University of Erfurt CEREB PhD Scholarships 2027 in Germany: Fully Funded Doctoral Research Opportunity in Economics and Behavioral Sciences

<p>The <strong>Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences (CEREB) at the University of Erfurt, Germany</strong>, is inviting applications from outstanding prospective doctoral researchers for <strong>PhD scholarships beginning in 2027</strong>. The scholarships are funded through the <strong>Thuringian State Graduate Support Programme</strong> and are intended to support excellent doctoral projects undertaken within the University of Erfurt’s structured doctoral environment. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/en/faculty-of-economics-law-and-social-sciences/research/scientific-career/graduate-centers/center-for-empirical-research-in-economics-and-behavioral-sciences-cereb?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>This opportunity is particularly suitable for researchers whose academic interests lie at the intersection of <strong>economics, psychology, behavioral sciences, management, organizational research, decision-making, health communication, corporate governance, business ethics, and related empirical disciplines</strong>.</p> <p>Successful applicants can receive <strong>€1,400 per month</strong>, with additional family support where applicable. The standard funding period is <strong>three years</strong>, with the possibility of an extension for a fourth year upon application. The application deadline is <strong>24 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>About the University of Erfurt CEREB</h2> <p>The <strong>Center for Empirical Research in Economics and Behavioral Sciences, commonly known as CEREB</strong>, is an interdisciplinary graduate and research center based at the University of Erfurt.</p> <p>Its central aim is to bring together theoretical approaches and empirical research methods to investigate important questions about:</p> <ul> <li>human behavior;</li> <li>individual and collective decision-making;</li> <li>economic behavior;</li> <li>psychological processes;</li> <li>organizational decision-making;</li> <li>institutional environments;</li> <li>education and life-course development; and</li> <li>social outcomes.</li> </ul> <p>CEREB places particular emphasis on understanding <strong>how people make decisions, why they make particular choices, how those choices can be empirically studied, and how better decision-making can be facilitated in different social and institutional settings</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/en/faculty-of-economics-law-and-social-sciences/research/scientific-career/graduate-centers/center-for-empirical-research-in-economics-and-behavioral-sciences-cereb?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>The center brings together researchers from different academic disciplines and career stages and operates within an internationally connected research environment.</p> <h2>What Does CEREB Research?</h2> <p>CEREB&#8217;s academic profile is strongly interdisciplinary. Research combines theoretical models of human behavior with quantitative and empirical approaches.</p> <p>The center examines decision-making across a broad spectrum, including conventional concepts of rational choice as well as more complex behavioral models involving:</p> <ul> <li>bounded rationality;</li> <li>heuristics;</li> <li>context-dependent decisions;</li> <li>social influences;</li> <li>individual differences;</li> <li>organizational structures;</li> <li>institutional processes; and</li> <li>life-course development.</li> </ul> <p>Researchers also study how people pursue goals, how different environments affect their choices, and how institutional arrangements influence both individual and managerial decision-making. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/en/faculty-of-economics-law-and-social-sciences/research/scientific-career/graduate-centers/center-for-empirical-research-in-economics-and-behavioral-sciences-cereb?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>University of Erfurt CEREB PhD Scholarships 2027</h2> <p>CEREB is currently seeking <strong>excellent PhD candidates</strong> who would undertake doctoral research at the University of Erfurt with financial support from a university-administered doctoral scholarship.</p> <p>The wider funding call states that the University of Erfurt intends to award <strong>up to four doctoral scholarships</strong> using funding from the <strong>Thuringian State Graduate Support Programme</strong>.</p> <p>The awards are designed to support high-quality doctoral projects conducted within the University&#8217;s structured <strong>Erfurt Doctoral and Postdoctoral Programme (EPPP)</strong> through one of its certified Graduate Centres or the Max-Weber-Kolleg. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/en/research/news/announcements" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>Applicants interested specifically in CEREB must align their doctoral project with CEREB&#8217;s academic and research areas.