The Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences (CEREB) at the University of Erfurt, Germany, is inviting applications from outstanding prospective doctoral researchers for PhD scholarships beginning in 2027. The scholarships are funded through the Thuringian State Graduate Support Programme and are intended to support excellent doctoral projects undertaken within the University of Erfurt’s structured doctoral environment. University of Erfurt

This opportunity is particularly suitable for researchers whose academic interests lie at the intersection of economics, psychology, behavioral sciences, management, organizational research, decision-making, health communication, corporate governance, business ethics, and related empirical disciplines.

Successful applicants can receive €1,400 per month, with additional family support where applicable. The standard funding period is three years, with the possibility of an extension for a fourth year upon application. The application deadline is 24 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET. University of Erfurt

About the University of Erfurt CEREB

The Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences, commonly known as CEREB, is an interdisciplinary graduate and research center based at the University of Erfurt.

Its central aim is to bring together theoretical approaches and empirical research methods to investigate important questions about:

• human behavior;
• individual and collective decision-making;
• economic behavior;
• psychological processes;
• organizational decision-making;
• institutional environments;
• education and life-course development; and
• social outcomes.

CEREB places particular emphasis on understanding how people make decisions, why they make particular choices, how those choices can be empirically studied, and how better decision-making can be facilitated in different social and institutional settings. University of Erfurt

The center brings together researchers from different academic disciplines and career stages and operates within an internationally connected research environment.

What Does CEREB Research?

CEREB’s academic profile is strongly interdisciplinary. Research combines theoretical models of human behavior with quantitative and empirical approaches.

The center examines decision-making across a broad spectrum, including conventional concepts of rational choice as well as more complex behavioral models involving:

• bounded rationality;
• heuristics;
• context-dependent decisions;
• social influences;
• individual differences;
• organizational structures;
• institutional processes; and
• life-course development.

Researchers also study how people pursue goals, how different environments affect their choices, and how institutional arrangements influence both individual and managerial decision-making. University of Erfurt

University of Erfurt CEREB PhD Scholarships 2027

CEREB is currently seeking excellent PhD candidates who would undertake doctoral research at the University of Erfurt with financial support from a university-administered doctoral scholarship.

The wider funding call states that the University of Erfurt intends to award up to four doctoral scholarships using funding from the Thuringian State Graduate Support Programme.

The awards are designed to support high-quality doctoral projects conducted within the University’s structured Erfurt Doctoral and Postdoctoral Programme (EPPP) through one of its certified Graduate Centres or the Max-Weber-Kolleg. University of Erfurt

Applicants interested specifically in CEREB must align their doctoral project with CEREB’s academic and research areas.

Research Areas Available Through CEREB

Successful CEREB scholarship recipients may have opportunities to interact and collaborate with researchers working in several fields, including:

• Behavioral economics
• Social psychology
• Health psychology
• Organizational psychology
• Organization and management
• Corporate ethics
• Business ethics
• Corporate governance
• Individual decision-making
• Group decision-making
• Child decision-making
• Medical decision-making
• Health communication

The broad interdisciplinary structure allows doctoral researchers to develop projects spanning more than one academic discipline, provided there is a clear conceptual and methodological connection to CEREB’s research profile. University of Erfurt

Scholarship Funding

The CEREB-related doctoral scholarship provides substantial financial support for selected doctoral candidates.

Monthly Scholarship

Successful applicants receive:

€1,400 per month

as the basic scholarship amount. University of Erfurt

Family Allowance

Scholarship recipients with dependent children may also qualify for an additional family allowance.

The current funding structure provides:

• €300 per month for the first dependent child
• €150 per month for each additional dependent child

This additional support is provided on top of the monthly scholarship amount. University of Erfurt

Research and Travel Support

Subject to the availability of funding, doctoral scholarship holders may also apply for support toward research-related expenses.

