진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

Call for applications from Gutenberg Graduate School of the Humanities and Social Sciences

Research Proposal Scholarships 

for prospective doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences

Closing date for applications: June 15, 2025 

Funding available from: October 1, 2025 

In order to attract qualified doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences to the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and to support young researchers during the preparatory and early stages of their doctorate, the Gutenberg Graduate School of the Humanities and Social Sciences is calling for applications for research proposal (Exposé) scholarships from those commencing doctoral studies preparation. The scholarships are intended to enable candidates to prepare a strong proposal for their doctoral project within the six-month funding period, thus providing a sound basis for a doctoral scholarship application or doctoral position. Along with the financial support, a range of practical guidance is also available (e.g. workshops on research proposal writing and doctoral studies preparation, along with other advisory, skills development and qualification opportunities).

Who can apply? 

Applications are welcomed from

• advanced students or graduates of all universities (whether in Germany or abroad) who either hold a degree entitling them to commence doctoral studies at the Johannes Gutenberg University or will soon obtain one
• advanced students and graduates from foreign universities who would like to do a doctorate at JGU and who have either already submitted or intend soon to submit an application for recognition of their foreign qualifications
• persons undergoing aptitude assessment procedure/fast-track procedure at JGU in preparation for admission to a doctorate.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate above average aptitude and strong motivation for undertaking a doctorate in the humanities or social sciences at JGU. (Further information on the relevant subject areas/research fields available can be found here.)

At the time of application, the final thesis in the degree programme (e.g. master’s degree) entitling the applicant to enter doctoral studies must already have been submitted. For courses of study where no final thesis is required, evidence that the applicant’s studies have reached a level that clearly points to a successful completion of their degree course prior to commencement of funding must be submitted with the application.

At the time of starting the scholarship, candidates must be in possession of a degree which, in accordance with the applicable doctoral regulations, entitles them to undertake a doctorate at JGU in their chosen department or faculty (e.g. master’s degree, First State Examination, Magister...).

This degree should not be more than three years old at the time of application. If more time has elapsed, the reasons for this must be given in the application. Legitimate reasons may include, for example, disability, family or care responsibilities, involvement in student bodies, refugee status/forced migration, or other circumstances that have hindered pursuit of the doctorate.