</p> <h2>Research Areas Available Through CEREB</h2> <p>Successful CEREB scholarship recipients may have opportunities to interact and collaborate with researchers working in several fields, including:</p> <ul> <li>Behavioral economics</li> <li>Social psychology</li> <li>Health psychology</li> <li>Organizational psychology</li> <li>Organization and management</li> <li>Corporate ethics</li> <li>Business ethics</li> <li>Corporate governance</li> <li>Individual decision-making</li> <li>Group decision-making</li> <li>Child decision-making</li> <li>Medical decision-making</li> <li>Health communication</li> </ul> <p>The broad interdisciplinary structure allows doctoral researchers to develop projects spanning more than one academic discipline, provided there is a clear conceptual and methodological connection to CEREB&#8217;s research profile. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/en/faculty-of-economics-law-and-social-sciences/research/scientific-career/graduate-centers/center-for-empirical-research-in-economics-and-behavioral-sciences-cereb?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>Scholarship Funding</h2> <p>The CEREB-related doctoral scholarship provides substantial financial support for selected doctoral candidates.</p> <h3>Monthly Scholarship</h3> <p>Successful applicants receive:</p> <p><strong>€1,400 per month</strong></p> <p>as the basic scholarship amount. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>Family Allowance</h2> <p>Scholarship recipients with dependent children may also qualify for an additional family allowance.</p> <p>The current funding structure provides:</p> <ul> <li><strong>€300 per month for the first dependent child</strong></li> <li><strong>€150 per month for each additional dependent child</strong></li> </ul> <p>This additional support is provided on top of the monthly scholarship amount. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>Research and Travel Support</h2> <p>Subject to the availability of funding, doctoral scholarship holders may also apply for support toward research-related expenses.</p> <p>Up to:</p> <p><strong>€600 per funding year</strong></p> <p>may be available for approved research materials and travel expenses. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>This could potentially support activities connected with the doctoral project, such as academic travel, research materials, conferences, fieldwork, or similar research-related requirements, subject to approval and applicable funding rules.</p> <h2>Scholarship Duration</h2> <p>The standard doctoral scholarship period is:</p> <p><strong>Three years</strong></p> <p>However, scholarship recipients may request an extension for:</p> <p><strong>One additional year</strong></p> <p>which means the overall funding period can potentially reach a maximum of <strong>four years</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>An extension is not necessarily automatic and is subject to the applicable scholarship rules and approval process.</p> <h2>Funding Start Date</h2> <p>The planned start of scholarship funding is:</p> <p><strong>1 April 2027</strong></p> <p>The University specifies that funding must begin no later than:</p> <p><strong>1 July 2027</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>Applicants should therefore plan their doctoral admission, university enrolment, Graduate Centre membership, and other administrative requirements accordingly.</p> <h2>Benefits of Joining CEREB</h2> <p>The scholarship is more than a monthly financial award. Successful researchers become part of a structured academic environment intended to support doctoral training, research development, professional networking, and academic career advancement.</p> <p>Scholarship recipients can benefit from:</p> <h3>Structured Graduate Programme</h3> <p>Candidates have access to a structured graduate programme within the University of Erfurt.</p> <p>This provides a more organized doctoral experience compared with undertaking research completely independently.</p> <h3>Research Network</h3> <p>CEREB brings together scholars from economics, psychology, management and behavioral sciences, giving doctoral candidates access to interdisciplinary research expertise.</p> <h3>International Academic Connections</h3> <p>CEREB maintains collaborations with international research institutions and encourages academically rigorous, internationally connected research. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/en/faculty-of-economics-law-and-social-sciences/research/scientific-career/graduate-centers/center-for-empirical-research-in-economics-and-behavioral-sciences-cereb?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h3>Research Projects</h3> <p>Doctoral candidates may become connected with recent and ongoing research projects relevant to the center&#8217;s areas of expertise.</p> <h3>Academic Skills Training</h3> <p>The University also provides scholarship holders with access to <strong>Academic Skills Training</strong>, designed to strengthen research and professional competencies.</p> <h3>Science Communication Opportunities</h3> <p>Scholarship holders may participate in university platforms supporting the communication of scientific research to wider audiences. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>Responsibilities of Scholarship Holders</h2> <p>Successful recipients are expected to participate actively in the University&#8217;s structured doctoral environment.</p> <p>Scholarship holders are generally required to:</p> <ul> <li>participate regularly in the programme of their Graduate Centre or the Max-Weber-Kolleg;</li> <li>complete at least <strong>six Academic Skills Training courses</strong>;</li> <li>participate actively in academic networking activities; and</li> <li>submit a progress report approximately <strong>18 months after funding begins</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></li> </ul> <p>Applicants should therefore view the scholarship as participation in a structured research programme rather than simply receiving financial assistance.