Up to:

€600 per funding year

may be available for approved research materials and travel expenses. University of Erfurt

This could potentially support activities connected with the doctoral project, such as academic travel, research materials, conferences, fieldwork, or similar research-related requirements, subject to approval and applicable funding rules.

Scholarship Duration

The standard doctoral scholarship period is:

Three years

However, scholarship recipients may request an extension for:

One additional year

which means the overall funding period can potentially reach a maximum of four years. University of Erfurt

An extension is not necessarily automatic and is subject to the applicable scholarship rules and approval process.

Funding Start Date

The planned start of scholarship funding is:

1 April 2027

The University specifies that funding must begin no later than:

1 July 2027. University of Erfurt

Applicants should therefore plan their doctoral admission, university enrolment, Graduate Centre membership, and other administrative requirements accordingly.

Benefits of Joining CEREB

The scholarship is more than a monthly financial award. Successful researchers become part of a structured academic environment intended to support doctoral training, research development, professional networking, and academic career advancement.

Scholarship recipients can benefit from:

Structured Graduate Programme

Candidates have access to a structured graduate programme within the University of Erfurt.

This provides a more organized doctoral experience compared with undertaking research completely independently.

Research Network

CEREB brings together scholars from economics, psychology, management and behavioral sciences, giving doctoral candidates access to interdisciplinary research expertise.

International Academic Connections

CEREB maintains collaborations with international research institutions and encourages academically rigorous, internationally connected research. University of Erfurt

Research Projects

Doctoral candidates may become connected with recent and ongoing research projects relevant to the center’s areas of expertise.

Academic Skills Training

The University also provides scholarship holders with access to Academic Skills Training, designed to strengthen research and professional competencies.

Science Communication Opportunities

Scholarship holders may participate in university platforms supporting the communication of scientific research to wider audiences. University of Erfurt

Responsibilities of Scholarship Holders

Successful recipients are expected to participate actively in the University’s structured doctoral environment.

Scholarship holders are generally required to:

• participate regularly in the programme of their Graduate Centre or the Max-Weber-Kolleg;
• complete at least six Academic Skills Training courses;
• participate actively in academic networking activities; and
• submit a progress report approximately 18 months after funding begins. University of Erfurt

Applicants should therefore view the scholarship as participation in a structured research programme rather than simply receiving financial assistance.

Academic Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic qualifications and clear research potential.

The official funding requirements include above-average academic achievements and examination results demonstrating particular aptitude for academic research. University of Erfurt

The selection process particularly considers:

• previous academic performance;
• examination results;
• previous academic or research work;
• research potential;
• methodological quality of the proposed doctoral project;
• academic significance of the research;
• quality of the research proposal; and
• feasibility of the proposed work and time schedule. University of Erfurt

Applicants should therefore submit a carefully designed PhD proposal that demonstrates both academic significance and practical feasibility.

Acceptance as a Doctoral Candidate

Applicants must be accepted as doctoral candidates by:

• one of the University of Erfurt’s faculties; or
• the Max-Weber-Kolleg,

by the beginning of the funding period at the latest.

That doctoral status must then be maintained throughout the scholarship period. University of Erfurt

For CEREB applicants, the proposed doctoral project would normally be associated with the relevant University of Erfurt faculty and CEREB research structure.

University Enrolment Requirement

Scholarship recipients must also be formally enrolled, or matriculated, at the University of Erfurt by the start of the funding period.

Doctoral enrolment is therefore distinct from simply receiving the scholarship or securing the support of a potential supervisor. University of Erfurt

CEREB Membership Requirement

Applicants whose scholarship application is assigned to CEREB must obtain full membership of the relevant Graduate Centre no later than the beginning of the funding period.

Applicants will also need evidence that they have established contact with their intended Graduate Centre during the application process. University of Erfurt

Importantly, the official scholarship documentation states that candidates cannot apply simultaneously to several Graduate Centres.

Applicants must therefore identify the Graduate Centre most appropriate for their proposed research.

