The pursuit of a doctoral degree is one of the most challenging yet rewarding stages of an academic journey. For scholars specializing in ancient studies, archaeology, philology, and related disciplines, the opportunity to engage in structured doctoral research in a globally connected and interdisciplinary environment is invaluable.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship for Doctoral Studies at the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS) |
| Universities Involved | Freie Universität Berlin & Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin |
| Programs Offered | 1. Landscape Archaeology and Architecture (LAA) (FU Berlin)2. Ancient Languages and Texts (ALT) (HU Berlin) |
| Duration | October 2026 – September 2030 (4 years) |
| Funding Coverage | Full scholarship (monthly stipend, research allowances, travel grants, health insurance contributions) |
| Target Group | International and domestic doctoral candidates in Ancient Studies |
| Research Areas | Archaeology, Ancient History, Philology, Architecture, Cultural Heritage, Landscape Studies |
| Language of Instruction | Primarily English (knowledge of German recommended for archival and field work) |
| Application Period | Opens 2025 (exact deadlines announced via DAAD and BerGSAS websites) |
| Eligibility Requirements | – Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Ancient Studies-related field- Strong academic record- Research proposal aligned with program themes- Language proficiency (English required, German desirable) |
| Networking Opportunities | Access to Berlin’s research networks: museums, libraries, archives, and academic institutions |
| Career Prospects | – Master’s degree (or equivalent) in an Ancient Studies-related field- Strong academic record- Research proposal aligned with program themes- Language proficiency (English required, German desirable) |
| Location | Berlin, Germany – one of Europe’s leading centers for humanities research |
| Closing Date | 15 October 2025 |
Germany, renowned for its academic excellence and strong research culture, has long been a hub for international doctoral students. Among the most prestigious opportunities is the Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP) offered by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). In collaboration with the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS), the DAAD provides fully funded scholarships for outstanding international candidates to pursue doctoral studies in two distinct programs:
- Landscape Archaeology and Architecture (LAA)
- Ancient Languages and Texts (ALT)
The scholarships cover the period from October 2026 to September 2030, offering recipients financial security, academic mentorship, and access to Berlin’s vibrant scholarly networks.
This comprehensive guide explores the scholarship’s objectives, eligibility criteria, benefits, application procedures, program details, and future career prospects—providing aspiring doctoral candidates with everything they need to know to prepare a competitive application.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding the DAAD Scholarship Program
1.1 About DAAD and the GSSP
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst / German Academic Exchange Service) is the world’s largest funding organization for international academic exchange. It supports hundreds of thousands of students and researchers every year, enabling them to study and conduct research in Germany.
The Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP) is a flagship DAAD initiative designed to support structured doctoral programs in Germany. Instead of awarding scholarships directly to individuals, DAAD collaborates with select graduate schools, which then nominate outstanding candidates to be funded.
Through GSSP, doctoral candidates benefit not only from financial support but also from the academic environment of structured PhD programs—ensuring a balance of independent research, supervision, and interdisciplinary training.
1.2 The Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS)
The Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS) is jointly hosted by Freie Universität Berlin (FU) and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU), two of Germany’s most prestigious research universities. BerGSAS serves as a hub for doctoral research in the field of ancient studies, encompassing archaeology, philology, history, art history, epigraphy, and cultural heritage studies.
Its programs emphasize:
- Interdisciplinary collaboration – bringing together archaeologists, philologists, historians, and digital humanists.
- International exchange – strong ties with leading universities such as Oxford, Princeton, Harvard, and Michigan.
- Methodological training – offering seminars and workshops in theory, digital tools, and research communication.
- Professional development – preparing candidates for academic and non-academic careers.
2. Scholarship Tracks
2.1 Landscape Archaeology and Architecture (LAA)
The LAA program focuses on exploring the interaction between humans and their built and natural environments in antiquity. It emphasizes the methods and research strategies of landscape archaeology and architectural history.
Key themes include:
- Economic and environmental interaction: How ancient societies shaped and were shaped by their landscapes.
- Cultural anthropology and social archaeology: Understanding the lived experience of ancient communities.
- Architectural analysis: Studying structures within their social, political, and environmental contexts.
- Digital methods: GIS (Geographic Information Systems), geostatistics, and multivariate analysis applied to archaeological data.
The program is ideal for candidates with backgrounds in archaeology, ancient architecture, cultural heritage, or digital archaeology, who wish to combine traditional fieldwork with cutting-edge digital tools.
2.2 Ancient Languages and Texts (ALT)
The ALT program concentrates on the written heritage of ancient civilizations, including inscriptions, papyri, manuscripts, and literary works.
It integrates:
- Philological methods: Detailed linguistic and textual analysis.
- Historical-cultural perspectives: Placing texts in their broader social and political contexts.
- Digital humanities: Using computational tools for corpus analysis, text encoding, and philological databases.
- Literary theory and linguistics: Modern approaches to understanding ancient texts.
- Mediality studies: Examining how texts interact with images, objects, and material culture.
The program is particularly suited for applicants with a strong background in classical philology, Near Eastern studies, epigraphy, or linguistics, who want to bridge traditional textual studies with innovative digital methods.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the BerGSAS scholarships under DAAD GSSP, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Applicants must not be German citizens.
- Academic background:
- Hold a Master’s degree (MA, MSc, or equivalent) with excellent results.
- Candidates nearing completion may apply if their thesis is submitted and graded before the application deadline.
- Previous PhD: Applicants must not have completed a doctoral degree previously.
