The DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP) at the Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS) offers a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for international PhD candidates to pursue advanced studies in Germany. Under the 2025 theme, “Contentious Politics in the Digital Age” (CoPoDi), the scholarship seeks to attract motivated students interested in understanding and addressing critical issues at the intersection of politics, technology, social policy, and global inequalities. Applications for this program are open until November 25, 2024.
DAAD GSSP Details
About the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP)
The DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP) is an initiative by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to attract international doctoral candidates to top-tier German institutions for advanced interdisciplinary research. This scholarship at BIGSSS provides candidates with a structured PhD training program that promotes research excellence and collaboration across sociology, political science, psychology, economics, and media studies. Successful candidates can study within a supportive and dynamic research environment while participating in projects that address today’s most pressing global challenges.
Key Features of the DAAD GSSP at BIGSSS
BIGSSS, in collaboration with DAAD, focuses on producing leaders in social sciences who can contribute meaningfully to global research. Key features of the GSSP program at BIGSSS include:
Current PhD Programs at BIGSSS
BIGSSS offers three main research tracks for DAAD GSSP candidates. Each track focuses on a critical area within social sciences, with programs that explore contemporary themes relevant to today’s global landscape.
1. Contentious Politics in the Digital Age (CoPoDi)
The CoPoDi program, launching in September 2025, examines the impact of digital technologies on political activism, social movements, and socio-political conflicts. Focusing on regions like the Global South, CoPoDi uses computational methods to analyze the role of digital data in activism and political advocacy, examining its influence on democracy and social structures.
2. Global Dynamics of Social Policy and Social Cohesion (GSPSC)
The GSPSC program explores the connections between social policies and cohesion at national and global levels. This program examines how policies can either foster or hinder cohesion across regions, with special attention to both the Global North and South, providing insights into the cross-national impacts of social policies.
3. Global Inequality, the Middle Classes, and the Welfare State (GloWel)
GloWel investigates the role of the middle class in social integration, focusing on social inequalities and the welfare state. Using comparative methods, GloWel examines these issues across Northern and Southern countries, analyzing how welfare policies shape social cohesion and economic stability in diverse cultural contexts.
Benefits of the DAAD GSSP Scholarship
The DAAD GSSP scholarship provides selected PhD candidates with comprehensive financial, academic, and professional benefits, including:
Eligibility Requirements
The DAAD GSSP at BIGSSS is open to highly qualified international PhD candidates who meet the following requirements:
Applicants should also have a well-developed research proposal that aligns with BIGSSS’s research themes.
How to Apply for the DAAD GSSP at BIGSSS
Interested candidates must submit a complete application by November 25, 2024, via the BIGSSS Application & Admission page. The application package should include:
Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Receiving the DAAD GSSP Scholarship
Competition for the DAAD GSSP is intense, and applicants are encouraged to take the following steps to strengthen their applications:
Why Study at BIGSSS in Germany?
BIGSSS offers an ideal setting for PhD candidates to thrive in a globally recognized research environment. Located in Bremen, Germany, BIGSSS fosters an inclusive academic community where students benefit from the expertise of faculty across multiple disciplines. With DAAD’s backing, BIGSSS provides extensive resources, mentorship, and research opportunities, allowing candidates to contribute to meaningful projects that address real-world issues.
Moreover, studying in Germany offers numerous advantages, from access to world-class research facilities to opportunities for international networking. Germany’s position as a leader in research and innovation makes it an ideal destination for scholars looking to make an impact in their fields.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program at BIGSSS is November 25, 2024. Prospective candidates should submit their application materials by this date to be considered for the 2025 cohort.
Conclusion
The DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Program at BIGSSS provides a unique and fully funded opportunity for international PhD candidates. Through interdisciplinary research, collaborative learning, and access to Germany’s academic resources, successful candidates will be well-prepared to address complex social and political challenges. This scholarship not only offers financial support but also fosters an enriching academic environment, making it an excellent choice for aspiring social science researchers worldwide.
