considered.
• No more than one application may be submitted per working group / scientific supervisor per application round.
• Doctoral scholarships are awarded to individuals, not to institutions.
• Focusing on a larger topic without coordination with the DBU (bundling individual applications) is not permitted.
• The rejection of a scholarship application precludes a new application.

Our requirements for you

• You want to use your doctoral thesis to develop sustainable solutions to current environmental problems.
• They have or will obtain an above-average degree; all fields of study are permitted.
• They have a coherent resume.
• Her doctoral research deals with the environmental situation in Germany or with global environmental issues relevant to Germany.
• Your doctoral studies will be conducted at a German university and have not yet begun. (A project is considered to have begun if you have been engaged in academic research on your doctoral topic for more than one year since graduating from university).
• Detailed information can be found in our  funding guidelines .

Selection Process

The funding decisions in the scholarship program are made by a selection committee , which is composed of professors from different disciplines and is appointed by the Secretary General of the DBU.

Scholarship applications undergo a two-stage selection process. First, the staff at the office evaluate which applications are eligible for a DBU scholarship based on academic criteria and the applicants' personal qualifications. If necessary, an external expert opinion on the doctoral projects is obtained.

The most promising applicants are shortlisted and invited for an interview . This interview, conducted in German, takes place annually in May or October (for applications submitted by January 15th or June 15th, respectively). Following a 10-minute presentation on the doctoral proposal, any remaining questions are discussed, particularly regarding objectives, methodology, and environmental relevance. In addition to academic merit, the applicants' personal commitment also plays a role in the selection process.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the DBU webpage.