Fully Funded PhD in Archaeology – Berlin

About the Scholarship

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), through its Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP), is offering two fully funded doctoral scholarships in the Landscape Archaeology and Architecture programme at the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS). Hosted jointly by the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, this four-year PhD opportunity starts in October 2026 and welcomes applications from outstanding graduates in Prehistoric Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Egyptology, and Northeast African Archaeology.
The programme provides a generous €1,300 monthly stipend, plus travel allowance, health insurance, research funding, and support for a pre-sessional German language course. Candidates will join a vibrant research environment, working with leading experts to explore the methods and strategies of landscape archaeology and architectural history, contributing to international scholarship while advancing their academic careers.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Name: Scholarship for Doctoral Studies in “Landscape Archaeology and Architecture” (DAAD GSSP)
Institution/Provider: Freie Universität Berlin & Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Administering Organisation: Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS)
Location: Berlin, Germany
Level of Study: PhD (Doctoral)
Field of Study: Landscape Archaeology, Architectural History, Ancient Studies
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 4 years (October 2026 – September 2030)
Start Date (Expected): 1 October 2026
Application Mode: Online
Scholarship Type: Fully funded (Government-funded through DAAD GSSP)

Supported Fields of Study

Prehistoric Archaeology
Classical Archaeology
Near Eastern Archaeology
Egyptology
Northeast African Archaeology
Landscape Archaeology
Architectural History

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Master’s degree (MA, MSt, MSc) in an eligible discipline; thesis must be graded by application deadline.
Nationality/Residency: Open only to non-German citizens.
Language Proficiency: English (B2 level or higher; C1 required at Freie Universität for admission). German knowledge is beneficial.
Enrollment Status: Graduates or near completion of a Master’s degree.
Degree Completion Date: Master’s degree must not be completed before 1 March 2020.
Residency Restriction: Must not have resided in Germany continuously before 1 December 2024.

Preferred Qualifications

Strong academic record in archaeology or related fields.
Research interests aligning with programme focus areas.

Not Eligible

German citizens.
Applicants who have already completed a PhD.

Financial Coverage / Funding Benefits

Tuition Fees: Fully covered.
Monthly Stipend: €1,300 per month.
Travel Grant: Included.
Accommodation Support: Possible rent allowance.
Health Insurance: Covered.
Books & Materials: €1,000/year research allowance via supervisor’s institute.
Additional Perks: Family allowance (if applicable), funding for research stays abroad (up to 25% of funding period), pre-sessional German course.

Scholarship Benefits

Full tuition coverage.
Living stipend.
Health, accident, and liability insurance.
Travel assistance.
Accommodation subsidy (if eligible).
Academic materials support.
Dependent support (if applicable).
Research networking opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct original doctoral research within the programme framework.
Complete the doctoral curriculum requirements.
Present research at seminars and conferences.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Application Process

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the BerGSAS online portal by 15 October 2025 (00:00 CEWT), quoting the reference 2026-LAA-BerGSAS-GSSP. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview within two months of the deadline. Selected candidates will then be nominated to DAAD for the final decision.

Official Link: BerGSAS Application Portal

Required Documents

Completed application form (online)
Curriculum Vitae
Academic transcripts and degree certificates (BA & MA)
Motivation letter
Research proposal (Exposé)
Two academic reference letters (one from home university, DAAD template required)
Proof of English language proficiency (B2 minimum; C1 for Freie Universität)
Copy of passport or ID