</p> <h2>Academic Eligibility Requirements</h2> <p>Applicants must demonstrate strong academic qualifications and clear research potential.</p> <p>The official funding requirements include <strong>above-average academic achievements and examination results demonstrating particular aptitude for academic research</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>The selection process particularly considers:</p> <ul> <li>previous academic performance;</li> <li>examination results;</li> <li>previous academic or research work;</li> <li>research potential;</li> <li>methodological quality of the proposed doctoral project;</li> <li>academic significance of the research;</li> <li>quality of the research proposal; and</li> <li>feasibility of the proposed work and time schedule. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></li> </ul> <p>Applicants should therefore submit a carefully designed PhD proposal that demonstrates both academic significance and practical feasibility.</p> <h2>Acceptance as a Doctoral Candidate</h2> <p>Applicants must be accepted as doctoral candidates by:</p> <ul> <li>one of the University of Erfurt&#8217;s faculties; or</li> <li>the Max-Weber-Kolleg,</li> </ul> <p>by the beginning of the funding period at the latest.</p> <p>That doctoral status must then be maintained throughout the scholarship period. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>For CEREB applicants, the proposed doctoral project would normally be associated with the relevant University of Erfurt faculty and CEREB research structure.</p> <h2>University Enrolment Requirement</h2> <p>Scholarship recipients must also be formally enrolled, or matriculated, at the <strong>University of Erfurt</strong> by the start of the funding period.</p> <p>Doctoral enrolment is therefore distinct from simply receiving the scholarship or securing the support of a potential supervisor. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>CEREB Membership Requirement</h2> <p>Applicants whose scholarship application is assigned to CEREB must obtain <strong>full membership of the relevant Graduate Centre</strong> no later than the beginning of the funding period.</p> <p>Applicants will also need evidence that they have established contact with their intended Graduate Centre during the application process. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>Importantly, the official scholarship documentation states that candidates <strong>cannot apply simultaneously to several Graduate Centres</strong>.</p> <p>Applicants must therefore identify the Graduate Centre most appropriate for their proposed research.</p> <h2>Health Insurance Requirement</h2> <p>Successful candidates must provide current proof of health insurance by the beginning of the scholarship funding period. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>International candidates should therefore take health insurance requirements into account while preparing for doctoral study in Germany.</p> <h2>Restrictions on Double Funding</h2> <p>The scholarship generally cannot be combined with another source of public funding that covers the same period and purpose.</p> <p>The University specifies that simultaneous funding from other public funds or publicly financed institutions for the same purpose is not permitted. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>Funding for research-related stays abroad may nevertheless remain possible where permitted under the applicable regulations.</p> <h2>Employment During the Scholarship</h2> <p>Scholarship holders can undertake limited paid employment, but restrictions apply.</p> <p>Paid research or teaching work at a university or non-university research institution is permitted for up to:</p> <p><strong>12 hours per week</strong></p> <p>Other employment is generally limited to:</p> <p><strong>5 hours per week</strong>.</p> <p>Participation in teaching must also remain within the University&#8217;s prescribed limits. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>Applicants who intend to continue substantial employment alongside their PhD should therefore review these conditions carefully before applying.</p> <h1>Application Documents Required</h1> <p>The University requires candidates to submit a comprehensive doctoral scholarship application.</p> <h2>1. Cover Letter</h2> <p>Applicants must submit a cover letter of no more than <strong>two pages</strong>.</p> <p>It should identify the Graduate Centre to which the applicant is applying and provide detailed reasons for seeking the scholarship through that particular Graduate Centre.</p> <p>For this opportunity, applicants would identify <strong>CEREB</strong> where appropriate.</p> <p>The letter may also explain:</p> <ul> <li>why CEREB is appropriate for the proposed doctoral research;</li> <li>links between the applicant&#8217;s research interests and CEREB;</li> <li>any relevant connections with other University research areas;</li> <li>whether work on the doctoral project has already started; and</li> <li>the extent of any preparatory research already undertaken. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></li> </ul> <h2>2. Curriculum Vitae</h2> <p>Applicants must submit:</p> <ul> <li>a CV in tabular format; and</li> <li>the University&#8217;s supplementary CV form.