Study in Germany | Fully Funded PhD in Ancient Studies at Humboldt and Freie Universität Berlin
If you’re a passionate scholar in archaeology, ancient languages, or visual studies, the Berlin Graduate School of Ancient Studies (BerGSAS) invites you to apply for the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP) for the 2026–2030 academic cycle.
Hosted by Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Freie Universität Berlin, this prestigious fully funded PhD program is designed to support international students pursuing doctoral research in ancient studies.
Fellowship Details
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Host Institutions: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin & Freie Universität Berlin
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Funding Body: DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
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Program Start: October 2026
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Duration: 48 months (until September 2030)
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Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
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Location: Berlin, Germany
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Study Level: PhD
PhD Programs Offered
1. Ancient Languages and Texts (ALT)
Focus: Philology, textual studies, ancient linguistics, digital humanities
Relevant Fields:
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Ancient History, Late Antiquity
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Greek, Latin, Coptic, Ancient Oriental Languages
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Jewish Studies, Iranian Studies, Theology, Roman Law
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Comparative Indo-European Linguistics
2. Ancient Objects and Visual Studies (AOViS)
Focus: Archaeological artifacts, image communication, visual culture
Relevant Fields:
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Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology
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Prehistoric Archaeology
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Egyptology and Northeast African Studies
3. Landscape Archaeology and Architecture (LAA)
Focus: Landscape analysis, architecture, geospatial methods
Relevant Fields:
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Landscape Archaeology
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Classical, Near Eastern, and Prehistoric Archaeology
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Egyptology (with a landscape focus)
Scholarship Benefits
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Monthly stipend: €1,300
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Travel allowance
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Health, accident, and liability insurance
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Study & research allowance: €1,000/year
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Family and rent support (if applicable)
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Pre-sessional German language course
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International mobility funding (up to 25% of period)
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to applicants of all nationalities who:
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Are non-German citizens
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Hold or expect to complete a Master’s degree (after March 1, 2020)
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Have not lived in Germany continuously since before December 1, 2024
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Have not previously completed a PhD
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Demonstrate English proficiency (minimum B2; C1 required for Freie Universität Berlin)
Apply Also
- USA Princeton University Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded
- USA Columbia Law School Fellowships 2026 | Fully Funded
Required Application Documents
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Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates and transcripts
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Proof of English proficiency
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Detailed research proposal
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Two academic recommendation letters (one from home university)
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Important:
Referees must email letters of recommendation directly to:application@berliner-antike-kolleg.org
Application Process
Deadline:
October 15, 2025 at 00:00 CET
Where to Apply:
Selection Stages:
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Stage 1 – University Review:
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Register on the BerGSAS portal
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Submit application and supporting documents
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Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews
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Stage 2 – DAAD Review:
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Final approval by DAAD
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University admission procedures and formal acceptance follow
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Additional Study Options (Without Funding)
You may also apply to BerGSAS doctoral programs without a DAAD scholarship, including:
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Ancient Philosophy and History of Science
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ALT, AOViS, or LAA
Study-Only Application Deadlines:
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Summer 2026 Semester: Apply by September 30, 2025
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Winter 2026 Semester: Apply by April 30, 2026
Conclusion
The BerGSAS-DAAD Germany Scholarships 2026 offer an extraordinary path for international students to pursue PhD research in ancient studies in the heart of Europe. With full financial support, academic mentorship, and access to top-tier German universities, this program is a gateway to advanced scholarship in archaeology, ancient languages, and beyond.
Apply now via the BerGSAS portal before October 15, 2025
