Apply Now: Heidelberg University Robert and Christine Danizger 2024 Scholarship for African Students

The Robert and Christine Danziger Scholarship is awarded to exceptional doctoral candidates from Africa, particularly from Ghana or other West and Central African countries, who intend to pursue a doctorate at Heidelberg University in either Geography (with a focus on Geoinformatics) or Political Science and require financial assistance.

Benefits:

The scholarship offers €1,200 per month for doctoral students.
The funding period can last up to 36 months, with an initial approval for 24 months. An interim report from both the doctoral candidate and the supervisor is required before the end of the first year. If the report indicates insufficient progress, the scholarship approval may be revoked. Extensions of up to 12 months are possible in exceptional cases.

Important Information:

Recipients cannot receive another scholarship simultaneously.
The tax-free personal allowance from any income (self-employed or employed) must not be exceeded.
Scholarship holders can take up a maximum 25% position as graduate assistants at Heidelberg University, provided there is no overlap with the scholarship’s content and time. The personal allowance must be considered.
The tax status of the scholarship depends on individual circumstances; contact your tax office for clarification.

Scholarship Fields:

Geography
Political Science

Requirements:

To be eligible for the Robert and Christine Danziger Scholarship, you must:

Be from Africa, primarily Ghana or another West or Central African country.
Plan to pursue a doctorate at Heidelberg University in one of the following fields and apply for the upcoming winter semester:
- Geography with a focus on Geoinformatics
- Political Science
Be among the top candidates in your field.
Need financial assistance for your doctorate.
Plan to relocate to Germany for your PhD at Heidelberg University or currently reside in Germany and are attending a language course to acquire the necessary language skills.

Please note: Applying for the scholarship is separate from applying for a doctorate. You must also apply for a doctoral program at Heidelberg University in one of the specified fields.

Application Documents

Submit the following documents within the application period:

Signed application form
Current academic records: University diploma qualifying you for a doctorate (original certificate) with the final grade, and an official translation in German or English. If available, include an official conversion of the diploma to the German grading system.
- If your university diploma is not available by the end of the application period, you may submit a provisional certificate from the university confirming your academic performance so far (ideally with grades for all examinations taken), stating that you expect to complete your studies by the start of the semester following the application period. You must submit the missing certificate by the start of the lecture period.
Curriculum vitae in table format
Motivation letter referencing the doctoral topic
Recommendation letter from your potential doctoral supervisor (must be received by the end of the application period)
Proof of citizenship
Evidence of your financial situation (monthly income, parents’ pay slips, your own wage slips, etc.)