</li> </ul> <p>Applicants should clearly present academic qualifications, research experience, publications, professional experience where relevant, methodological training and other achievements supporting their doctoral research potential.</p> <h2>3. PhD Research Proposal</h2> <p>A detailed exposé of the proposed doctoral project is required.</p> <p>The research proposal should include:</p> <ul> <li>the main research question;</li> <li>background and current state of research;</li> <li>research objectives;</li> <li>proposed methodology; and</li> <li>bibliography.</li> </ul> <p>The main project outline should normally be approximately <strong>6–8 pages</strong>, excluding the cover page and bibliography. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>4. Work and Time Schedule</h2> <p>Applicants must provide a detailed plan explaining how the PhD will be completed within the standard <strong>three-year scholarship period</strong>.</p> <p>A credible timeline is an important part of the evaluation because the selection committee assesses the plausibility and feasibility of the proposed work schedule.</p> <h2>5. Evidence of Contact With CEREB</h2> <p>Applicants must submit confirmation showing that contact has been established with the relevant Graduate Centre.</p> <p>Applicants who are already full members may instead provide the appropriate Graduate Centre admission documentation. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>6. Doctoral Acceptance Confirmation</h2> <p>Where already available, applicants should include confirmation from the relevant University faculty or the Max-Weber-Kolleg showing that they have been accepted as a doctoral candidate.</p> <h2>7. Academic Publications and Presentations</h2> <p>Applicants who have publications, conference papers or academic presentations may provide a list of these achievements.</p> <p>While not every applicant will necessarily have extensive publications, relevant academic work may strengthen the application.</p> <h2>8. University Degree Certificates</h2> <p>Applicants must submit relevant degree certificates.</p> <p>This can include:</p> <ul> <li>Diploma;</li> <li>Magister;</li> <li>Bachelor&#8217;s degree; and</li> <li>Master&#8217;s degree.</li> </ul> <p>Where documents were originally issued in a language other than <strong>German or English</strong>, applicants must also provide a <strong>certified translation into German or English</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>9. Final Thesis</h2> <p>Applicants must provide a complete copy of their relevant final academic thesis, such as a:</p> <ul> <li>Master&#8217;s thesis;</li> <li>Diploma thesis; or</li> <li>Magister thesis.</li> </ul> <p>If the thesis was not written in German or English, applicants must additionally provide a <strong>summary of up to two pages in German or English</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>10. Data Processing Consent</h2> <p>Applicants must submit the required signed consent regarding processing of personal data.</p> <h2>11. Academic Recommendation Letter</h2> <p>A current and signed academic recommendation is also required.</p> <p>The recommendation must be written by a:</p> <ul> <li>professor; or</li> <li>other university teacher,</li> </ul> <p>either at the University of Erfurt or another higher education institution. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>Importantly, the recommendation must <strong>not be included in the applicant&#8217;s main application PDF</strong>.</p> <p>The referee must submit it separately and before the application deadline.</p> <h1>How to Submit the Application</h1> <p>Applicants must combine the required documents, except the separately submitted recommendation letter, into:</p> <p><strong>One PDF file</strong></p> <p>The PDF must:</p> <ul> <li>include a table of contents;</li> <li>contain documents in the prescribed order; and</li> <li>not exceed <strong>5 MB</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></li> </ul> <p>Applications are submitted <strong>by email only</strong> to the University of Erfurt&#8217;s Research and Graduate Services.</p> <p>The required email subject format is:</p> <p><strong>Application for the State Graduate Scholarship 2026 – surname, first name</strong></p> <p>Incomplete applications, applications failing to meet formal requirements, or submissions received after the deadline cannot be considered. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>Application Deadline</h2> <p>The final application deadline is:</p> <p><strong>24 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET</strong></p> <p>Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day because the application requires coordination with a Graduate Centre and an academic referee.</p> <p>Funding is expected to begin on <strong>1 April 2027</strong>, or no later than <strong>1 July 2027</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>Selection Process</h2> <p>Applications will be evaluated primarily on the applicant&#8217;s academic capabilities and the quality of the proposed doctoral project.</p> <p>The selection committee considers:</p> <ul> <li>academic achievements;</li> <li>examination results;</li> <li>previous scholarly work;</li> <li>demonstrated research ability;</li> <li>quality of the proposed doctoral research;</li> <li>methodological rigor;</li> <li>academic relevance;</li> <li>feasibility of the research plan; and</li> <li>realism of the proposed timetable. