What are the Exposé Scholarships, University of Kassel
The “Exposé Scholarships” (Exposee‑Stipendium) are funding awards meant to support people who are planning to do their doctorate (PhD) at the University of Kassel. The idea is to give you time (financial support) to write the exposé (proposal / thesis outline), which is required for formal acceptance as a doctoral candidate. uni-kassel.de+2uni-kassel.de+2
Key Features, Benefits & Conditions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount / Stipend | €1,300 per month during the funding period. There is also a family allowance of €200 per month possible if you have minor children. uni-kassel.de+2uni-kassel.de+2 |
| Duration / Term | Up to nine months while you prepare your exposé. Usually the funding starts either 1 April (for applications in December) or 1 October (for applications in April). For the 2026‑round, the term is 1 April 2026 to 31 December 2026. stellen.uni-kassel.de+2uni-kassel.de+2 |
| Purpose | To enable you to write the exposé needed to apply for acceptance as a doctoral candidate at the University of Kassel. Also to give you time to apply for other doctoral scholarships / funding if needed. uni-kassel.de+1 |
| Number of Awards | Up to 10 Exposé Scholarships are awarded in a round. uni-kassel.de+1 |
| Eligibility | Several conditions: • You must have a professor at the University of Kassel who has committed to supervise your PhD. uni-kassel.de+1 • It must be your first doctorate. uni-kassel.de+1 • You can only apply once. Re‑application is possible only under special circumstances (e.g. cancellation due to childbirth, long‑term illness, care of relatives). uni-kassel.de+1 |
| Language & Documentation | Applications may be submitted in German or English. Documents required include: motivation letter, project abstract / exposé outline (with bibliography), CV, degree certificate or transcript, and a letter of recommendation from the supervisor assuring supervision and planning for further financing after the scholarship period. uni-kassel.de+1 |
| Restrictions / Conditions | • If you begin other funding or take up gainful employment, the scholarship ends. uni-kassel.de+1 • Only for people who have supervision from Kassel, not external faculty. uni-kassel.de+1 • Only first doctorate. uni-kassel.de+1 |
Important Dates & Application Process for 2026
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2025 for the round starting 1 April 2026. stellen.uni-kassel.de+2uni-kassel.de+2
- Funding Start Date: 1 April 2026 (for applications submitted by Dec 1) stellen.uni-kassel.de+1
- Funding End Date: The period ends 31 December 2026 for that round. stellen.uni-kassel.de
What You Should Check / Be Careful About
- Supervisor commitment: You must have a professor at Kassel already committed to supervise your project. It’s essential. If not, your application likely won’t satisfy the eligibility.
- Your first doctorate: If you already have a PhD or have started and been awarded elsewhere, you’re not eligible. Make sure this is your first doctoral pursuit.
- Funding for after exposé: You must outline in your application how you intend to finance your PhD after the exposé period ends. The supervisor’s letter should also explain that. Kassel wants to see a realistic plan for continuation. uni-kassel.de+1
- Working / other funding: If you start another fellowship / income / job beyond permitted hours, the exposé scholarship may be terminated. Be clear about other obligations.
- Language of documents: German or English is accepted, but make sure your proposal / exposé is clear, well written (especially if in non‑native language).
- Family allowance: If you have children, you can request the extra €200 per month, but you’ll need to provide documentation (birth certificate etc.). uni-kassel.de
Is It Open To International Students?
The official pages do not explicitly restrict by nationality. The key point is supervision by a professor at University of Kassel and that this is your first doctorate. So yes, international applicants can apply, provided you meet those criteria. There’s no clause saying “German nationals only
