Are there any tuition fees?
No, DLGS charges no tuition fees. However, students in the doctoral programme must be able to finance their study, which includes covering living costs and research costs. As a DLGS PhD candidate, you are also expected to enrol as a student at TUD which charges a semester enrolment fee and provides a semester ticket.
How can I secure funding for my studies at DLGS?
DLGS Scholarships: A full-time scholarship for a period of three years and is offered by the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER). Applications are accepted once a year for a specific topic call or on a rolling basis for open topics of relevance. All applications must be submitted via the online application system and are subject to a selection process.
NEXtra Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides funding for 3,5 years for a joint programme of IOER, UNU-FLORES, and TUD. The call for NEXtra applications is announced once a year and is managed by UNU-FLORES.
External funding: Applicants can enrol in the DLGS doctoral programme if they are externally funded. Applicants seeking external funding should inform us of any relevant deadlines and additional requirements set by the funding institutions. Extrenally-funded applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Independent, self-funded candidates are also encouraged to apply.
What does the DLGS scholarship offer include?
The DLGS scholarship offer includes the following: a fixed monthly stipend to cover living expenses in Dresden (as of 2025: €1,515), funds for German classes (for international students), conference travel funds (as of 2025: a total of €3,000 for three years), limited funds for project-related travel (incl. one international round-trip to conduct field work) and other research expenses (subject to approval), and a round-trip from the country of origin to Germany. There is no additional family supplement for fellows accompanied by a partner and/or children.
