University of Bayreuth 2025 BIGSAS Scholarships for African Scholars

The University of Bayreuth’s BIGSAS has received two scholarships under the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP), sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). BIGSAS will nominate candidates who successfully complete the application process for these scholarships.

BIGSAS offers a dynamic center for innovative PhD training, leveraging the interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment of the Institute of African Studies (IAS) and the Cluster of Excellence, “Africa Multiple: Reconfiguring African Studies” at the University of Bayreuth.

Benefits of University of Bayreuth BIGSAS Scholarships

Monthly payments of 1,200 euros
Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover
Travel lump sum (depending on country of origin)
Annual research allowance of 460 euros

Under certain circumstances, grant holders may receive the following additional benefits:

monthly rent subsidy
monthly allowance for accompanying members of family (about 200 euros child allowance per child; about 275 euros marriage allowance)

Additionally, the host graduate school can receive an annual material resource and supervision allowance (1000 euros).

Requirements for University of Bayreuth BIGSAS Scholarships

Applicants must have a very good Master’s Degree in one of the disciplines represented at the graduate school. The Master’s Degree must have been obtained within the last six years.
Applicants should not have been in Germany for more than twelve months.
Applications may be submitted in German, English or French, the working language of BIGSAS is English.

Selection Process

The scholarship periods begin in October 2025 at the earliest (including a German language course starting in summer 2025, if applicable). The scholarships are awarded for a total scholarship period of up to four years.