Call for proposals of the University of Passau
Thesis starter grant
for doctoral candidates
Application deadline: 15 October 2024
Earliest funding start date: 1 February 2025
The University of Passau considers excellent support for its young academics to be an
important building block for excellence in research and teaching. In order to financially support
their transition to a promising doctoral phase, the University awards thesis starter grants to
particularly qualified graduates.
Thesis starter grants are used to obtain funding for commencing a doctoral project at
the University of Passau. Specifically, they are intended to enable the recipient to
prepare an exposition/funding proposal for use in applications sent to donor
organisations or when applying for a third-party-funded position.
Duration of the funding
Thesis starter grants come with a contract as a doctoral research assistant amounting to 30%
of the regular working hours. In the case of funding, the contract is concluded for six months.
Depending on your qualifications, you will be placed in salary group 12 or 13 of the TV-L.
Who can apply?

• Students with above-average marks who are in the final phase of a degree programme

that will qualify them for doctoral study (the graduation date must be on or before 31
March 2025) who are planning to study for a doctorate at the University of Passau.

• Recent graduates (the graduation date must be on or after 31 March 2024) with an

above-average final grade who are planning to study for a doctorate at the University
of Passau.
You are not eligible for funding if you are employed at the University of Passau during the
intended funding period.
Funding can only begin once all exams and other assessments for the prior degree programme
have been completed. A deferred start is possible in justified cases but must be within twelve
months of completion of your prior degree programme.
Selection criteria:

• Applicant’s academic qualification and performance, proven in particular by

outstanding academic achievements as well as prizes or other awards gained during
their degree studies

• Scientific quality and clarity of the applicant’s envisioned doctoral project

• Comprehensibility of the applicant’s personal motivation for gaining the doctorate and

how it will benefit their future career plans


Für den Nachwuchs in Forschung und Lehre
Das Graduiertenzentrum

Required supporting documents:

• The completed Thesis Starter Grant Application Form

• Certificates of all university degrees obtained or proof of previous study and

examination achievements if the certificate is not yet available at the time of application

• Applicant’s curriculum vitae

• Letter of acceptance from the designated doctoral supervisor at the University of

Passau
All documents must be received by the Graduate Centre by 15 October 2024:

• The applicant must submit the application form and all required supporting documents

electronically/upload.

• The designated doctoral supervisor must send the supervision acceptance letter

either by e-mail to graduiertenzentrum@uni-passau.de or in paper-based form to:
Universität Passau, Graduiertenzentrum, Nikolastr. 12, 94032 Passau, Germany.
For a detailed step-by-step guide to the application process visit:
www.graduiertenzentrum.uni-passau.de/en/funding-programmes/thesis-starter-grants.
The University of Passau has set itself the goal of increasing the proportion of women in
academia, improving the compatibility of work and family life in higher education and fostering
a sustainable, family-sensitive culture. Therefore, the University expressly encourages women
and applicants with children to apply. Furthermore, persons who are registered disabled are
given preference over non-disabled applicants who do not otherwise have statutory
preferential status if their overall personal aptitudes, skills and qualifications are equal.
If you have a specific question on the starter grant, please check our frequently asked
questions. Of course, you’re welcome to get in touch with the Graduate Centre staff if your
question isn’t answered on our website. For further questions please contact Beata Haidn at
beata.haidn@uni-passau.de .
The general terms and conditions, as set out in the guidelines of the University of Passau on
the granting of thesis starter grants, apply.
Please visit www.uni-passau.de/en/university/current-vacancies for our data privacy policy.


Für den Nachwuchs in Forschung und Lehre
Das Graduiertenzentrum