The DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Program 2027 offers an opportunity for highly qualified graduates to pursue advanced doctoral studies in economics in Berlin, Germany, with financial support throughout the expected five-year program. Designed for promising researchers who want to develop expertise in economic analysis, empirical research, and public policy, the program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical research experience at one of Germany’s leading economic research institutes.

Organized by the German Institute for Economic Research, known as DIW Berlin, the Graduate Center provides structured doctoral training for candidates interested in understanding economic challenges and contributing to evidence-based policy decisions. The program welcomes applications from qualified candidates around the world, including international applicants who meet the academic and language requirements.

For the 2027 intake, the application period opens on 15 October 2026, and applications must be submitted by 15 January 2027 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET). Successful candidates receive financial support during the course phase and normally transition to paid research employment during the subsequent research phase, subject to the program’s performance requirements.

The DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Program is particularly suitable for graduates who want to build careers in academic research, international organizations, government institutions, economic consulting, and public policy. Candidates with backgrounds in economics, business studies, and certain related quantitative disciplines may be eligible to apply.

About DIW Berlin and the Graduate Center

The German Institute for Economic Research, or DIW Berlin, is an economic research institution based in Berlin, Germany. Its research addresses important economic and social questions, with an emphasis on rigorous analysis and policy relevance.

The DIW Berlin Graduate Center provides advanced training for doctoral researchers who want to develop the analytical, statistical, and research skills required to investigate complex economic issues. Its doctoral program combines academic instruction, professional research experience, and dissertation development.

Participants benefit from an academic environment that connects economic theory with practical research. They receive training in quantitative methods, work with empirical data, and engage with research questions relevant to Germany and other countries.

The Graduate Center also cooperates with universities in Berlin and the surrounding area. Participants generally complete their doctoral studies at the university where their supervisor holds a professorship. Depending on the supervisor and institutional arrangements, this may include Humboldt University of Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, or the University of Potsdam.

Although the DIW Berlin Graduate Center and the Berlin School of Economics offer doctoral programs with similar structures and jointly taught courses, they remain separate programs. Applicants interested specifically in joining DIW Berlin should apply to the DIW Berlin Graduate Center through its designated application process.

Overview of the DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Program 2027

The following table summarizes the principal details of the opportunity.

Opportunity detail	Information
Program name	DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Program
Intake	2027
Host institution	German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin)
Location	Berlin, Germany
Opportunity type	Funded doctoral program and PhD scholarship
Field of study	Economics and related research areas
Program duration	Expected funding period of five years
Study mode	Full-time, in person
Language of instruction	English
Eligible applicants	Qualified candidates from around the world who meet the admission requirements
Tuition fees	No tuition fees
Funding during Year 1	€1,650 monthly stipend
Funding during Years 2–5	Normally paid research employment at DIW Berlin, subject to performance requirements
Application opening date	15 October 2026
Application deadline	15 January 2027, 23:59 CET
Application method	Online application portal

Benefits of the DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Program 2027

The program provides a combination of financial support, advanced academic training, and practical research experience. These benefits make it an opportunity worth considering for qualified graduates who intend to pursue doctoral research in economics.

1. Financial support for up to five years

One of the program’s most important benefits is its funding structure. Doctoral researchers receive financial support for the expected duration of the program, which is five years.

During the first year, participants receive a monthly stipend of €1,650 to support them throughout the coursework phase. During Years 2–5, funding is normally provided through employment at one of DIW Berlin’s research departments.

Research-phase employment is generally offered under the German public-sector pay framework, TVöD, pay group EG 13, at 75% of a full-time position. Continuation of funding during this phase depends on meeting the program’s established performance criteria.

Applicants should understand that the first-year stipend and subsequent employment arrangement are different funding mechanisms. They should also review the institution’s current conditions carefully when preparing their applications.

2. No tuition fees

The doctoral program does not charge tuition fees. This reduces the direct cost of pursuing a PhD compared with programs that require substantial tuition payments.

However, students should budget for living expenses, accommodation, food, personal costs, and any applicable university enrollment fees. Berlin universities charge semester fees, and the amount depends on the institution and the applicable semester.

