GSSP Scholarships

What are the advantages of a GSSP scholarship?

The GSSP scholarship includes a number of financial benefits, e.g. a subsidy for insurance costs and other additional payments as needed, e.g. rent subsidies, family allowance and subsidies for costs related to disabilities or chronic illnesses.

For international applicants who do not yet speak German, it is also an advantage that the GSSP scholarship (in comparison to most other doctoral scholarships) does not require advanced German language skills. The DAAD covers the cost of a German language course, which can be taken before starting the scholarship or during the doctorate.

Questions about the Application Process

Can I apply for both scholarships (GCSC and GSSP) at the same time?

Your application for the GSSP scholarships also counts as an application for the GCSC scholarships. A double submission is not necessary. Please simply mark in the application portal whether you wish to apply additionally for a GSSP scholarship or not. If you do apply for both scholarships, please make sure you also fulfil all necessary requirements for the GSSP programme.

Do I have to submit additional or special documents when applying for the GSSP scholarship?

No additional documents are necessary. Please only make sure that you use the DAAD template for your letters of recommendation. You can download this template here.

How does the selection process for the GSSP scholarships differ from that for the GCSC scholarships?

Initially, all applicants go through the same three-stage GCSC selection process. After the interviews (usually in May), the GCSC nominates up to four successful candidates and invites them to submit their application to the DAAD. Candidates can submit the same documents they originally submitted to the GCSC. The DAAD then makes the final decision on the awarding of up to 2 GSSP scholarships.