Health Insurance Requirement

Successful candidates must provide current proof of health insurance by the beginning of the scholarship funding period. University of Erfurt

International candidates should therefore take health insurance requirements into account while preparing for doctoral study in Germany.

Restrictions on Double Funding

The scholarship generally cannot be combined with another source of public funding that covers the same period and purpose.

The University specifies that simultaneous funding from other public funds or publicly financed institutions for the same purpose is not permitted. University of Erfurt

Funding for research-related stays abroad may nevertheless remain possible where permitted under the applicable regulations.

Employment During the Scholarship

Scholarship holders can undertake limited paid employment, but restrictions apply.

Paid research or teaching work at a university or non-university research institution is permitted for up to:

12 hours per week

Other employment is generally limited to:

5 hours per week.

Participation in teaching must also remain within the University’s prescribed limits. University of Erfurt

Applicants who intend to continue substantial employment alongside their PhD should therefore review these conditions carefully before applying.

Application Documents Required

The University requires candidates to submit a comprehensive doctoral scholarship application.

1. Cover Letter

Applicants must submit a cover letter of no more than two pages.

It should identify the Graduate Centre to which the applicant is applying and provide detailed reasons for seeking the scholarship through that particular Graduate Centre.

For this opportunity, applicants would identify CEREB where appropriate.

The letter may also explain:

• why CEREB is appropriate for the proposed doctoral research;
• links between the applicant’s research interests and CEREB;
• any relevant connections with other University research areas;
• whether work on the doctoral project has already started; and
• the extent of any preparatory research already undertaken. University of Erfurt

2. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must submit:

• a CV in tabular format; and
• the University’s supplementary CV form.

Applicants should clearly present academic qualifications, research experience, publications, professional experience where relevant, methodological training and other achievements supporting their doctoral research potential.

3. PhD Research Proposal

A detailed exposé of the proposed doctoral project is required.

The research proposal should include:

• the main research question;
• background and current state of research;
• research objectives;
• proposed methodology; and
• bibliography.

The main project outline should normally be approximately 6–8 pages, excluding the cover page and bibliography. University of Erfurt

4. Work and Time Schedule

Applicants must provide a detailed plan explaining how the PhD will be completed within the standard three-year scholarship period.

A credible timeline is an important part of the evaluation because the selection committee assesses the plausibility and feasibility of the proposed work schedule.

5. Evidence of Contact With CEREB

Applicants must submit confirmation showing that contact has been established with the relevant Graduate Centre.

Applicants who are already full members may instead provide the appropriate Graduate Centre admission documentation. University of Erfurt

6. Doctoral Acceptance Confirmation

Where already available, applicants should include confirmation from the relevant University faculty or the Max-Weber-Kolleg showing that they have been accepted as a doctoral candidate.

7. Academic Publications and Presentations

Applicants who have publications, conference papers or academic presentations may provide a list of these achievements.

While not every applicant will necessarily have extensive publications, relevant academic work may strengthen the application.

8. University Degree Certificates

Applicants must submit relevant degree certificates.

This can include:

• Diploma;
• Magister;
• Bachelor’s degree; and
• Master’s degree.

Where documents were originally issued in a language other than German or English, applicants must also provide a certified translation into German or English. University of Erfurt

9. Final Thesis

Applicants must provide a complete copy of their relevant final academic thesis, such as a:

• Master’s thesis;
• Diploma thesis; or
• Magister thesis.

If the thesis was not written in German or English, applicants must additionally provide a summary of up to two pages in German or English. University of Erfurt

10. Data Processing Consent

Applicants must submit the required signed consent regarding processing of personal data.

11. Academic Recommendation Letter

A current and signed academic recommendation is also required.

The recommendation must be written by a:

• professor; or
• other university teacher,

either at the University of Erfurt or another higher education institution. University of Erfurt

Importantly, the recommendation must not be included in the applicant’s main application PDF.

The referee must submit it separately and before the application deadline.

