Applications are now open for the University of Vechta PhD Scholarships 2027 in Germany. The University of Vechta is offering up to three fully funded doctoral scholarships for international researchers interested in social justice, sustainability and transformation processes in rural areas.
The scholarships are part of the doctoral college “Justice Dimensions of Sustainability-Oriented Transformation Processes in Rural Areas (PK 060)” and are funded by the Hans Böckler Foundation. Successful candidates will conduct interdisciplinary doctoral research with academic supervision and opportunities for international collaboration.
The program is particularly relevant to researchers working on sustainable development, energy justice, climate action, rural resilience, spatial justice and social inclusion.
University of Vechta PhD Scholarships 2027 Overview
- Host University: University of Vechta
- Degree Level: PhD
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Nationality: International Students
- Study Country: Germany
- Duration: Up to 3 years
- Monthly Funding: €1,650
- Application Deadline: 02 November 2026
Monthly Scholarship Funding
The scholarship provides a total of €1,650 per month, consisting of:
- €1,550 basic scholarship
- €100 research allowance
- Health insurance contribution of up to €100 per month, where applicable
- Possible family allowance for eligible candidates
Additional Academic Benefits
PhD researchers will also have access to:
- Funding for up to three years, subject to the scholarship conditions
- Methodological and thematic workshops
- Academic supervision and guidance
- Interdisciplinary research activities
- International research collaborations
- Opportunities for academic exchange
- A research environment focused on sustainability and social justice
Research Areas:
Potential research topics include:
Sustainability and Energy Justice
- Energy affordability and energy transitions
- Justice in rural and urban sustainability transitions
- Fair livelihoods and resilient communities
- Spatial justice
Climate, Nature and Society
- Climate and nature conservation policies
- Social impacts of environmental transitions
- Rural–urban sustainability relationships
- Global North–South perspectives on sustainability
Technology and Sustainable Transformation
- Digitalization and justice
- Bioeconomy and social change
- Socio-technical innovation
- Risk, uncertainty and perceptions of fairness
Social and Political Dimensions
- Gender justice in sustainability transitions
- The role of trade unions in environmentally just transitions
- Ethical questions surrounding sustainable development
- Social inclusion in rural transformation
Also Check: University of British Columbia Fellowship 2027 in Canada | Schmidt Science Fellowships
International Research Network
The doctoral college connects researchers with academic and research institutions in Germany and abroad. Its research network includes organizations such as:
- Leuphana University Lüneburg
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research
- Basque Centre for Climate Change
- Lund University
- Copernicus Institute at Utrecht University
- University of Vermont
Eligibility Criteria:
The program is intended for researchers whose academic background and proposed research are relevant to sustainability and justice-oriented transformation.
Applicants may come from fields including:
- Human Geography
- Social Sciences
- Sustainability Science
- Applied Ethics
- Economics
- Psychology
- Related interdisciplinary fields
Language Requirements
Applicants must have suitable language skills for doctoral research.
- German: Minimum B2
- English: Minimum C1
Although the doctoral dissertation may be written entirely in English, candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in both German and English.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research exposé
- Relevant supporting documents
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the University of Vechta PhD Scholarships 2027 in Germany is: 2 November 2026
How to Apply for University of Vechta PhD Scholarships?
The application process is completed online through the Hans Böckler Foundation’s application portal.
Follow these steps:
- Review the eligibility requirements and research focus of the doctoral college.
- Develop a PhD research idea related to sustainability, justice and rural transformation.
- Discuss your proposed research with the academic directors where possible.
- Prepare a research expose of up to 10 pages.
- Collect your academic certificates, transcripts, CV and other supporting documents.
- Complete the online application through the Hans Böckler Foundation.
- Submit the complete application before 2 November 2026.