The Graduate Center recommends enrollment at one of Berlin’s universities because it can provide access to public transportation under the applicable student arrangements and facilitate access to student health insurance. University enrollment is not required during the first year of the program, according to the program’s published information.

3. Advanced training in economics

Participants receive high-level academic instruction in economic theory, econometrics, and quantitative research methods.

This training helps students develop the ability to formulate research questions, evaluate economic evidence, interpret statistical results, and conduct independent research. The coursework is designed to prepare doctoral researchers for the more specialized dissertation work that follows.

4. Practical research experience

The Graduate Center combines formal coursework with research experience in DIW Berlin’s research departments.

During the research phase, doctoral candidates work on their dissertations and become integrated into an active research environment. This structure allows participants to connect theoretical knowledge with practical economic analysis and policy-related research.

5. International research and career opportunities

The program develops skills that are relevant to careers in universities, research institutes, international organizations, public institutions, and policy-focused organizations.

Graduates can develop expertise in empirical data analysis, economic and social policy, research communication, academic publishing, and large-scale research projects.

The program’s structure can therefore be valuable for candidates who want to contribute to economic research and policy discussions in Germany or internationally.

Eligibility Criteria for the DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Program 2027

Applicants should carefully review the admission requirements before beginning their applications. Meeting the minimum academic conditions does not guarantee admission, as selection also depends on academic performance, research potential, and the overall strength of the applicant pool.

1. Academic qualifications

Applicants should normally hold a master’s degree in Economics or Business Studies and should have performed exceptionally well in their studies.

Candidates who have not yet completed their master’s degree may apply while still enrolled, provided they successfully complete the required degree before the doctoral program begins.

Applicants from related disciplines may also be considered if they have a sufficiently strong background in economics or business studies. Relevant fields may include:

• Industrial Engineering or related engineering disciplines.
• Statistics.
• Quantitative Social Sciences.
• Other related fields with substantial economics coursework or training.

A degree title alone may not establish eligibility. Applicants from outside economics should demonstrate that their academic preparation is appropriate for advanced doctoral coursework and research in economics.

What about applicants with a bachelor’s degree?

The program’s published English-language application information states that bachelor’s-degree holders may be eligible if they also apply to a master’s program offering a fast-track option. Applicants in this situation should consult the official Graduate Center FAQ to determine the applicable requirements and whether this route is suitable for the 2027 intake.

2. Academic excellence and research potential

The Graduate Center seeks applicants with strong academic records and the ability to undertake demanding doctoral-level research.

Applicants should demonstrate a sound understanding of their intended field and an interest in investigating economic or social policy questions. Evidence of creativity and an inclination toward research may also be considered.

A strong application should explain the candidate’s research interests, relevant academic preparation, and reasons for choosing the DIW Berlin Graduate Center.

3. Nationality and country of residence

The Graduate Center attracts researchers from around the world, and the program is not presented as being restricted to German citizens.

International applicants may apply if they satisfy the academic, language, and documentation requirements. The published criteria do not specify a nationality-based restriction for the general doctoral program.

Applicants outside Germany should independently investigate the immigration, residence, and relocation requirements that would apply to their circumstances if admitted.

4. English-language proficiency

The program is taught in English, and applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to participate successfully in coursework, academic discussions, and research activities.

Applicants whose native language is not English generally need to demonstrate proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption. According to the published requirements, an exemption may apply to candidates who hold a degree from a university in an English-speaking country or can document at least one year of study in an English-speaking degree program.

TOEFL or IELTS results are accepted as evidence of English proficiency. Providing test results is recommended, although the program’s FAQ indicates that these scores are not mandatory in every case.

The published guidance gives approximately IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 95 as a rule of thumb for successful applicants. These figures should be treated as guidance rather than guaranteed admission thresholds, because the program does not specify a universal minimum score.

Applicants should verify the accepted test formats and current validity requirements before submitting their documents.

5. German-language proficiency

Knowledge of German is not a requirement for admission. The program’s courses are taught in English, allowing candidates to complete the academic component without already speaking German.

Nevertheless, learning German can be helpful for daily life in Berlin, communication outside the university, and future professional opportunities in Germany.

