University of Freiburg PhD Scholarships 2027

University of Freiburg (Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg) was established in 1457 and is located in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. It is one of Germany’s oldest research universities and is internationally recognised for its research and doctoral programmes. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, the University of Freiburg is ranked #201 worldwide. The university does not publish a single overall PhD acceptance rate because doctoral admissions depend on the faculty, research area, supervisor, and doctoral programme.

1. State Graduate Funding Programme (LGFG) Doctoral Scholarship

The State Graduate Funding Programme (LGFG) provides scholarships to highly qualified doctoral researchers at the University of Freiburg. It is available to doctoral candidates from all faculties, including international candidates. The programme offers both regular doctoral scholarships and completion scholarships.

Benefits

• €1,500 per month
• Tax-free
• No compulsory social security contributions
• Additional child allowance:
  • €300 per month for one child
  • €100 per month for each additional child
• Regular scholarships are intended mainly for the initial phase of doctoral studies.
• A separate completion scholarship can provide funding for up to five months.

Eligibility

1. Must hold a university degree that qualifies you for admission to a doctoral programme.
2. Must have outstanding academic qualifications.
3. Must have a doctoral project expected to make an important contribution to research.
4. Must have been formally accepted as a doctoral candidate at the University of Freiburg.
5. Both German and international doctoral candidates from all faculties can apply.
6. For the 2026 call, applicants generally needed to have been accepted as doctoral candidates within the past 24 months.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Signed application form
• Certificate confirming acceptance as a doctoral candidate
• Description of the doctoral project
• Research/work plan
• Curriculum vitae
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Master’s degree or equivalent doctoral-qualifying degree
• Academic certificates
• Two recommendation letters, including one from the main supervisor
• Evidence of relevant academic achievements and qualifications, where applicable.

How to Apply

1. Find a suitable PhD research area and supervisor at the University of Freiburg.
2. Complete the university’s doctoral admission process.
3. Obtain your official certificate of acceptance as a doctoral candidate.
4. Check the latest LGFG call for applications.
5. Prepare your research description and academic documents.
6. Obtain the required recommendation letters.
7. Complete and sign the application form.
8. Submit one PDF version by email and one signed printed version to the Graduate Centre (GraCe).
9. Wait for the Central Grants Commission’s decision.

Application Deadline

The 2026 application deadline was 23 April 2026 at 1:00 PM. The University of Freiburg’s German-language page states that the next call is expected in March 2027, so prospective applicants should monitor the official LGFG page for the 2027 deadline.

2. University Funding for Completion of the Doctorate in DFG Research Training Groups

The University of Freiburg also provides completion funding for doctoral candidates working in DFG Research Training Groups (RTGs). This opportunity is designed for researchers who have not completed their doctoral thesis within the maximum funding period provided by the DFG Research Training Group.

Benefits

Funding is provided as a fixed-term part-time employment contract:

• 40% position
• TV-L E 13
• Subject to compulsory social-security contributions
• Usually up to 6 months for doctoral candidates whose DFG RTG funding lasted 48 months
• Up to 12 months where the DFG RTG’s maximum doctoral funding period was 36 months.

Eligibility

1. Must be a doctoral candidate at the University of Freiburg.
2. Must be working on your doctoral thesis within a DFG Research Training Group at Freiburg.
3. Must not have completed the doctoral thesis within the maximum funding period.
4. The DFG Research Training Group must have previously funded your doctoral project for 36 or 48 months.
5. The funding is intended for exceptional cases where additional time is needed to complete the doctorate.
6. The funding is provided under the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Application form
• Explanation of why completion funding is required
• Description of the doctoral thesis
• Work completed so far
• Detailed completion schedule
• Milestones for the requested funding period
• Recommendation/support from the doctoral supervisor
• Other documents requested by Freiburg Research Services.

How to Apply

1. Confirm that you are working in a qualifying DFG Research Training Group.
2. Check that your previous doctoral funding meets the required 36- or 48-month condition.
3. Discuss the completion-funding application with your supervisor.
4. Prepare your thesis progress report and completion schedule.
5. Complete the application form.
6. Collect the required supervisor recommendation and supporting documents.
7. Submit the complete application to the Graduate Centre (GraCe), Freiburg Research Services.
8. The Central Grants Commission reviews applications at its scheduled meetings.
9. If approved, the funding is provided as a fixed-term part-time employment position.

Application Deadline

For the next listed selection meeting, the application deadline is 30 September 2026 at 1:00 PM. Future 2027 deadlines should be checked on the official University of Freiburg announcement.

Conclusion

The University of Freiburg PhD Scholarships 2027 provide important funding opportunities for doctoral researchers in Germany. The LGFG Doctoral Scholarship is particularly attractive to highly qualified PhD candidates, as it offers €1,500 per month and is open to both German and international candidates.

The DFG Research Training Group Completion Funding is intended for doctoral researchers who require additional time to complete their thesis beyond their normal DFG funding period. Applicants should begin preparing their doctoral admission, research proposal and supporting documents well before the relevant funding deadline.

Why Choose Study Abroad Updates?

One-Stop Resource Hub

Study Abroad Updates provides complete guidance for students interested in studying abroad, scholarships, visa processing, and university admissions.

Intelligent Tools and Personalised Support

Students can use the Study Abroad Genie and eligibility tools to receive personalised scholarship and university recommendations.

Vast Educational Content

The platform regularly updates information on fully funded scholarships, study-in-Canada opportunities, Canadian student visas, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, doctoral research funding, and international student admissions. Students can explore detailed university guides, scholarship opportunities, research programs, admission requirements, and study abroad tips to stay informed throughout their academic journey.

Assistance Across All Steps

Study Abroad Updates provides comprehensive support to students throughout the study-abroad process. The experienced team assists students with university applications, scholarship applications, SOPs, research proposal writing, supervisor outreach, interview preparation, and visa guidance. Students also receive personalised counselling and step-by-step support to improve their chances of securing admission and scholarships abroad.

Global Accessibility with Local Insights

Study Abroad Updates provides customised advice to international students worldwide, especially Pakistani students, aligned with international education systems and local student requirements. Students can explore information on studying abroad, the best universities in Canada, the latest scholarships, university rankings, and personalised guidance on the platform. The Study Abroad Genie is available 24/7 to help students throughout their study abroad journey.

We are your one-stop website for everything related to studying abroad. Our website is made to give you all the information you need to have a fun and easy path toward studying abroad. We can assist you whether you’re seeking for the best places to study, the newest scholarships, or university rankings. Get in touch with us for individualized advice, or view our videos to learn more about the university of your dreams. Our Study Abroad Genie is available around the clock to help you at every stage. Take the first step toward reaching your objectives by starting your study abroad journey with us right now. Get the most recent opportunities, professional advice, book a free session and chat with us at every time in just one click.