Gerda Henkel Research Scholarship 2027Up to €3,720/Month
€2,760–€3,720/month to advance humanities research
Apply for the Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship 2027, an international funding opportunity for postdoctoral researchers and established scholars conducting independent research in the historical humanities.
- Mode
- Independent, full-time research
- Age limit
- No general age limit
- Degree
- Completed PhD or eligible postdoctoral qualification
- Experience
- No universal employment requirement
Can you apply?
The foundation prioritises research in the historical humanities, including:
- Archaeology
- History
- History of Art
- History of Law
- History of Science
- Historical Islamic Studies
- Prehistory and Early History
Projects from related disciplines may also be considered when their central research question is historical in nature and clearly fits the foundation’s funding priorities.
Applicants should demonstrate the historical significance of their proposed research rather than relying solely on the name of their academic discipline.
What you get
1. Monthly research stipend
The scholarship provides a monthly award based on the applicant’s academic status.
| Researcher category | Monthly stipend |
|---|---|
| Postdoctoral researcher | €2,760 |
| Researcher with postdoctoral lecturing qualification or recognised equivalent | €3,720 |
The higher rate is not automatically available to everyone with a PhD. It is intended for applicants meeting the foundation’s criteria for an advanced postdoctoral qualification or equivalent academic status.
2. Research-abroad allowance
Eligible researchers carrying out their funded research abroad may receive an additional monthly allowance.
| Researcher category | Monthly research-abroad allowance |
|---|---|
| Postdoctoral researcher | €690 |
| Researcher with qualifying advanced postdoctoral status | €930 |
This allowance is conditional on the foundation’s rules. Applicants should not add it to their expected funding unless they meet the requirements.
3. Family allowance
Eligible researchers with children may receive:
- €480 per month for one child.
- An additional €120 per month for each further eligible child.
The family allowance generally applies to children under 18 and is subject to the foundation’s conditions.
4. Travel expenses
Researchers may request support for necessary travel associated with their approved research project.
Travel support is not automatically unlimited. Applicants should explain why the proposed journeys are necessary and provide a realistic cost calculation.
5. Research materials
The foundation may consider additional funding for research-related materials and other eligible project expenses.
Applicants should identify these costs in their proposal and budget. Approval depends on the project’s requirements and the foundation’s funding rules.
6. Student research assistance
Funding for student assistants may be available when justified by the research project and approved by the foundation.
Applying
Step 1: Check the official funding rules
Visit the Gerda Henkel Foundation’s Research Scholarships page and confirm that your academic qualifications, research field and project meet the eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your research proposal
Develop a clearly defined research project with an original historical research question, a suitable methodology and an achievable work plan.
Step 3: Prepare the project budget
Identify any necessary travel, materials or research assistance costs. Provide specific estimates and explanations rather than assuming these expenses will automatically be covered.
Step 4: Gather academic documents
Prepare your CV, publication list, PhD certificate, recommendation and any additional documentation required for your application.
Step 5: Complete the electronic application
Submit your application through the foundation’s official online application form.
Applicants should not use unofficial agents or third-party payment services to submit their applications.
Step 6: Confirm the correct committee deadline
The reported deadline for the spring 2027 committee round is 20 November 2026.
Because the foundation considers applications through different procedures, including smaller grants, applicants should confirm which deadline applies to their requested funding amount.
Step 7: Await the funding decision
The foundation’s committees generally make decisions twice a year. Successful applicants receive information about the approved funding period, award conditions and any additional allowances.
Common questions
Is the Gerda Henkel Research Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship provides a substantial monthly research stipend and may include additional approved allowances. However, it is not a guarantee that every personal, insurance, immigration or research expense will be covered. It is best described as a funded research scholarship.
Can Indian researchers apply?
Yes. The foundation accepts applications regardless of nationality or place of work, provided applicants meet the academic and research requirements.
Can master’s students apply?
No. This particular research scholarship requires a completed PhD or qualifying advanced postdoctoral status. Master’s students should explore other funding programmes.
Can someone currently pursuing a PhD apply?
Not for this specific postdoctoral research scholarship. Doctoral candidates should review the foundation’s separate PhD scholarship programme.
Is the higher €3,720 stipend available to all PhD holders?
No. The higher rate is intended for researchers with a recognised advanced postdoctoral qualification or equivalent academic status.
Must the research take place in Germany?
No. The foundation’s research funding is not restricted to projects based in Germany. Applicants should explain where their research will take place and why the proposed location is appropriate.
Is an application fee required?
No application fee was identified in the available programme information. Applicants should confirm the application procedure through the foundation’s official website and avoid unofficial payment requests.
Can I keep my full-time salary while receiving the scholarship?
The foundation’s rules generally prohibit combining the research scholarship with income from employment or pensions. Applicants should review these restrictions before applying.
Full description
The scholarship offers €2,760 per month for eligible postdoctoral researchers and €3,720 per month for researchers holding a postdoctoral lecturing qualification or an equivalent senior academic position. Additional support may be available for research abroad, travel, materials and eligible family expenses.
The programme welcomes qualified researchers regardless of nationality or current place of work. Applicants do not necessarily need to relocate to Germany because funding supports eligible independent research projects rather than enrolment in a German university.