- Residency rule: Candidates must not have lived in Germany continuously for more than 15 months prior to 1 December.
- Degree completion timeline: The Master’s degree should have been obtained after 1 March 2021.
- Language proficiency:
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL) at a minimum B2 level.
- For FU Berlin admission, C1 proficiency is required.
- Knowledge of German is beneficial but not mandatory at the application stage (language courses are included in the scholarship).
4. Scholarship Benefits
One of the most attractive aspects of this scholarship is its comprehensive financial support package. Benefits include:
- Monthly stipend of €1,300 to cover living expenses.
- Travel allowance for relocation to Germany.
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
- Study and research allowance to support academic needs.
- Material resources allowance of €1,000 per year, administered by the supervising institute.
- Pre-sessional German language course to support academic integration.
- Rent subsidies and family allowances where applicable.
- Funding for research stays abroad (up to 25% of the scholarship period) at partner institutions, provided these stays do not occur at the very start of the program.
This holistic package ensures that doctoral candidates can focus fully on their research without financial stress.
5. DAAD Scholarships for Doctoral Studies Application Process
5.1 Timeline
- Application deadline: 15 October 2025 (00:00 CET).
- Shortlisting & interviews: November–December 2025 (online).
- Final selection & DAAD confirmation: Early 2026.
- Scholarship period: October 2026 – September 2030.
5.2 Step-by-Step Guide
- Online registration:
Apply via the official portal: application.berliner-antike-kolleg.org/bergsas. - Prepare documents:
- CV (maximum 2–3 pages).
- Motivation letter (highlighting academic fit and research interests).
- Research proposal (8–10 pages, outlining objectives, methods, and relevance).
- Degree certificates and transcripts (with explanation of grading system).
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Two reference letters (using the DAAD template), one of which must be from your home university professor.
- Submit references:
Referees must email their signed letters directly to the BerGSAS office. - Online interview:
Shortlisted candidates will present their research ideas and answer questions from a faculty panel. - Nomination & DAAD approval:
Successful candidates are nominated by BerGSAS and officially awarded funding by DAAD.
6. Academic and Cultural Life in Berlin
Berlin is not just Germany’s capital but also a global hub for research, culture, and history. For doctoral students, it offers:
- Rich academic networks: FU and HU are internationally ranked and host a wealth of libraries, archives, and research institutes.
- Living culture: Berlin’s cosmopolitan environment makes it easy for international students to adapt.
- Affordable lifestyle: Compared to other European capitals, Berlin remains relatively affordable for students.
- Historical significance: The city’s ancient collections, such as the Pergamon Museum, provide direct engagement with archaeological heritage.
7. Crafting a Successful Application
Applicants should keep in mind the following strategies:
- Tailor your proposal: Clearly demonstrate how your research fits either the LAA or ALT track.
- Show interdisciplinary awareness: BerGSAS values cross-disciplinary methods—mention how your work connects with archaeology, philology, or digital humanities.
- Highlight originality: Showcase how your research fills a gap in the field.
- Strong references: Ensure your referees understand your academic strengths and align with DAAD expectations.
- Demonstrate motivation: Your letter should convey enthusiasm for both the program and life in Germany.
8. Career Prospects After Completion
Graduates of BerGSAS doctoral programs enjoy strong career opportunities:
- Academic careers: Many continue as postdoctoral researchers, lecturers, or professors in top institutions worldwide.
- Museums and cultural heritage: Alumni work in curation, heritage management, and conservation.
- Digital humanities and publishing: Expertise in computational methods opens careers in digital archiving and academic publishing.
- Public sector and NGOs: Graduates contribute to international organizations, cultural diplomacy, and archaeological missions.
9. Success Stories
Previous BerGSAS alumni have gone on to:
- Secure postdoctoral positions at Oxford, Harvard, and the Max Planck Institutes.
- Lead excavation projects in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
- Publish groundbreaking work on ancient inscriptions and architectural landscapes.
- Contribute to digital archives that make ancient texts accessible globally.
These success stories underscore the international reputation of BerGSAS and the value of the DAAD scholarship.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need to know German before applying?
No, but English proficiency is required. The program includes a preparatory German course to ease integration.
Q2: Can I apply if I am still completing my Master’s degree?
Yes, provided your degree is completed and graded before the application deadline.
Q3: How competitive is the program?
Extremely competitive—only two scholarships are awarded per track. Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence and a strong research proposal.
Q4: Can I work part-time during my PhD?
Yes, but only within the limits of DAAD guidelines. Your scholarship is designed to cover living costs, so outside work is usually unnecessary.
Q5: What is the duration of funding?
Up to 48 months (4 years), subject to annual progress evaluations.
Q6: Can my family accompany me to Germany?
Yes, family allowances are available for eligible scholars.
Conclusion
The Scholarship for Doctoral Studies (2026–2030) at the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for outstanding international scholars. By joining either the Landscape Archaeology and Architecture (LAA) or the Ancient Languages and Texts (ALT) program, recipients gain access to world-class training, academic mentorship, and interdisciplinary networks in one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural capitals.
If you aspire to contribute to the study of the ancient world through innovative and interdisciplinary research, this scholarship could be the ideal next step in your academic journey.
Official Links
- DAAD Official Call (Freie Universität Berlin – LAA program):
Link Here - DAAD Official Call (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin – ALT program):
Link Here - BerGSAS Application Portal:
https://application.berliner-antike-kolleg.org/bergsas
