The call for applications for the DHET Funda Germany Scholarship Programme is now open.

The Department of Higher Education and Training is offering fully-funded scholarships to South African students to study at Constructor University in Germany, commencing in September 2026 for PhD students.

Constructor University is an English-medium, campus university in Bremen, ranked among the top 30% globally.  With students from around 120 different nations, it is among the world’s most international universities, offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in a wide variety of fields.

Degree level

PhD

Who can apply for the scholarship?

  • South African citizens in good health
  • Have a strong academic record:
    • Postgraduate applicants should have performed well in their previous studies with a minimum of 60% average mark or above achieved in their previous studies
  • Must have an interest to study in Germany and demonstrate commitment to the development of South Africa
  • Available and eligible to study full-time in Germany from September 2026
  • Meet the entry criteria for the selected study programme at Constructor University

Deadline for receipt of applications

31 March 2026

Fields of Study

A wide range of study fields are available for PhD projects, including various engineering fields, robotics, management, mathematics, fuel cell development, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, computational systems biology, nano electronics, specialist areas in physics, chemistry, applied mathematics and geosciences, social data sciences, cognitive psychology, computer science, biotechnology, accounting and auditing, political sciences, international logistics, computational drug discovery, communication science, history, economics, sociology and many more.

A comprehensive list of fields of study for the PhD can be accessed via https://constructor.university/phd-degrees-constructor-university

What the scholarship offers

The scholarship will cover the following:

  • Return airfare to Germany
  • Tuition fees
  • Monthly stipend for living expenses
  • Accommodation
  • A once-off settlement allowance
  • Annual flights at the end of the academic year for bachelor’s students. Master’s students may qualify for annual flights if accommodated on campus
  • Mid-term flights after 18 months (PhD students)
  • Medical insurance allowance
  • An annual allowance at the beginning of each academic year
  • Academic support for qualifying postgraduate students
  • Psychosocial support
  • Pre-departure orientation
  • SAQA verification of qualification and one professional board examination (if applicable).

Application process

Application for the scholarships is strictly online via the application portal.

Doctoral applicants:

Step 1: Identify a research area and contact a potential supervisor. View available research fields and supervisors here: https://constructor.university/phd-degrees-constructor-university

Step 2: Develop a PhD Proposal Outline (max. 1000 words) with supervisor support.

Step 3: Obtain a Proof of Acceptance from a Constructor University faculty member confirming their willingness to supervise your research.

Step 4: Submit your online application via the dedicated PhD application form: Constructor University PhD Application Form

PhD applicants:

  • Proof of identity (copy of ID document and of passport – applicants without passport can apply and submit an ID document at the time of application, stating that they are not in possession of a valid SA passport)
  • Copy of South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent
  • Copy of bachelor’s degree certificate
  • Copy of master’s degree certificate
  • Copies of transcripts for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
  • Copy of SAQA verification certificates if your qualification(s) was obtained from an international institution
  • A comprehensive CV highlighting educational history, qualifications, achievements, skills, extracurricular activities, languages.
  • A comprehensive essay discussing interests, motivation, alignment with the chosen university programme, and contributions to the campus community (if any).
  • A signed reference letter from either a lecturer or professor and/or your current/previous employer. The letter must be signed and on an official letterhead, with a contact number and email address. The letter must attest to reliability, integrity, academic performance and suitability for an international scholarship.
  • An outline of the proposed research project as agreed between yourself and the prospective supervisor at Constructor University, no more than 1000 words.

Only applications submitted on the Constructor University application portal will be assessed by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training for selection.

Applicants must click on the consent box to grant permission and consent for their application to be shared with scholarship provider (DHET) to be considered for the DHET Funda Germany Scholarship Programme. Failure to click this button will result in your application not being considered for the DHET scholarship.

NB: Successful awardees who withdraw from the programme after signing the Constructor University contract will be liable for the full costs as stipulated in the Constructor University student contract.

Enquiries

Queries about specific study programmes should be addressed to Constructor university via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Queries about the selection process can be submitted to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

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