Deadline: February 28, 2026
The Ute and György Széll International Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for international PhD candidates in the Social Sciences and Humanities who wish to undertake a six‑month research stay in Germany. Administered by the Hans Böckler Foundation, this scholarship supports high‑quality doctoral research while promoting international academic collaboration and social engagement.
The Ute and György Széll International Scholarship 2026 is particularly suited to doctoral researchers seeking to strengthen their research through access to German universities, research institutes, foundations, or archives.
Overview of the Ute and György Széll International Scholarship 2026
The Ute and György Széll International Scholarship 2026 is designed to support outstanding international doctoral candidates who are already enrolled in a PhD programme outside Germany. The scholarship enables recipients to carry out a focused research stay in Germany that directly contributes to their ongoing doctoral project.
Research stays may take place at:
- German universities
- Public or private research institutes
- Foundations
- Archives or similar research‑relevant institutions
The programme emphasises academic excellence, strong research design, and clear relevance of the German research stay to the applicant’s PhD project.
Fields of Study
Applications are open to PhD candidates in the following disciplines:
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
Interdisciplinary research projects are welcome, provided they are clearly rooted in the social sciences or humanities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Ute and György Széll International Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be formally enrolled in a PhD programme in the Social Sciences or Humanities
- Be conducting a doctoral project that will clearly benefit from a research stay in Germany
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential
- Show political, social, or cultural engagement consistent with the values of the Hans Böckler Foundation
- Hold the required academic qualifications for doctoral studies
- Meet the language and research requirements of the proposed German host institution
There is no age limit for applicants.
Scholarship Duration
- Length of award: 6 months
- Location: Germany
The research stay must be clearly defined, time‑bound, and directly linked to the applicant’s doctoral research.
Financial Benefits
The Ute and György Széll International Scholarship 2026 provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Monthly stipend: €1,450 to cover living expenses
- Travel allowance: €1,300 to support travel related to the research stay
This funding is intended to allow scholars to fully concentrate on their research during their stay in Germany.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit a complete application package containing the following documents:
- Research Plan (approximately 3 pages)
A detailed description of the doctoral project, including research objectives, relevance of the German research stay, and expected outcomes. - Research Paper / Project Outline (approximately 3 pages)
A structured explanation of the research topic, key questions, methodology, and work plan for the stay in Germany. - Invitation Letter from a German Host
A formal invitation from a supervisor or host institution in Germany confirming academic support during the research stay. - Academic Assessment or Recommendation
A written evaluation from the applicant’s PhD supervisor at the home institution. - Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Presented in a clear table format. - Proof of Academic Qualification
Copies of diplomas or certificates demonstrating eligibility for doctoral studies. - Completed Application Form
The official application form provided by the scholarship administrator.
All documents should be carefully prepared and submitted according to the application guidelines.
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 28 February 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are strongly advised to begin preparations early, particularly in securing a host invitation from Germany.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the Study Promotion Department of the Hans Böckler Foundation. Selection decisions are based on:
- Academic quality of the doctoral project
- Feasibility and clarity of the research plan
- Relevance of the research stay in Germany
- Overall alignment with the foundation’s academic and social values
Final decisions are made by the responsible doctoral scholarship committee.
Why Apply for the Ute and György Széll International Scholarship 2026?
This scholarship offers successful applicants the opportunity to:
- Conduct high‑level doctoral research in Germany
- Access specialised academic resources and research environments
- Build international academic and professional networks
- Strengthen their PhD research and academic profile
The Ute and György Széll International Scholarship 2026 is an excellent pathway for doctoral researchers seeking international research exposure and academic advancement.
Support with Your Application
If you need assistance with proposal drafting, refinning and review, please contact us for proposal drafting, refinning and review to improve the quality and competitiveness of your application.
