12 Fully Funded PhD Positions at the University of Bonn 2026: Humanities Doctorates Open to International and MENA Students

Humanities and social-science graduates from the Middle East and North Africa rarely see a funded PhD cohort this large open at once. The University of Bonn, a German University of Excellence with more than 200 years of history, has opened twelve fully funded doctoral positions within its DFG Research Training Group 3125, "Reconciliation and its Equivalents in a Transcultural Comparison." With interdisciplinary scope, a structured supervision framework and even funding for a research stay abroad, this is one of the most accessible European humanities doctorates of the season. The application deadline is 17 September 2026, and contracts begin on 1 February 2027.

Why this opportunity is a strong fit for MENA scholars

Two features make this especially relevant to the region. First, the eligible fields explicitly include the History and Culture of the Islamicate World, alongside Jewish Studies, (Historical) Peace and Conflict Studies, Law, Philosophy of Religion and many others, which speaks directly to research strengths common among MENA graduates. Second, the University of Bonn states that it welcomes applications regardless of ethnic or social background, gender, religion or belief, disability or age. For a graduate in Cairo, Amman, Rabat, Baghdad or Tunis working on reconciliation, history, religion or law, this is a genuinely open door into a funded German doctorate.

Who is eligible to apply

You should hold a university degree (Master's, State Examination or equivalent) completed with above-average results, preferably in a field such as Ancient History, Art History, Critical Museum and Heritage Studies, Early Modern History, English Literature and Cultural Studies, (Historical) Peace and Conflict Studies, History and Culture of the Islamicate World, History Education, Jewish Studies, Law, Modern and Contemporary History, Philosophy of Religion, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Social Sciences or Reconciliation Studies. You also need a genuine interest in interdisciplinary work, English at B2 level (C1 if your dissertation will be written in English), and the ability to work in a team.

What the positions fund and provide

These are twelve Research Associate positions at 65%, paid on the German public-sector scale TV-L Entgeltgruppe 14, on fixed-term contracts running from 1 February 2027 until 31 January 2031. Beyond the salary, Bonn offers the chance to write a subject-specific doctoral thesis in an interdisciplinary, international environment; intensive academic exchange; funding for a research stay abroad lasting several months; a structured supervision framework; a qualification programme that participants help shape; and a collegial, family-friendly workplace. For the exact net salary at the 65% E14 level, check the official call, as it depends on German pay-scale details.

What you will be doing

Your core responsibilities are writing a doctoral thesis on a topic within the Research Training Group's scope, and participating actively and on-site in the group's structured study and qualification programme. The programme investigates how different cultures and historical periods have approached conflict transformation and reconciliation, using comparative analysis across disciplines rather than working in isolation.

Degree level and field

These are doctoral (PhD) Research Associate positions in the humanities and social sciences, based at the University of Bonn, Germany.

How to apply: step by step

Assemble your application as a single PDF containing your references, CV, a two-page cover letter and a five-page project outline; proof of English proficiency may be submitted after employment begins if necessary, and recommendation letters may follow if you are invited to interview. Because of technical requirements, applications must be submitted by email only, as one PDF, quoting the application code 2026/333, to the address on the official call. Submit before 17 September 2026; selection interviews are expected in the first half of October. Give special care to the five-page project outline, as it is central to a competitive application.

Frequently asked questions

Apply now

If you are a humanities or social-science graduate drawn to reconciliation, history, religion or law across cultures, this large funded cohort is a rare opening. Prepare your PDF and apply before 17 September 2026 quoting code 2026/333: read the official announcement and full details here.

Source: University of Bonn — DFG Research Training Group 3125, "Reconciliation and its Equivalents in a Transcultural Comparison" (call 2026/333).