Doctoral Leistungsstipendien (Merit Scholarships) – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes15 Apr, 2026

The Doctoral Leistungsstipendium (Merit Scholarship) at Universität Hamburg is a performance-based funding program. The scholarship provides monthly financial support. Although it does not directly cover rent, health insurance, or full living expenses, the stipend reduces financial stress. As a result, students can limit part-time employment and focus more on their academic work. The university disburses payments monthly after the funding period begins. In addition, students may reapply annually, which allows continued support throughout their degree.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Doctoral Leistungsstipendien (Merit Scholarships) before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

GPA 2.5

Languages

Tests

Study Levels

Doctoral, PhD

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Living Allowance

Yes

Up to €992/month

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award AmountUp to €992/month
Deadline15 Apr, 2026
LevelDoctoral, PhD
InstitutionUniversity of Hamburg
CountryGermany
ModeOnline
TypePartially funded

Apply Now

The Doctoral Leistungsstipendien (Merit Scholarships) at Universität Hamburg are performance-based funding programs. The university offers this scholarship to outstanding international students enrolled in degree programs. It supports students who demonstrate excellent academic achievement. Moreover, it helps them concentrate fully on their studies without significant financial pressure.

Background and Purpose

Universität Hamburg established this scholarship to promote academic excellence among international students. The university encourages high-performing students to continue developing their academic and professional skills. Therefore, it selects candidates who show very good study results and additional achievements. Furthermore, a selection committee made up of faculty members and student representatives reviews applications and makes final decisions.

Doctoral Leistungsstipendien (Merit Scholarships) Benefits

The scholarship provides monthly financial support. Although it does not directly cover rent, health insurance, or full living expenses, the stipend reduces financial stress. As a result, students can limit part-time employment and focus more on their academic work. The university disburses payments monthly after the funding period begins. In addition, students may reapply annually, which allows continued support throughout their degree.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must enrol in a degree program at Universität Hamburg. You must also complete at least two semesters of study. However, students in two-year Doctoral programs may apply after completing one semester. Applicants must not hold German citizenship, including dual citizenship with Germany. Additionally, applicants must not qualify for German federal student funding under BAföG. The university awards the scholarship through a competitive process based on academic excellence and overall merit.

Doctoral Leistungsstipendien (Merit Scholarships) Application Process

First, eligible students submit their scholarship application within the announced deadline. Then, the selection committee evaluates academic records and supporting documents. The committee ranks applicants based on performance and achievements. Finally, the university notifies successful candidates and begins monthly stipend payments at the start of the funding period.

Opportunities for Scholars

This Doctoral Leistungsstipendium enables international students to focus on academic growth at Universität Hamburg. Scholars strengthen their research skills and academic performance. Moreover, they become part of a competitive and supportive academic community. Through financial assistance and recognition of merit, the university empowers scholars to achieve long-term academic success in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply?

International students (non‑German citizens) enrolled in a Doctoral degree with strong academic results can apply.

Can I work or study abroad while receiving it?

Part‑time employment is allowed up to a limit; however, you cannot receive the scholarship if you are abroad during the funded lecture period.

Is another scholarship allowed at the same time?

No, simultaneous funding from another source is not permitted while receiving the Leistungsstipendium.