As with all research projects, solid funding is crucial for the success of your doctorate. At our university, there are various ways in which you can secure and successfully implement your research project - both within the framework of programmes and through individual solutions.
Many doctoral students at the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences work as part of an academic project position. They work on research projects and usually have a contractually agreed research component that gives them time for their own dissertation. Enquire in your department about current or planned research projects that include doctoral positions.
Part-time positions (TV-L) are common.
The work offers insights into applied research and academic operations.
Doctoral supervision is often directly linked to the project context.
Some doctoral students are funded through third-party projects, e.g. through
Research projects (BMBF, EU, DFG)
Practice partners (e.g. municipal institutions, NGOs, companies)
Co-operation projects with colleges or universities
In these cases, the doctorate is often thematically linked to an overarching research project. Close coordination with supervisors and project management is essential.
Doctoral scholarships are another important source of funding. These are awarded either directly by the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern or via external funding organisations.
State Graduate Funding M-V
The Landesgraduiertenförderung Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (LGF M-V) offers doctoral scholarships for particularly qualified university graduates, including graduates of universities of applied sciences (HAW). These scholarships are usually advertised twice a year and are also eligible for cooperative doctorates with universities outside the state.
Monthly basic scholarship(€1,500 per month as a basic scholarship; family supplement: €150 for the first child, €100 for each additional child)
Application via the supervising university in MV
The State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Graduate Funding Scheme does not currently provide for any lump-sum reimbursement of material or travelling expenses. However, additional funds can be applied for in justified exceptional cases, for example for
Research-related travel (e.g. conferences, archive visits)
Special materials or software required for the doctoral project
External scholarship providers:
Numerous foundations and organisations award doctoral scholarships to particularly qualified and socially committed young academics - often combined with non-material support, networking opportunities and further training opportunities.
Study Foundation of the German People
The largest and most renowned organisation for the promotion of gifted students in Germany - independent of party politics and denomination.
Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES)
Foundation of the SPD - supports socio-politically committed doctoral students with a focus on social justice and democracy.
Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS)
Foundation of the CDU - supports doctoral students with socio-political commitment and a Christian-democratic understanding of values.
Foundation of the Green Party - supports doctoral projects on sustainability, ecology, democracy and gender equality.
DGB Foundation - supports socially committed doctoral students, particularly in the fields of labour and social policy.
Foundation of the Left Party - supports doctoral students with a socio-critical perspective and social commitment.
DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service
Supports international doctoral students and research stays in Germany and abroad.
Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst
Supports Protestant doctoral students from all disciplines with a social commitment.
The Catholic Church's scholarship programme for gifted students - supports doctoral students with a commitment to the church and society.
Scholarships from the organisations for the promotion of gifted students
In Germany, there are also 13 funding organisations - supported by the BMBF - that award scholarships to students and doctoral candidates. These are intended to support committed and talented young academics in the realisation of their further qualifications. The funding is usually awarded in the form of doctoral scholarships, whereby the amount of the benefits paid depends on the personal and financial situation of the individual.
In principle, above-average performance and social commitment are decisive for the award. The exact requirements to be met are set out in the conditions of the individual programmes (e.g. socio-politically relevant doctoral topic, religious denomination). The following is a list of general links and information on the scholarship programmes for gifted students.
General information:
BMBF - Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Plus Scholarship - Support for gifted students in higher education
Information pages for scholarship seekers:
https://www.lernen.net/stipendium/ - Scholarship guide + self-test
https://www.schreiben.net/stipendium-erhalten-behalten/ - Get and keep a scholarship
In some cases, doctoral students also finance themselves through:
Teaching assignments at universities
Working as a tutor or research assistant
freelance or practice-related activities in the subject area of the doctorate
Note: Be aware of possible time and legal restrictions in connection with scholarships or employment.
A doctorate does not necessarily have to be full-time. A part-time doctorate is also possible at the Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences.
This option is suitable if you:
work in a profession related to your field (e.g. in science, administration, counselling, education, healthcare or technology),
would like to anchor your doctoral project in your own working environment,
or are dependent on gainful employment for family or financial reasons.
What you should bring with you:
Very good time management and stamina
Willingness to liaise closely with the supervising universities
Clearly defined research question with practical relevance
Possible sources of funding:
Own professional activity (full-time or part-time)
Support from the employer (e.g. through leave of absence or project integration)
Supplementary scholarships or teaching assignments
Tip: Clarify with your supervisor at an early stage whether it is realistic and sensible to work part-time on your research topic. Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences will support you with individual planning and compatibility.