Reported application deadline: 20 November 2026, for the spring 2027 committee round. Applicants should confirm this date on the foundation’s official website before submitting.
What Is the Gerda Henkel Research Scholarship?
The Gerda Henkel Foundation supports research in the historical humanities, particularly projects that contribute original knowledge about historical societies, cultures, institutions and developments.
Its Research Scholarships programme is intended for qualified scholars who wish to dedicate themselves to an independently designed research project for a defined period.
Unlike a traditional university scholarship, this award does not fund enrolment in a master’s or PhD programme. Instead, it supports researchers who already hold the necessary academic qualifications and have a clearly defined research proposal.
Projects are evaluated for their scholarly quality, originality, feasibility and relevance to the foundation’s research priorities.
Are There Any Hidden Charges?
The Gerda Henkel Research Scholarship does not involve tuition fees because it is not a university degree programme.
However, receiving the monthly stipend does not mean every expense is separately reimbursed.
| Expense | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Application fee | No fee identified in the available official programme information |
| Monthly research stipend | €2,760 or €3,720 |
| Research-abroad allowance | Available when eligible |
| Family allowance | Available when eligible |
| Research travel | May be requested and approved |
| Research materials | May be requested and approved |
| Accommodation | Generally budgeted from the stipend unless separately approved as an eligible project cost |
| Food and everyday living | Generally paid from the stipend |
| Visa and residence-permit expenses | Not confirmed as universally covered |
| Health insurance | Not confirmed as universally covered |
| Personal expenses beyond the award | Researcher pays any shortfall |
Important financial restrictions
Employment income: The foundation’s scholarship rules do not permit simultaneous receipt of employment or pension income and the research scholarship. Applicants should consider how this affects their existing employment or other financial arrangements.
Research expenses: Travel and material expenses should be justified separately. Applicants should not assume that submitting a budget guarantees approval of every item.
Insurance and immigration: If the project involves international travel or relocation, applicants should confirm health-insurance and visa requirements independently.
Living costs: The monthly stipend supports the researcher’s living expenses during the approved funding period. The foundation does not promise unlimited reimbursement of rent, food or personal spending.
Bottom line: This is a substantial research scholarship, but applicants should plan for any costs that are not expressly approved as part of their award.
Minimum Degree Required
Minimum Degree Required: Completed PhD.
| Applicant’s current education status | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree completed | Not eligible on this qualification alone |
| Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree | Not eligible |
| Master’s degree completed | Not eligible on this qualification alone |
| Currently pursuing a master’s degree | Not eligible |
| Currently pursuing a first PhD | Not eligible for this research scholarship |
| PhD completed | Eligible to be considered, subject to all other criteria |
| Postdoctoral researcher | Eligible to be considered |
| Advanced postdoctoral qualification or equivalent | Eligible to be considered for the higher funding category |
Researchers still completing their PhD should explore the foundation’s separate doctoral funding opportunities rather than applying for this postdoctoral research scholarship.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following materials, subject to the current official application instructions:
- Research proposal: A clearly written project description, generally limited to eight pages.
- Research timetable: A realistic schedule showing the activities planned during the funding period.
- Budget: A detailed calculation of any requested travel, materials or additional research costs.
- Curriculum vitae: A structured academic CV.
- Publication list: A record of relevant academic publications.
- Academic certificates: Evidence of the completed PhD and any additional academic qualifications.
- Recommendation: At least one signed academic recommendation, where required by the application guidelines.
- Additional supporting documents: Any further evidence requested for the selected funding category.
Applicants should follow the exact document requirements displayed in the foundation’s electronic application system.
Application Timeline for 2027
| Event | Timing |
|---|---|
| Reported deadline for spring 2027 committee consideration | 20 November 2026 |
| Committee review | Spring 2027 |
| Earliest reported funding start | May 2027 |
| Scholarship duration | Generally 1–24 months |
| Smaller funding requests up to €30,000 | May follow a separate rolling procedure |
Final Note
The Gerda Henkel Research Scholarship 2027 is an important opportunity for postdoctoral researchers and established academics working in history and related fields.
With monthly funding of €2,760–€3,720, and the possibility of additional allowances for research abroad, children, travel and materials, the programme can support scholars undertaking substantial independent research projects.
However, this is not a general scholarship for bachelor’s, master’s or current PhD students. Applicants must meet the relevant postdoctoral qualification requirements and should carefully review the restrictions on employment income, previous funding and research expenses.
The next committee deadline is reported as 20 November 2026. Confirm the date and applicable funding procedure on the foundation’s official website before submitting.
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All quick facts
- Opportunity Type
- Postdoctoral research scholarship
- Funding Organisation
- Gerda Henkel Foundation
- Location
- International
- Duration
- Generally 1–24 months
- Mode
- Independent, full-time research
- Nationality
- Global
- Minimum Degree Required
- Completed PhD or eligible postdoctoral qualification
- Eligible Degree Status
- PhD completed; researchers currently pursuing their first PhD are not eligible for this particular scholarship
- Age Limit
- No general age limit
- Work Experience
- No universal employment requirement
- Application Deadline
- 20 November 2026
- Application Fee
- No application fee
- Stipend / Salary / Financial Support
- €2,760–€3,720 per month, depending on academic qualifications
- Additional Benefits
- Research-abroad allowance, eligible family allowance, and travel or material support when approved