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></li> </ul> <p>The University expects the application evaluation and decision process to take approximately <strong>ten weeks</strong>, with applicants expected to receive results by around the <strong>end of February 2027</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>The final number of scholarships depends on the availability and allocation of state funding.</p> <h2>Equal Opportunity and International Applicants</h2> <p>The University states that applications are welcomed <strong>regardless of origin, gender, disability, age, religion or worldview, sexual orientation or identity</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>There is no nationality restriction stated in the official scholarship announcement.</p> <p>Therefore, qualified international candidates may apply, provided they satisfy the academic, doctoral admission, Graduate Centre membership, enrolment and other applicable requirements.</p> <p>Where candidates have equivalent qualifications and projects of comparable quality, the University&#8217;s selection framework also addresses gender equality and may consider circumstances including disability, chronic illness, voluntary engagement and certain social criteria. Providing such personal information is voluntary. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/fileadmin/Hauptseiten/Forschung/Graduiertenfoerderung/Ausschreibungen/Ausschreibung_Promotionsstipendien_Landesgraduiertenfoerderung_2026_EN.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <h2>Why Consider the CEREB PhD Scholarship?</h2> <p>For students interested in empirical research on economics and human behavior, the CEREB scholarship provides several significant advantages.</p> <p>It combines:</p> <ul> <li>monthly financial support;</li> <li>multi-year doctoral funding;</li> <li>possible family allowances;</li> <li>potential research and travel support;</li> <li>structured doctoral training;</li> <li>interdisciplinary research supervision;</li> <li>interaction with researchers from multiple fields;</li> <li>academic skills development;</li> <li>international research connections; and</li> <li>participation in an established German research university.</li> </ul> <p>The interdisciplinary nature of CEREB may be particularly valuable for applicants whose research cannot be comfortably classified within a single traditional discipline.</p> <p>Researchers studying economic decisions, psychology, management, organizational behavior, governance, health communication or human decision-making may therefore find the center particularly relevant.</p> <h2>Important Advice for Applicants</h2> <p>Applicants should begin preparations well before the November deadline.</p> <p>A strong application is likely to require several separate components to be developed simultaneously.</p> <p>Candidates should particularly focus on:</p> <ol start="1"> <li>identifying whether their doctoral topic genuinely fits CEREB&#8217;s research profile;</li> <li>establishing contact with CEREB before applying;</li> <li>developing a rigorous and realistic research proposal;</li> <li>identifying an appropriate potential doctoral supervisor;</li> <li>obtaining an academic recommendation early;</li> <li>preparing degree certificates and certified translations where required;</li> <li>ensuring the doctoral project can realistically be completed within three years; and</li> <li>checking every formal application requirement before submission.</li> </ol> <p>A technically strong proposal that is poorly matched with CEREB may be less competitive than a project demonstrating clear intellectual overlap with the center&#8217;s research agenda.</p> <h2>Conclusion</h2> <p>The <strong>University of Erfurt CEREB PhD Scholarships 2027</strong> offer an excellent opportunity for high-performing prospective doctoral researchers seeking structured PhD training in Germany in areas connected with economics, psychology, behavioral sciences, management, decision-making and organizational research.</p> <p>With funding of <strong>€1,400 per month</strong>, additional family allowances, possible research and travel funding, structured academic training and potential support for up to four years, the programme provides a strong foundation for researchers pursuing an academic or research-intensive career.</p> <p>Applicants should pay particular attention to the quality of their doctoral research proposal, methodological design, academic record and fit with CEREB&#8217;s interdisciplinary research agenda.</p> <p>The <strong>application deadline is 24 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CET</strong>, with funding scheduled to begin from <strong>1 April 2027</strong>. <a href="https://www.uni-erfurt.de/en/faculty-of-economics-law-and-social-sciences/research/scientific-career/graduate-centers/center-for-empirical-research-in-economics-and-behavioral-sciences-cereb?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Erfurt</a></p> <p>For more global opportunities, click <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/">HERE</a>.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/09/25/university-of-erfurt-cereb-phd-scholarships-2027-in-germany-fully-funded-doctoral-research-opportunity-in-economics-and-behavioral-sciences/">University of Erfurt CEREB PhD Scholarships 2027 in Germany: Fully Funded Doctoral Research Opportunity in Economics and Behavioral Sciences</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>