فرصة
No fundingCompetitions and Awards

German Award for the Best Doctoral Theses Worth up to EUR 25,000

By: Körber-StiftungLast update:
Save
Opening SoonRecurring Opportunity

Applications usually open in October each year and remain open until the final application deadline on March 1 of the following year.

Opens: Oct 1, 2026Closes: Mar 2, 2027Opens in 76 days

Applicant criteria

NationalityNo specific nationality required
Age
  • 18 - 60
Gender
  • Both

Opportunity criteria

Opportunity FieldPsychology and Sociology, Others
Job locationGermany
Deadline2027-03-01

Opportunity description

Körber Foundation offers the German Thesis Award annually to the best doctoral graduates in Germany from various academic disciplines. The award focuses on scientific excellence as well as the social relevance of the research, and encourages young researchers to explain the value of their research to society and present their findings in a way that is understandable to the public.

The total prize value is EUR 135,000, including 3 grand prizes worth EUR 25,000 for each winner.

Available Fields

The award covers all academic disciplines and is granted within three main categories:

  1. Social sciences.
  2. Natural and technical sciences.
  3. Humanities and cultural studies.

One grand prize and two second prizes are awarded in each of these categories.

Benefits

  • Financial prizes with a total value of EUR 135,000.
  • Three grand prizes worth EUR 25,000 for each winner.
  • Six second prizes worth EUR 10,000 for each winner.
  • The award is open to all academic disciplines.
  • An opportunity to present the research before a jury and experts.
  • Support for researchers in communicating their research findings to the public and decision-makers.
  • Finalists have the opportunity to participate in the award’s activities and alumni network.

Eligibility criteria

  1. The applicant must have obtained a doctoral degree in 2026 from a German university, or be a German citizen who obtained a doctorate from a university outside Germany.
  2. The applicant must have received an excellent grade, such as magna cum laude or summa cum laude, or an equivalent distinction.
  3. There is no age limit for applying.
  4. The date of the doctoral oral examination must be between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026, rather than the date of issuing the doctoral certificate or publishing the dissertation.
  5. The applicant must have good knowledge of German, as the required application essay and the presentation before the jury are both in German.

Required Documents

  1. A short abstract of no more than 1,000 characters, including spaces.
  2. An application/participation essay of no more than 20,000 characters, including spaces, explaining the dissertation results and their social relevance in a clear and engaging way for the public.
  3. A copy of the doctoral dissertation.
  4. A summary or synopsis in the case of a cumulative doctorate, if required according to the university’s regulations.
  5. Dissertation evaluation reports or Fachgutachten.
  6. Doctoral certificate or a temporary document indicating the date of the oral examination and the grade.
  7. A short CV/resume in table format.

Explore the Top PhD Scholarships Worldwide in 2026: Your Complete Guide to Academic Funding

Explore Outstanding and Diverse Master's Scholarships 

Read Also: How Do I Apply for a Free Scholarship 

Save