6. GRE requirements

The Graduate Center recommends submitting results from the GRE General Test.

GRE scores are not mandatory, but the institution indicates that providing them can improve an applicant’s chances of admission. There is no single published minimum GRE score that guarantees admission; the competitive score level depends on the results of applicants in the relevant application cycle.

The program accepts the GRE General Test, including the GRE General Test at Home. The GRE Subject Test is not accepted, and the GMAT cannot be substituted for the GRE.

Applicants who have taken the GRE should upload their Test Taker Score Report in PDF format. They should also attach the report even if their scores have already been submitted to DIW Berlin’s institutional account.

7. Academic recommendation letters

Every applicant must arrange for two academic letters of recommendation.

The referees must be senior academic staff from academic institutions, such as professors or postdoctoral researchers. Professional references from business contacts are not accepted as substitutes.

The recommendation letters must be submitted directly by the referees through the designated recommendation letter portal. Applicants cannot upload the letters themselves, and letters sent by email are not accepted under the supplied application instructions.

Applicants should contact their referees early to allow enough time for the letters to be prepared and submitted before the deadline.

8. Full-time participation

The Graduate Center is a full-time doctoral program based in Berlin. Participants must attend courses in person, and part-time or remote study is not available under the program’s published arrangements.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to commit to full-time doctoral training and to living in or relocating to Berlin for the program.

Research Areas Available to Applicants

Applicants should ensure that their interests align with the research activities of DIW Berlin’s departments and research groups. The Graduate Center accepts research interests connected to several areas of economics and related social policy questions.

The listed research areas include:

1. Macroeconomics: Research on economy-wide developments, economic growth, business cycles, and related macroeconomic questions.
2. Forecasting and Economic Policy: Research involving economic forecasting, policy evaluation, and evidence used to inform economic decisions.
3. Energy, Transportation, and Environment: Economic questions related to energy markets, transport systems, environmental issues, and related policy challenges.
4. Climate Policy: Research into the economic implications of climate change, climate measures, and environmental policy.
5. Firms and Markets: Analysis of businesses, market structures, competition, and firm-level economic behavior.
6. Public Economics: Research into taxation, public expenditure, government policy, and the economic effects of public institutions.
7. The German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP): Research using longitudinal social and economic data to investigate households, individuals, employment, income, and other socioeconomic outcomes.
8. Entrepreneurship Research Group: Research into entrepreneurship, business creation, innovation, and related economic questions.
9. Gender Studies Research Group: Research into gender-related economic and social issues, including relevant inequalities and policy questions.

Applicants should identify the area that best matches their academic background and proposed research interests. Their motivation letters should explain this connection clearly rather than simply listing several departments.

Program Structure and Duration

The DIW Berlin Graduate Center offers a structured doctoral program with an expected funding period of five years. It combines intensive coursework in the first year with dissertation research and professional research experience in subsequent years.

Year 1: Coursework and academic preparation

The first year concentrates on developing the theoretical and quantitative foundations needed for doctoral research in economics.

Students take core courses in econometrics, microeconomics, and macroeconomics. The program also includes mathematical preparation designed to strengthen the skills needed for advanced economic analysis.

The listed first-year coursework includes:

First semester

• Econometrics I.
• Microeconomics I.
• Macroeconomics I.
• Preparatory mathematical training as scheduled by the program.

Second semester

• Econometrics II.
• A choice between Microeconomics II and Macroeconomics II, according to the program’s course structure.

These courses help participants develop the analytical tools required to conduct independent research and evaluate empirical evidence.

During this phase, students receive the monthly stipend of €1,650.

Years 2–5: Research and dissertation development

The subsequent years focus on specialized research, dissertation preparation, and integration into DIW Berlin’s research departments.

Participants investigate research questions relevant to their chosen fields, engage with academic researchers, and develop their dissertations. The program’s research environment supports interaction with scholars and exposure to economic policy discussions.

Funding during Years 2–5 is normally provided through employment in one of DIW Berlin’s research departments under the stated public-sector pay framework. Continued funding is conditional on meeting the program’s performance criteria.

