Summary
The Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS) offers competitive, fully funded PhD scholarships for outstanding international and domestic researchers. A joint initiative of the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) and the Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden), the DLGS doctoral program focuses on spatial sustainability transformations, ecological urban and regional development, and environmental planning. Successful applicants receive a monthly stipend of €1,515 along with research and travel allowances for up to three years.
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Host Institution | Dresden Leibniz Graduate School (DLGS) / IOER |
| Partner University | Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden) |
| Degree Level | PhD / Doctoral Degree |
| Financial Support | €1,515 / month stipend + Research & Travel grants |
| Program Duration | Up to 3 Years |
| Target Audience | International & Domestic Applicants |
| Location | Dresden, Germany |
| Application Mode | Online Application Portal |
Designation
- PhD Fellow / Doctoral Researcher
Research Area
Doctoral research at DLGS focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to spatial sustainability and ecological transformation, including:
- Urban and Regional Planning & Development
- Spatial Sustainability Transformations
- Landscape Ecology and Sustainable Land Use
- Resource Efficiency and Climate Change Adaptation in Built Environments
- Environmental Economics, Geography, and Social Sciences related to Spatial Studies
Location
- City: Dresden
- Country: Germany
- Institutions: Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) & TU Dresden
Eligibility / Qualification
To be eligible for the DLGS PhD scholarship, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Academic Background: Hold an excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent recognized postgraduate degree) in Urban/Regional Planning, Geography, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Architecture, Economics, Social Sciences, or closely related disciplines.
- Academic Performance: A demonstrated record of high academic achievement (typically top grades in graduate studies).
- Research Proposal: A compelling, well-structured doctoral research proposal aligned with the current research topics and orientation of IOER / DLGS.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent command of written and spoken English (proof via recognized tests such as IELTS/TOEFL or evidence of prior degree conducted in English).
- Interdisciplinary Competence: Demonstrated interest in collaborative, interdisciplinary research and capacity for independent academic inquiry.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
The DLGS scholarship provides comprehensive financial and academic support for three years:
- Monthly Stipend: Fixed tax-free living allowance of €1,515 per month to cover accommodation and living costs in Dresden.
- Travel Allowance: Round-trip travel expenses from the home country to Dresden, Germany.
- Conference Grants: Dedicated funding (up to €3,000 over the three-year duration) to attend international conferences and workshops.
- Fieldwork & Research Budget: Approved financial support for project-related travel, data collection, and field research.
- Language Training: Financial support for German language courses to assist international researchers with integration.
- Tuition-Free: No tuition fees charged for doctoral study at DLGS/TU Dresden (standard semester administrative fees apply).
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the official DLGS online application portal:
- Review Research Topics: Ensure your research interests align with the published DLGS call and research priorities.
- Prepare Required Documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV / Resume)
- PhD Research Proposal (detailing research questions, methodology, theoretical framework, and work plan)
- Certified copies of Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates and academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Letter of Motivation explaining your suitability for the DLGS program
- Two academic letters of recommendation from university professors
- Submit via Portal: Complete the online application form and upload all supporting documents before the closing deadline.
Last Date for Apply
- Annual Call Deadline: September 15 (Subject to the specific cohort call cycle; check the official DLGS portal for current dates and open topic rolling deadlines).
