University of Vechta 2027 PhD Scholarships in Germany – €1,650 Monthly Stipend

Are you looking for a funded PhD opportunity in Germany focused on sustainability, social justice and rural development? The University of Vechta is offering up to three PhD scholarships through its doctoral college on Justice Dimensions of Sustainability-Oriented Transformation Processes in Rural Areas.

The programme is funded by the Hans Böckler Foundation and is affiliated with the Vechta Institute of Sustainability Transformation in Rural Areas (VISTRA).

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants can receive:

• €1,650 monthly stipend, comprising a €1,550 basic stipend and €100 research-cost allowance.
• Possible health insurance support of up to €100.
• Possible family allowance, where applicable.
• Funding for up to three years.
• The opportunity to participate in thematic and methodological workshops.
• Access to an international research network and opportunities for academic collaboration.
• A structured, interdisciplinary doctoral environment focused on sustainability transformation and justice.

The fellowships are expected to begin between June and September 2027.

READ: The Exact Scholarship Application Checklist Used by Successful Applicants

Research Areas

The doctoral college focuses on how sustainability-oriented transformations affect justice, inequality and communities in rural areas.

Potential research topics include:

• Energy affordability and urban-rural inequalities
• Spatial justice, livelihoods and local resilience
• Digitalisation and socio-technical transitions
• Climate and nature protection policies
• Gender justice
• Risk, uncertainty and perceptions of justice
• The role of trade unions in sustainability transformations
• Ethical questions surrounding sustainable transformation

Applicants from relevant fields such as human geography, social sciences, economics, applied ethics, sustainability science and psychology are encouraged to apply. Both qualitative and quantitative research are welcome, with quantitative and mixed-methods proposals particularly encouraged.

Eligibility and Language Requirements

Applicants should have an academic background relevant to the doctoral programme and be able to demonstrate strong German and English language skills. The official call specifies at least B2 German and C1 English for the application.

Importantly, the PhD thesis may be written in English.

Application Requirements

Applicants are expected to submit the required application documents together with an exposé of no more than 10 pages outlining their proposed research project and explaining how it fits into the doctoral college’s research programme.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Prof. Dr. Jana Zscheischler or Prof. Dr. John-Oliver Engler before applying to discuss their proposed research project.

Application Deadline

November 2, 2026

Applications must be submitted by the deadline through the Hans Böckler Foundation’s online application portal. The scholarship selection results are expected to be announced in May 2027.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should first review the official doctoral scholarship call and research areas, prepare their research exposé and required documents, and then submit the application through the designated Hans Böckler Foundation portal.

Official University of Vechta information & application details:
University of Vechta – Doctoral College

Official scholarship announcement:
Hans Böckler Foundation – PhD Scholarships

Quick Summary

Bottom line: This is a particularly interesting opportunity for prospective PhD researchers whose work connects sustainability transformation with social justice, inequality or rural development. The combination of financial support, structured doctoral training and international research connections makes it worth considering if your research proposal fits the programme.