Research internships and professional development

The Graduate Center’s program structure also describes opportunities for research internships at institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, European Central Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Internships may take place at institutions in different countries and can last between six and 26 weeks. International internships may receive financial support for travel and living expenses, subject to the applicable arrangements.

These experiences can help doctoral candidates expand their professional networks and understand how economic research is conducted in international policy and research environments.

Where will the PhD be awarded?

Participants generally enroll at the university where their supervisor holds a professorship. Depending on the individual supervisory arrangement, the doctoral degree may be awarded by a participating Berlin university or the University of Potsdam.

The Graduate Center does not require applicants to secure a supervisor before applying. Candidates have time during the first year to identify a suitable supervisor, and potential supervisors may express their interest during the selection interviews.

Applicants are advised not to contact DIW Berlin researchers to request supervision before applying. Such inquiries do not increase the likelihood of admission.

Scholarship Funding, Tuition Fees, and Other Costs

The DIW Berlin Graduate Center provides financial support designed to cover the expected five-year doctoral program, subject to the relevant conditions.

First-year stipend

During the coursework phase in Year 1, students receive a stipend of €1,650 per month.

This provides financial support while students complete the intensive first-year curriculum.

Funding for Years 2–5

During the research phase, funding is normally provided through employment at one of DIW Berlin’s research departments.

The stated arrangement is TVöD, pay group EG 13, at 75% of a full-time position. Continuation of this funding depends on satisfying the performance criteria established by the Graduate Center.

Applicants should distinguish this employment arrangement from the first-year stipend when assessing their expected income throughout the program.

Tuition fees and semester charges

There are no tuition fees for the doctoral program. However, students who enroll at a participating university should budget for the applicable semester fee.

The supplied program information estimates this fee at approximately €380 per semester. The actual amount may vary by university and semester, so applicants should confirm the current charges with the institution where they plan to enroll.

University enrollment is not required during the first year, according to the published program information.

Additional expenses to consider

Although the program provides funding, applicants should plan for costs that may not be covered by the stipend or employment income, including:

• Accommodation and rent in Berlin.
• Food and daily living expenses.
• Health insurance and other applicable insurance costs.
• Personal expenses and study-related materials.
• Travel to Germany and initial relocation costs.
• Residence permit or visa-related expenses, where applicable.
• Any other costs not covered by the program.

Applicants should not assume that the stipend covers every relocation or family expense. International candidates should evaluate their own circumstances and check the relevant German immigration requirements before making relocation plans.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare the required documents before submitting the online application. The application must be completed in English, and incomplete applications will not be considered.

The following documents are required under the supplied application instructions.

1. Motivation letter

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

The letter should explain:

• Why the applicant wants to join the DIW Berlin Graduate Center.
• The academic and professional experiences that have prepared them for doctoral study.
• Their main research interests.
• The economic questions or research ideas they hope to investigate.
• How their interests relate to the research departments or groups at DIW Berlin.

A fully developed research proposal is not required. Applicants may attach one if they already have a proposal, but doing so does not automatically provide an advantage over candidates who submit only the required motivation letter.

2. Detailed curriculum vitae

Applicants must provide a detailed CV without a photograph.

The CV should accurately present their educational background, relevant research experience, academic achievements, quantitative or analytical skills, publications where applicable, and other experience relevant to doctoral study.

Candidates should ensure that their academic and research experience is easy for the selection committee to assess.

3. Two academic recommendation letters

Two recommendation letters must be submitted by senior academic referees, such as professors or postdoctoral researchers.

Applicants should provide their referees with sufficient notice and ensure that the referees understand the submission procedure. The referees must submit their letters directly through the official recommendation letter portal before the application deadline.

Letters sent by email or uploaded by applicants themselves will not be accepted under the supplied instructions.

4. Academic transcripts and certificates

Applicants must provide copies of their academic transcripts and other relevant certificates.

These documents allow the selection committee to assess their academic background, performance, and preparation for advanced doctoral study.

Candidates who are still completing their master’s degrees should prepare the available documentation and ensure that they can complete the qualification before the program begins.

5. Completed application form

The completed application form must be included as part of the online application.

Applicants should download the form from the official DIW Berlin application page, complete it carefully, and follow the instructions provided for submission.

