Applications are now open for fully-funded PhD scholarships at the Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences (CEREB) at the University of Erfurt, Germany. This prestigious scholarship program offers comprehensive financial support for outstanding PhD candidates conducting research in behavioral economics, psychology, and decision-making sciences.
Up to four scholarships are available, each providing full funding including a monthly stipend, family allowances, and research support. The program is open to both domestic and international applicants, with no application fees required.The application deadline is November 24, 2026. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.
Key Details:
- Degree Level: PhD
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institution: University of Erfurt
- Research Center: Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences (CEREB)
- Application Deadline: November 24, 2026 (11:59 PM CET)
- Funding Start Date: April 1, 2027 (latest July 1, 2027)
- Funding Type: Fully funded
- Open to International Applicants: Yes
- Application Fee: None
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What This Scholarship Offers:
- €1,400 per month for living expenses and research costs
- €300 monthly allowance for your first dependent child, plus €150 for each additional child
- Up to €600 per funding year for research-related materials, equipment, and travel costs (subject to fund availability)
- Possibility to extend beyond the standard 3-year period up to a maximum of 4 years
- Access to at least six specialized courses in research methods, academic writing, presentation skills, and professional development
- Platforms and support for communicating your research findings to academic and public audiences
- Comprehensive support services through your Graduate Centre or the Max-Weber-Kolleg
- Access to CEREB’s research facilities and resources
- Support for research stays abroad if they contribute to your doctoral project
- Connection to recent and ongoing research projects across CEREB’s research areas
Eligibility Criteria:
- Demonstrate above-average academic achievements with strong examination results
- Show particular aptitude and potential for academic research
- Have a clear research vision and well-developed doctoral project concept
- Be accepted as a doctoral candidate by one of the University of Erfurt’s faculties or the Max-Weber-Kolleg by the funding start date (April 1, 2027 at the latest)
- Maintain your doctoral candidate status throughout the entire funding period
- Be matriculated (enrolled) at the University of Erfurt by the funding start date at the latest
- Provide current proof of health insurance by the funding start date at the latest
Selection Criteria:
- Aptitude for academic research and scholarly potential
- Quality and significance of your proposed doctoral project
- Academic achievements and examination results
- Quality and impact of previous academic work
- Research potential and originality of your research approach
- Methodological quality and rigor of your proposed methods
- Realism and feasibility of your work and time schedule
Contact Information:
Ms Xiaolei Dong
Research and Graduate Services
University of Erfurt
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +49 (0)361 737-5042
Director Information
For questions about CEREB specifically, you can contact:
Prof. Dr. Manfred Königstein
CEREB Director
Email: [email protected]
Required Application Documents:
- Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages) including:
- Name of the Graduate Centre or Max-Weber-Kolleg to which you are applying
- Detailed reasons for your application to that specific center
- Information on thematic overlaps and synergy effects with other centers
- Status of your doctoral project work and progress on preparations
- Any relevant personal circumstances (optional): disabilities, chronic illness, family circumstances, voluntary work, social criteria
- Curriculum Vitae (tabular format)
- Completed CV Supplementary Form
- Doctoral Project Exposé including:
- Project outline (6–8 pages, excluding cover page and bibliography) with research question, current state of research, planned methodological approach, and bibliography
- Work and time schedule for the three-year funding period
- Graduate Center Contact Form (if not yet a member) OR Graduate Center/Max-Weber-Kolleg Admission Form (if already a member)
- Faculty or Max-Weber-Kolleg Acceptance Confirmation (if already available)
- List of Academic Publications and Presentations (if applicable)
- Degree Certificates
- Diploma, Magister, or Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates
- Certified translations into German or English if originals are not in these languages
- Final Thesis Copy
- Complete copy of your final thesis (Diploma, Magister, or Master’s)
- Summary in German or English (maximum 2 pages) if the original is not in these languages
- Data Processing Consent Form (signed)
- Table of Contents for your application PDF
How to Apply:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Application Documents
- Step 2: Arrange Letter of Recommendation
- Step 3: Submit Your Application
- Submission Method: Email only
- Email Address: [email protected]
