If you are an international student seeking a fully funded PhD opportunity in linguistics or related fields, applications are now open for the GSSP/DAAD PhD Scholarship at LMU Munich for the 2025/2026 academic year. This prestigious six-semester programme, hosted by the Graduate School of Language & Literature (GS L&L), provides full financial support, structured academic training, and research opportunities in a highly collaborative environment. Details in this article!
Scholarship Summary
University: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich, Germany
Faculty: Graduate School of Language & Literature (GS L&L), LMU Munich
Study Level: PhD
Fields of Study: Linguistics and Language Sciences (see full list below)
Language of Instruction: English or German (C1 level required)
Funding Type: Fully funded
Duration: 6 semesters (3 years)
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
Start Date: Winter Semester 2025/2026
Eligible To: International applicants who have completed their Master’s degree.
Programme Overview
The GSSP/DAAD PhD Scholarship at LMU is part of the Graduate School of Language & Literature, which offers a structured doctoral programme focused on linguistic research, theoretical analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Key features of the programme:
Individual and supportive supervision from renowned faculty at LMU Munich.
Interdisciplinary research training with courses, seminars, and workshops.
Regular networking opportunities with international scholars and peer researchers.
Opportunities for research stays outside Germany (up to 25% of the total funding period).
Exposure to advanced research methodologies in linguistics and literature.
Available Study Fields
The PhD programme supports research in the following areas:
Albanian Studies
Cognitive and Cultural Linguistics
Comparative and Indo-European Linguistics
English Linguistics
Finno-Ugric / Uralic Studies
General Linguistics and Language Typology
German as a Foreign Language
German Linguistics
Phonetics
Psycholinguistics
Romance Linguistics
Slavic Linguistics
Theoretical Linguistics
Benefits and Coverage
The GSSP/DAAD PhD Scholarship provides:
Monthly Stipend: €1,300 per month
Travel Allowance: Covers international airfare to and from Germany
Health Insurance: Fully covered
Research Allowance: Between €260 and €460 per year
Tuition Fees: The programme covers any administrative fees for students
Networking & Career Development: Access to academic conferences, workshops, and professional development opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant linguistic or language studies field (e.g., Linguistics, Literature, Philology).
Have an above-average academic record, with a final Master’s thesis grade not lower than 2.5.
Demonstrate proficiency in at least two scientific languages, including German or English at C1 level.
Show willingness to participate actively in structured doctoral training.
Additional requirements for DAAD Scholarship applicants:
Must be an international applicant (non-German citizens).
Must have completed their Master’s degree before the scholarship start date.
Must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months prior to May 1, 2025.
Must not have completed a PhD previously.
Must have obtained their Master’s degree no more than 6 years before May 1, 2025.
Applications from candidates in developing and emerging countries are strongly encouraged.
Application Procedure
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Motivation Letter (1-2 pages explaining why you are applying).
Research Proposal (10-12 pages, max. 35,000 characters, outlining methodology, objectives, and research plan).
Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic and professional experience.
Certified copies of academic certificates (Bachelor’s & Master’s diplomas).
Proof of final thesis grade and overall Master’s grade.
Copy of Master’s thesis (or a 2-3 page abstract if written in a lesser-known language).
Proof of language proficiency (German or English, C1 level or higher).
Two Recommendation Letters from academic faculty.
⚠️ If applying for the DAAD Scholarship, referees must use the DAAD template (Download Template).
Step 2: Submit Your Application Online
Register on the LMU Online Application Portal (Click Here).
Complete the electronic form and upload all required documents.
Save your changes and submit before April 1, 2025.
Step 3: Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email.
The final selection includes an academic discussion with a faculty panel.
Interviews will be conducted online for international applicants.
🗓️ Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
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