DHET Funda Germany Scholarship Programme 2026/2027

Want to do your PhD in Germany on a fully funded scholarship? The DHET Funda Germany Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 (PhD) is open for South African applicants to study at Constructor University in Bremen, with studies commencing in September 2026. The key to a strong application is starting early — you’ll need to line up a research area and a willing supervisor before you submit.

What this opportunity is

This is a fully funded PhD scholarship for South Africans to study at Constructor University (an English‑medium campus university in Bremen). DHET notes that candidates must meet both (1) the scholarship requirements and (2) the entry criteria for the selected PhD programme at Constructor University.

Eligibility requirements and common “gotchas”

These are high‑impact screening points pulled from the official call. If you miss any of these, your application can fail early:

• Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen.
• Health: Must be in good health.
• Academic performance: DHET states a minimum 60% average in previous studies for postgraduate applicants.
• Full‑time availability: Must be able to study full‑time in Germany from September 2026.
• Programme entry: You must meet Constructor University’s admission requirements for the selected PhD field.
• PhD-specific requirement: You need a faculty member willing to supervise you and provide a Proof of Acceptance (this is part of the process).
• Consent box: The application form includes a consent box to allow your application to be shared with DHET — if you don’t tick it, you won’t be considered.

What the scholarship offers (as listed)

The official call lists the following benefits (always confirm final terms in the official documentation and any award contract):

• Return airfare to Germany
• Tuition fees
• Monthly stipend for living expenses
• Accommodation
• Once‑off settlement allowance
• Mid‑term flight after 18 months (PhD students)
• Medical insurance allowance
• Annual allowance at the beginning of each academic year
• Academic support for qualifying postgraduate students
• Psychosocial support
• Pre‑departure orientation
• SAQA verification of qualification and one professional board examination (if applicable)

Application checklist

Prepare these documents early (exact portal requirements can change, so always follow the live application form):

• Copy of SA ID (and passport if available — the call notes you can apply without a passport if needed)
• National Senior Certificate (or equivalent)
• Bachelor’s degree certificate + transcript
• Master’s degree certificate + transcript
• SAQA verification certificate (only if a qualification was obtained internationally)
• Comprehensive CV
• Motivation/essay (interests, alignment with programme, contribution to campus community)
• Signed reference letter on official letterhead (lecturer/professor and/or employer)
• Research project outline (max 1000 words) agreed with prospective supervisor

Resources & Guides Hub: https://bursaries-southafrica.co.za/ (use your preferred hub page link)

Quick tips for applicants

• Prioritise supervisor outreach early — delays here are the #1 reason strong candidates miss the deadline.
• Keep your proposal outline within 1000 words and make it easy to evaluate (problem, approach, feasibility).
• Ensure your reference letter is signed, on letterhead, and includes contact details.
• Don’t forget the consent box — without it, DHET won’t receive your application for scholarship consideration.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting without a confirmed supervisor / Proof of Acceptance.
• Using the wrong application route or leaving the application incomplete.
• Forgetting to tick the consent box to share your application with DHET.
• Uploading missing transcripts or unclear scans.
• Exceeding the 1000‑word proposal limit or submitting a generic proposal not aligned to the supervisor’s area.

About the sponsor

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) administers South Africa’s international scholarship programmes to support high‑impact skills and research development. Constructor University is the host institution in Bremen, Germany, providing the academic programmes and supervision for funded candidates.

Closing date

Applications close on 31 March 2026. Because the PhD route requires engagement with a supervisor and a proposal outline, don’t treat this like a quick form — start now.

How to apply

DHET outlines a clear PhD process for this scholarship:

• Step 1: Identify a research area and contact a potential supervisor (use the PhD degrees/supervisors listing).
• Step 2: Develop a PhD proposal outline (max 1000 words) with supervisor support.
• Step 3: Obtain Proof of Acceptance from a Constructor University faculty member confirming willingness to supervise.
• Step 4: Submit your online application via the dedicated Constructor University PhD application form — and tick the consent box so DHET can assess you for the scholarship.