Leipzig University awards scholarships to support doctoral projects in accordance with the Saxon freedom of higher education act (Sächsisches Hochschulfreiheitsgesetz, SächsHSFG) and the regulations for the Saxon scholarship programme (Sächsische Landesstipendienverordnung, SächsLStipVO).
Doctoral Funding
The Free State of Saxony awards funding for doctoral projects carried out in a structured doctoral programme:
- Maximum funding period: three years (but can be continued for up to one year in justified cases)
- Funding amount: Scholarship holders receive a basic monthly scholarship of €1350 and, if applicable, a monthly family allowance of €100 per child.
- Material resources: Separate grants can be awarded for additional material resources that go beyond normal academic studies and are necessary for the doctorate, as well as for travel and stays abroad. These should not exceed a total of €1500 during the standard funding period.
- Eligibility: Prospective doctoral researchers of all subject areas at Leipzig University holding an above-average degree in the relevant academic discipline are eligible to apply.
- Selection process: The Graduate Commission decides on the applications, taking into account a statement obtained from the faculties.
- Decision criteria: Qualifications of the applicant, quality of the doctoral project and adherence to the standard period of study
- Reasons for exclusion from the scholarship programme: The doctoral project is being financed by public funds in another way. The candidate is employed by the University.
The scholarship is only awarded to doctoral researchers in a structured doctoral programme. The application process therefore takes place in a two-stage procedure.
Application Details
Scholarships are available for all subject areas and are granted in a two-stage procedure. Submit both applications at the same time by the deadline of 30 July in the year you are applying.
The procedure is set out in the study regulations for the structured doctoral programmes offered by the faculties. These stipulate, for example, that doctoral researchers regularly teach courses offered by the faculty. By taking on teaching duties, you have the opportunity to pass on the knowledge you have acquired.
After you are admitted to a structured doctoral programme, you can apply for a state scholarship. Scholarships are regularly awarded on 1 October of each year. Please apply for funding by 30 July at the latest.
The application form for admission to the structured doctoral programme includes information about the application process for the scholarship and the office where it should be submitted.
Application Documents:
- Application for admission to a structured doctoral programme at Leipzig University
- Application for a state scholarship for the first time (please also submit this application by post to the Studentenwerk as described on page 3 of the application form)
- CV (in tabular form) including a report on academic education to date
- An expert opinion from your supervising professor
- Description of the doctoral project (max. 10 pages)
- Time and work schedule for the entire required doctoral period
- University degree certificates
Obligatory: degree certificate qualifying the candidate for doctoral studies* - Applicants may enclose references.
- If necessary, application for separate grants in the event that a scholarship is awarded (can also be submitted during the funding period).
- If a state postgraduate scholarship is granted, a certificate of enrolment must also be submitted as proof of admission to a structured doctoral programme at Leipzig University.
* If you do not already have this, you must at least provide a provisional, assessable certificate by the closing date for applications.
To apply for the continuation of the scholarship, submit the documents listed below no later than 26 February (for continuation of the scholarship from 1 April) or 30 July (for continuation of the scholarship from 1 October) of the application year.
Submit the documents via email or post on an enclosed CD (to: Universität Leipzig, Dezernat 2/SG Akademische Angelegenheiten, Goethestraße 3–5, 04109 Leipzig). Please note that it is not possible to guarantee confidentiality and rule out unauthorised access by third parties when communicating by unencrypted email.
Application documents:
- Application for the continuation of a state scholarship (please also submit this application by post to the Studentenwerk as described on pages 3 and 4 of the application form)
- Statement from your supervisor
- Interim report on the status of the doctoral project with schedule and a brief explanation of why you are applying for a continuation (length: 3 to 4 pages)
- Current enrolment certificate