Doctoral Funding

Eligible to apply:

• Doctoral candidates with a degree from all departments of the HTW Dresden, provided that the doctoral topic meets the above criteria and a cooperative university is available. 
• PhD students of the HTW Dresden, if the funding serves the continuation of the scientific activity after a family-related interruption (at least six months).

Please note: 

For foreign (non-EU) universities, it must be checked in advance to which German degree the degree obtained abroad is equivalent. To check this aspect, we recommend anabin (Infoportal zu ausländischen Bildungsabschlüssen).

Not elligible to apply:

• Individuals who have already spent at least three years as a junior researcher in a junior researcher, junior researcher or REACT research group funded by ESF/ESF Plus. This does not apply to SHK/WHK activities in one of the above research groups.
• Individuals who have already received doctoral funding from other sources (doctoral fellowships from organizations for the promotion of gifted students, foundations, state funding programs, DAAD, etc.). This does not apply if they meet the conditions for projects to reconcile family and scientific career.
• For state innovation doctorates: Individuals who have already started their doctoral project. (It is essential to note: Acceptance as a doctoral candidate at the corresponding faculty is considered the official start of the doctorate. Therefore, at the time of application, no acceptance at the faculty may have taken place yet).

Please note: 

For foreign (non-EU) universities, it must be checked in advance to which German degree the degree obtained abroad is equivalent. To check this aspect, we recommend anabin (Infoportal zu ausländischen Bildungsabschlüssen).

The project may be started as early as the day of receipt of the formal application by the SAB without any detriment to funding. We recommend waiting for feedback from the Prorectorate Research as to whether your application has been forwarded to the SAB or whether your application could not be considered.

The following documents are required for a complete application:

• SAB application cover sheet (as scan with original signatures)
• Curriculum vitae in tabular form incl. list of publications, teaching activities to date and description of scientific career
• Copy of the most recent university transcript 
• Outline of the research project (max. 5 pages, according to template) incl. work plan and time schedule; 
• For state innovation doctorates and projects to reconcile family and academic career: statement by the (potential) university teacher on the special interest of the Free State of Saxony in the research topic and on the expected effects on the Saxon labor market.
• for industrial doctorates: Letter of intent for co-financing of the involved third parties (at least 850 EUR/month) 
• for projects on the compatibility of family and scientific career: Evidence of family-related interruption (birth certificate, parental allowance notification).
• If applicable, statements on the family situation:
  • Copy of birth certificate of existing children
  • Copy of the child benefit notice (in case of entitlement to child benefit) or certificate from the registration office that the child(ren) live(s) in the same household as the applicant (if there is no entitlement to child benefit on the basis of citizenship).
  • Proof of special additional burden (e.g. due to family members requiring care)

As a rule, ESF-Plus doctoral fellows must submit an interim report to the ZPA every six months from the start of funding. In the case of participation by cooperation partners, this must be confirmed by the partners. Further information can be found in the corresponding funding notification. In the case of funding under the ESF-Plus program, further obligations and general conditions are pointed out in a kick-off meeting with the ZPA.

In addition to their doctoral studies, the fellows develop their individual potential, including their knowledge of gender equality. Participation in the qualification area of gender equality knowledge is mandatory. In addition, performance must be achieved in one of the qualification areas of teaching, social skills or project management. The amount of teaching hours for the qualification area teaching should not exceed two semester hours.

Yes, secondary employment is permitted up to a maximum of ten hours per week during the funding period if the gainful employment does not impair the progress of the doctoral project.

No, the ESF-Plus doctoral fellowships are not subject to social security contributions, as they are tax-exempt in accordance with § 3 No. 44 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG). The sponsorship does not establish an employment relationship and therefore does not constitute remuneration within the meaning of § 14 SGB IV. The sponsored person is personally responsible for all necessary property and personal insurances. Sickness benefits, social security contributions, etc. cannot be granted.

No, since the scholarships do not constitute an employment relationship, ESF-Plus doctoral students are not covered by health insurance through HTW Dresden. The conclusion of an adequate health insurance is generally mandatory, i.e. scholarship holders must take out health insurance themselves and bear the insurance costs for this. Doctoral fellows do not belong to the group of students in the sense of the Social Code, so that they do not have the possibility to insure themselves at the favorable rate of the student health insurance. 
Also, the scholarships do not include accident and liability insurance.

As part of an ESF-Plus doctoral grant, a grant for material and travel expenses can be applied for at HTW Dresden via the Research Innovation Fund (FINF). A total of up to 2,000 euros can be requested for a period of four years. The call for funds is limited to the 4-year duration of the fellowship funding.

Further information can be found on the HTW Dresden intranet under Research Innovation Fund.