How to Submit the Application

Applicants must combine the required documents, except the separately submitted recommendation letter, into:

One PDF file

The PDF must:

• include a table of contents;
• contain documents in the prescribed order; and
• not exceed 5 MB. University of Erfurt

Applications are submitted by email only to the University of Erfurt’s Research and Graduate Services.

The required email subject format is:

Application for the State Graduate Scholarship 2026 – surname, first name

Incomplete applications, applications failing to meet formal requirements, or submissions received after the deadline cannot be considered. University of Erfurt

Application Deadline

The final application deadline is:

24 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day because the application requires coordination with a Graduate Centre and an academic referee.

Funding is expected to begin on 1 April 2027, or no later than 1 July 2027. University of Erfurt

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated primarily on the applicant’s academic capabilities and the quality of the proposed doctoral project.

The selection committee considers:

• academic achievements;
• examination results;
• previous scholarly work;
• demonstrated research ability;
• quality of the proposed doctoral research;
• methodological rigor;
• academic relevance;
• feasibility of the research plan; and
• realism of the proposed timetable. University of Erfurt

The University expects the application evaluation and decision process to take approximately ten weeks, with applicants expected to receive results by around the end of February 2027. University of Erfurt

The final number of scholarships depends on the availability and allocation of state funding.

Equal Opportunity and International Applicants

The University states that applications are welcomed regardless of origin, gender, disability, age, religion or worldview, sexual orientation or identity. University of Erfurt

There is no nationality restriction stated in the official scholarship announcement.

Therefore, qualified international candidates may apply, provided they satisfy the academic, doctoral admission, Graduate Centre membership, enrolment and other applicable requirements.

Where candidates have equivalent qualifications and projects of comparable quality, the University’s selection framework also addresses gender equality and may consider circumstances including disability, chronic illness, voluntary engagement and certain social criteria. Providing such personal information is voluntary. University of Erfurt

Why Consider the CEREB PhD Scholarship?

For students interested in empirical research on economics and human behavior, the CEREB scholarship provides several significant advantages.

It combines:

• monthly financial support;
• multi-year doctoral funding;
• possible family allowances;
• potential research and travel support;
• structured doctoral training;
• interdisciplinary research supervision;
• interaction with researchers from multiple fields;
• academic skills development;
• international research connections; and
• participation in an established German research university.

The interdisciplinary nature of CEREB may be particularly valuable for applicants whose research cannot be comfortably classified within a single traditional discipline.

Researchers studying economic decisions, psychology, management, organizational behavior, governance, health communication or human decision-making may therefore find the center particularly relevant.

Important Advice for Applicants

Applicants should begin preparations well before the November deadline.

A strong application is likely to require several separate components to be developed simultaneously.

Candidates should particularly focus on:

1. identifying whether their doctoral topic genuinely fits CEREB’s research profile;
2. establishing contact with CEREB before applying;
3. developing a rigorous and realistic research proposal;
4. identifying an appropriate potential doctoral supervisor;
5. obtaining an academic recommendation early;
6. preparing degree certificates and certified translations where required;
7. ensuring the doctoral project can realistically be completed within three years; and
8. checking every formal application requirement before submission.

A technically strong proposal that is poorly matched with CEREB may be less competitive than a project demonstrating clear intellectual overlap with the center’s research agenda.

Conclusion

The University of Erfurt CEREB PhD Scholarships 2027 offer an excellent opportunity for high-performing prospective doctoral researchers seeking structured PhD training in Germany in areas connected with economics, psychology, behavioral sciences, management, decision-making and organizational research.

With funding of €1,400 per month, additional family allowances, possible research and travel funding, structured academic training and potential support for up to four years, the programme provides a strong foundation for researchers pursuing an academic or research-intensive career.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the quality of their doctoral research proposal, methodological design, academic record and fit with CEREB’s interdisciplinary research agenda.

The application deadline is 24 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET, with funding scheduled to begin from 1 April 2027. University of Erfurt

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