[Gerda Henkel Foundation](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en)

Rolling (applications accepted any time)

€1,920/month for up to 2 years (possible 12-month extension); family and travel allowances available

Supports early-career researchers pursuing innovative, historically oriented PhD projects in the historical humanities.

No fixed deadline; applications accepted year-round; strict eligibility on age and academic grade.

--- ## Description The Gerda Henkel Foundation PhD Scholarships provide financial support to early-career researchers undertaking doctoral studies in the historical humanities. Emphasizing fields such as Archaeology, History, Historical Islamic Studies, Art History, History of Law, Prehistory and Early History, and History of Science, the program aims to foster independent academic work and professional development. Around 50 scholarships are awarded annually, and applications from closely related disciplines are considered if the research question is predominantly historical. The scholarships are open to candidates of any nationality and location, provided the proposed project aligns with the Foundation’s focus. --- ## Due Dates - Applications may be submitted at any time (rolling deadline). - The Foundation’s committees review and decide on applications four times per year. - Processing time for a complete application is up to six months, starting after both letters of recommendation are received. --- ## Funding Amount - Monthly stipend: €1,920 - Funding duration: up to 2 years, with a possible 12-month extension in justified cases - Family allowance: €480 per month for one child; €120 for each additional child (children under 18) - Additional endowment for research abroad: €480/month (for stays abroad of four weeks or longer) - Travel and material aid: as required - No tuition or college fees are covered --- ## Eligibility - **Field of Study:** Doctoral research in historical humanities (Archaeology, History, Historical Islamic Studies, Art History, History of Law, Prehistory and Early History, History of Science). Related fields considered if the research is historically oriented. - **Academic Grade:** Master’s degree (or equivalent) with an overall grade of at least 1.5 (Germany) or equivalent (grade A in other systems). - **Age at Graduation:** Not older than 27 at the time of completing the master’s degree (exceptions for night school, childcare, military/civil service, work experience, or other extenuating circumstances). - If you graduated at 25, you may apply up to age 35. - Applications from those graduating after age 29 are only considered with special justification. - **Other Restrictions:** - Simultaneous receipt of salary or pension and a scholarship is not allowed. - Scholarships are for full-time work; outside employment must not exceed 5 hours per week. - No support for dissertation completion grants (final scholarships) or for projects already funded for more than 12 months by another party. - No college or tuition fees are funded. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted digitally, in English or German, via the [Foundation’s online application form](https://forms.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/ghs?kind=proms2&lang=en). - Required documents: - Project description (max. 8 pages, plus bibliography if needed) - Work plan and timeline (max. 2 pages) - Detailed cost calculation for travel and materials - Curriculum vitae (tabular) - Degree certificates (Master’s or equivalent) - Two letters of recommendation (uploaded by referees via the [online recommendation form](https://forms.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/assess/ghs?kind=assess&lang=en)) - All documents must be uploaded as PDFs; incomplete or overlong applications will not be considered. - No need to provide proof of enrollment at the time of application. - Applicants are responsible for ensuring both letters of recommendation are submitted; the Foundation does not contact referees. --- ## Additional Information - The processing time is up to six months from receipt of a complete application (including both references). - Scholarships cannot be combined with other full-time employment or funding exceeding the allowed limits. - The Foundation does not provide feedback on rejected applications. - Applicants may reapply once with a revised and updated application if previously refused. - Use of generative AI in preparing the application is permitted, provided academic responsibility and transparency are maintained. --- ## External Links - [PhD Scholarships Program Page](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en/phd-scholarships) - [Electronic Application Form](https://forms.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/ghs?kind=proms2&lang=en) - [Online Recommendation Form](https://forms.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/assess/ghs?kind=assess&lang=en) - [FAQ for Applicants](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/faq_eng?page_id=74858) - [General References for Applicants](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en/en/general-references?page_id=31) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|----------------------------| | Anna Kuschmann, M.A. | Project Manager, General Research Grants & PhD Scholarships | [kuschmann@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de](mailto:kuschmann@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de) | +49 (0)211 93 65 24 - 0 | | Gerda Henkel Foundation | General Contact | [info@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de](mailto:info@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de) | +49 (0)211 93 65 24 - 0 | Further contact details and inquiry form: [Contact Page](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en/contact)

PhD Scholarships - Gerda Henkel Foundation

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