In an effort to attract highly qualified doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences to the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz and to provide financial support for the preparatory and early stages of their PhDs, the Gutenberg Graduate School of the Humanities and Social Sciences is launching a call for applications for new research proposal scholarships. The proposal scholarships are intended to help potential recipients complete a convincing research proposal within the six-month scholarship period, which provides the foundation for a successful PhD scholarship application or university position. In addition to the financial support, the scholarship also offers a substantial level of non-material support such as workshops on research proposal writing and PhD preparation, along with other advisory and skills development opportunities.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcomed from
- advanced students or graduates of any university (in Germany or abroad), who either already hold, or will soon hold, a degree entitling them to do a PhD at the Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU);
- advanced students or graduates of foreign universities, who would like to do their doctorate at the JGU and who have either already submitted, or are about to submit, an application for recognition of their foreign qualifications;
- people currently participating in an aptitude assessment/fast track procedure at the JGU as preparation for admission to doctoral studies.
Applicants are expected to display an above-average aptitude and motivation with regard to their doctoral studies in humanities or social sciences at the JGU.
At the time of applying, the thesis (e.g. masters thesis) in the degree programme entitling the applicant to enter doctoral studies must have been submitted. If the degree programme did not require submission of a thesis, the applicant must provide separate evidence that they have made sufficient progress in their studies to make possible completion of the programme before the start of the funding phase.
Language ability
The accompanying programme is offered in German and/or English. The application and proposal may be written in either German or English. Knowledge of German is desirable, but not obligatory.
Selection criteria
Selection is based on the eligibility of applicants and on their motivation with regard to their doctoral studies in the humanities or social sciences at the Johannes Gutenberg University. Gender equality and diversity criteria will also be taken into account.
Amount and duration of scholarship
The scholarship amounts to 1,450 € per month (basic scholarship plus a flat rate allowance for research costs). A childcare allowance may also be awarded. The usual period for which the scholarship is awarded is six months.
General conditions
The proposal scholarship is subject to all regulations contained in the current scholarship guidelines (“Richtlinie für die Vergabe von Stipendien an der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz (Englische Fassung).
In accepting the scholarship, the recipient commits to his/her participation in the workshops on PhD preparation and research proposal writing organised by the GSHS. The GSHS and its partners at the JGU will make further advisory, qualification and skills training opportunities open to the scholarship holder as and when required.
Application documents
- Application form
- Tabular CV
- Covering letter (1-2 pages)
- Certificates of all university degrees (including Transcripts of Records). Where a degree certificate is not yet available, you should include a current Transcript of Records.
- Brief outline of project (max. 2-3 pages + max. 1-page bibliography) including a working title for the doctorate and indication of the discipline in which the doctorate is being done.
- Letter of recommendation from a university lecturer (JGU or home university) (max. 1-2 pages.)
- Confirmation from a JGU lecturer entitled to supervise in the chosen doctoral subject, and who is available to mentor the applicant during the funding period. The mentor’s confirmation of supervision can be submitted as an informal letter and should be attached to the application as a scan.
- Where applicable, a description of individual factors which have had an impact on your education or studies and resulted in the maximum period of three years between graduation and application not being kept to.
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