Apply for the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation PhD Scholarships in Germany 2026
Applications are open for the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (RLS) doctoral scholarships for candidates from West Africa who wish to pursue a PhD at a public or government-recognised university in Germany.
The scholarship is open to applicants from any academic field or dissertation topic, provided they have secured admission to a doctoral programme in Germany and meet the foundation’s academic and social engagement requirements.
Through its West Africa office in Dakar, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation works with civil society organisations, NGOs and universities on issues including peace and security, economy and labour, social justice, climate justice, feminism and migration.
Areas of Interest
Although applicants may apply regardless of their field of study or dissertation topic, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation’s West Africa office focuses on:
- Peace and security
- Economy, labour and social justice
- Climate justice
- Feminism
- Migration
Fields: All academic fields, with RLS West Africa focus areas including climate justice, social justice, peace and security, feminism and migration
Important Requirements
Applicants are expected to have already obtained admission to a suitable doctoral programme before applying for the scholarship.
A potential supervisor must also be identified, and the applicant is expected to submit a research proposal (exposé) to the supervisor as part of the process of securing doctoral admission.
Applicants are encouraged to acquire or improve their German language skills before leaving their home country, even when their doctoral research will be conducted in English or French.
Private stays abroad in the applicant’s country of origin or in third countries are not covered by the funding.
The scholarship does not fund the final completion stage of a doctorate, and applicants cannot receive simultaneous public scholarships for the same period.
The application portal is open from 20 August to 1 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity.
Additional Information
- The foundation can also support applicants in acquiring or improving their German language skills before travelling to Germany. This may include funding for relevant language courses, such as courses offered through the Goethe-Institut.
- Applicants should note that previous doctoral funding from another institution may affect the length of support available. Previous funding of less than 1.5 years may be continued under the RLS scholarship, but the period already funded will be deducted from the maximum three-year funding period.
- The scholarship cannot be combined with other public funding or certain other forms of financial support.
- Have been admitted to a PhD programme at a public or government-recognised university in Germany.
- Hold an excellent academic degree, normally at Master’s level or an equivalent qualification.
- Demonstrate social commitment to causes that align with the values of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation.
- Can provide evidence of German language proficiency at B1 level, although English at B1 level or native-speaker proficiency may also be accepted.
- Are prepared to reside in Germany throughout the funding period.
- Applicants must first secure a doctoral supervisor and develop a research proposal for their PhD project. Those who have not yet established contacts with a German university are encouraged to seek assistance from their current university, academic networks or the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
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