The IEG Germany Mainz PhD Fellowship 2027 is an opportunity for doctoral researchers who are already working on a history-related PhD and need dedicated time to write and complete their dissertations in Germany. The fellowship is hosted by the Leibniz Institute of European History (IEG) in Mainz and is designed for an advanced stage of doctoral research.

The next call is expected in December 2026, with an anticipated application deadline of February 15, 2027. The fellowship period is expected to begin from September 2027. Since the official call has not yet been published, applicants should confirm the final dates and requirements when the 2027 announcement becomes available.

IEG Mainz PhD Fellowship 2027 at a Glance

The fellowship is open to international and German doctoral researchers whose projects fit the institute's research profile. Successful fellows can receive €1,650 per month for a stay of six to 12 months in Mainz.

Other key details include:

• Expected deadline: February 15, 2027
• Expected start: September 2027
• Duration: Six to 12 months
• Monthly stipend: €1,650
• Eligible applicants: International and German doctoral researchers
• Research areas: European history, religious history and related historically oriented disciplines
• Age limit: No stated age restriction
• Application fee: No fee announced
• Family allowance: €250 for a partner, €400 for the first child and €100 for each additional child

Who Can Apply for the IEG Mainz Doctoral Fellowship?

The IEG Mainz Doctoral Fellowship is intended for researchers who are already enrolled in a PhD programme at their home university. It is therefore different from a PhD admission scholarship.

Applicants must remain enrolled and supervised by their home university while spending their fellowship period at the IEG in Mainz. The programme mainly supports the writing and completion stage of a dissertation.

A suitable project should generally focus on European history from the early modern period through contemporary history. Research involving comparative or cross-border perspectives, Europe's relationship with the wider world, intellectual and religious history, environmental history or digital methods may fit particularly well with the institute's interests.

Applicants should normally have worked on their dissertation for no more than three years by the application deadline. Justified exceptions may be considered.

What Does the €1,650 Fellowship Provide?

Selected doctoral fellows receive a monthly stipend of €1,650 during the fellowship. They also receive access to the IEG's academic resources, library and workspace, together with mentoring and interaction with researchers at the institute.

Family allowances may also be available. The stated amounts are €250 for a partner, €400 for the first child and €100 for every additional child.

Fellows may also have the opportunity to rent an affordable room in the institute's residence, depending on availability. This accommodation should not be treated as completely free.

During the fellowship, researchers are expected to live in Mainz and take part in the institute's academic programme. This includes weekly colloquia and other scholarly activities. Fellows are also expected to present their research at least once.

How to Prepare Your PhD Research Proposal

A strong application should demonstrate that your dissertation is sufficiently advanced for a dedicated writing period. The fellowship is not intended primarily for preliminary research, language training or turning an already completed dissertation into a book.

Your project description should explain the central research question, methodology, current progress and the chapters you intend to complete during your stay.

The source material and research should already be substantially developed. Your proposal should then show how six to 12 months in Mainz will help you finish the dissertation.

The project description should be limited to 15,000 characters, excluding spaces and footnotes. Prepare a detailed work plan showing what you expect to accomplish during each stage of the fellowship.

Documents to Prepare Before the Call Opens

Applicants should begin gathering their documents several months before the expected deadline. These may include:

• Academic CV and publication list, where applicable
• Dissertation table of contents
• Project description
• Detailed work plan and timeline
• University degree certificates
• Relevant language certificates
• Two academic reference letters

The proposal and work schedule should complement each other. A clear timetable can help demonstrate that the planned dissertation chapters are realistic within the fellowship period.

Arrange Two Academic Reference Letters

Two reference letters are required. One should come from your principal PhD supervisor. The second should come from an external academic at another university or from a related discipline.

Both referees must be authorized to supervise doctoral dissertations.

Applicants should contact their referees several weeks before the deadline. Providing them with your research proposal, chapter structure and writing schedule can help them prepare letters that address your academic progress and research plans.

How to Apply for the IEG Mainz PhD Fellowship 2027

To prepare for the expected 2027 application round, follow these steps:

• Check whether your dissertation fits the IEG's European history research profile.
• Confirm that your PhD research is sufficiently advanced for the writing stage.
• Prepare your academic CV and dissertation materials.
• Develop a practical six-to-12-month work plan.
• Contact both referees well before the deadline.
• Prepare the application in English or German, using the language in which you can present your research most clearly.
• Submit the application through the official IEG fellowship portal once the 2027 call opens.

IEG Germany Mainz PhD Fellowship 2027 Deadline

The expected deadline for the IEG Germany Mainz PhD Fellowship 2027 is February 15, 2027, for a fellowship beginning in September 2027. However, this date is based on the anticipated 2027 call and should be confirmed against the official announcement when it is published.

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