6. IELTS or TOEFL results, where applicable

Applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency may upload their IELTS or TOEFL Test Taker Score Report in PDF format.

Accepted test formats listed in the program FAQ include the TOEFL iBT Test, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL iBT Paper Edition, and IELTS Academic, including the accepted remote format.

Test results are generally valid for two years. Applicants should verify that their results remain valid at the time of application.

7. GRE General Test results, where applicable

Applicants who have taken the GRE should upload their GRE General Test Test Taker Score Report in PDF format.

Although GRE results are not mandatory, they are strongly recommended. The GMAT is not accepted as a substitute.

Applicants should ensure that every document is uploaded before the deadline. According to the program’s FAQ, additional documents cannot be uploaded after the application deadline has passed.

How to Apply for the DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Program 2027

Applications are submitted online through the official application portal during the designated application period.

Follow these steps to prepare a complete application.

Step 1: Review the official program information

Visit the official DIW Berlin Graduate Center website and read the program details, admission requirements, funding arrangements, research areas, and frequently asked questions.

Confirm that your academic qualifications and research interests fit the program before preparing your application.

Step 2: Check your eligibility

Verify that you meet the academic requirements and have an appropriate background in economics or business studies.

If your degree is in engineering, statistics, quantitative social sciences, or another related field, review whether your coursework and academic experience provide sufficient preparation in economics.

Also assess your English-language documentation requirements and determine whether you should submit GRE results.

Step 3: Identify your research interests

Review the research areas available at DIW Berlin and determine which department or research group most closely matches your interests.

Think about the economic issues you want to investigate and how your academic background has prepared you to study them.

This preparation will help you write a focused motivation letter.

Step 4: Prepare the required documents

Gather your motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, certificates, application form, and applicable English-language or GRE test reports.

Check that all files are legible, correctly formatted, and ready to upload.

Step 5: Contact your academic referees

Arrange two academic recommendations from senior academic staff.

Provide your referees with the necessary information about the program and explain that they must submit their letters through the designated recommendation letter portal.

Do not wait until the final days to make these arrangements, as your application is not complete unless the required recommendations are submitted on time.

Step 6: Complete the online application

Access the application portal once the application period opens on 15 October 2026.

Complete the application form, provide the requested information, and upload all required documents in the specified formats.

Applications must be completed in English. Follow the portal’s instructions carefully and review every entry before submitting.

Step 7: Ensure your referees submit their letters

Confirm with your referees that they have submitted their recommendation letters before the deadline.

The letters must be received through the official portal. Email submissions are not accepted under the supplied instructions, and referees cannot submit their letters after the deadline.

Step 8: Submit your application before the deadline

Submit the complete application well before 15 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.

Do not rely on a last-minute submission. Missing documents, incomplete applications, or recommendations that arrive after the deadline may prevent your application from being considered.

The application portal is available only during the official application period. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Step 9: Wait for the selection process

After submitting your application, you should receive an automatic confirmation email indicating that your application has been registered.

The actual evaluation takes place after the application deadline. The selection committee reviews applications and invites selected candidates to a personal interview.

Interviews are conducted by video conference, so candidates do not need to travel to Berlin for the interview stage.

Final admission decisions are made shortly after the interviews. The institution asks applicants to refrain from inquiries about their application status until at least six weeks after the deadline.

Important Dates and Application Deadline

Applicants should keep the following dates in mind when preparing their applications.

Event	Date
Application period opens	15 October 2026
Application deadline	15 January 2027
Submission closing time	23:59 CET
Selection and interviews	After the application deadline; exact dates should be confirmed through official communications
Program start	Consult the official Graduate Center website for the confirmed start date

The deadline applies to the complete application, including the required recommendation letters. Applicants should not assume that referees will receive additional time after the portal closes.

Because the application portal is only available during the designated application period, candidates should prepare their documents in advance and submit them as early as reasonably possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About the DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Program

Is the DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Program open to international students?

The program attracts qualified candidates from around the world. Applicants must meet the academic and other admission requirements, and the published criteria do not specify a nationality-based restriction for the general doctoral program.

Can I apply before completing my master’s degree?

Yes. Applicants may apply while completing their master’s studies, provided that they successfully complete the required degree before the doctoral program begins.

Can I apply with a bachelor’s degree?

The published application information describes a possible route for bachelor’s-degree holders who also apply for a master’s program with a fast-track option. Applicants should check the official FAQ to confirm the current requirements for this pathway.

Is the PhD program fully funded?

The program provides funding for the expected five-year duration. The first-year coursework phase comes with a €1,650 monthly stipend, while Years 2–5 are normally funded through research employment, subject to performance requirements.

This funding structure should not be interpreted as an unconditional guarantee of identical payments throughout all five years.

Do I have to pay tuition fees?

No tuition fees are charged for the doctoral program. However, participating universities may charge semester fees, and students must budget for living expenses and other costs.

Is the program available online?

No. The Graduate Center is a full-time program based in Berlin, and participants must attend courses in person.

Must I know German before applying?

No. German-language proficiency is not required for admission, and the program’s courses are taught in English. Learning German can nevertheless be useful for everyday life and professional integration.

Is the GRE compulsory?

No. GRE General Test results are not mandatory, but the program strongly recommends submitting them. The GMAT is not accepted as a substitute for the GRE.

Are IELTS and TOEFL compulsory?

Not in every case. Applicants whose native language is not English generally need to demonstrate proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption. IELTS or TOEFL results are recommended, but the published FAQ states that they are not mandatory in all circumstances.

Do I need to submit a research proposal?

No. A full research proposal is not required. Applicants must submit a motivation letter of no more than two pages outlining their reasons for applying and principal research interests.

Do I need to find a supervisor before applying?

No. Admission is not based on an existing supervision agreement. Students have time to identify a supervisor during the first year, and applicants are advised not to contact researchers seeking supervision before applying.

Can my referees submit their recommendation letters by email?

No. Under the supplied application instructions, referees must upload their letters through the designated recommendation letter portal. Applicants cannot upload the letters themselves.

Can I submit missing documents after the deadline?

The program’s FAQ states that applicants cannot upload additional documents after the deadline. All required documents and recommendation letters should therefore be submitted before the portal closes.

What career opportunities are available after graduation?

Graduates develop skills in economic analysis, empirical research, data handling, research communication, and policy evaluation. These skills can support careers in academia, international organizations, government institutions, and research-focused organizations.

Equal Opportunity and Protection Against Misconduct

The DIW Graduate Center states its commitment to an inclusive research and teaching environment in which discrimination, sexual harassment, and abuse of power are not tolerated.

The institution identifies the importance of protecting doctoral researchers and other members of the academic community. It also offers contact persons for affected individuals and supports the immediate change of supervisors in cases involving abuse.

Applicants should consult the institution’s official website for further information about its policies, support arrangements, and procedures.

Final Checklist Before Applying

Before submitting your application, ensure that you have completed the following tasks:

• Confirmed your eligibility and academic background.
• Reviewed the research departments and identified suitable research interests.
• Prepared a motivation letter of no more than two pages.
• Prepared a detailed CV without a photograph.
• Obtained your academic transcripts and certificates.
• Completed the application form.
• Prepared applicable IELTS or TOEFL documentation.
• Uploaded your GRE General Test report, if available.
• Arranged two academic recommendation letters.
• Confirmed that your referees know how to use the recommendation letter portal.
• Checked that all required documents are submitted in English and in the appropriate formats.
• Submitted the complete online application before 15 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.

The DIW Berlin Graduate Center PhD Program 2027 is an opportunity for academically strong graduates to pursue a doctoral degree in economics in Germany while receiving structured financial support and advanced research training. With no tuition fees, a first-year stipend of €1,650 per month, and the possibility of paid research employment during Years 2–5, the program offers a structured pathway toward a career in economic research and policy analysis.

Candidates with backgrounds in economics, business studies, and related quantitative disciplines should carefully review the eligibility criteria, identify relevant research interests, and prepare their application documents well in advance. International applicants should also plan for the practical requirements of relocating to Berlin and completing a full-time, in-person doctoral program.

The application period opens on 15 October 2026, and the final deadline is 15 January 2027 at 23:59 CET. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit early and ensure that both academic recommendation letters arrive before the deadline.

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