Doctoral Scholarships of Kassel University

Guidelines for awarding doctoral scholarships at Kassel University

The goal

• Achieve high-quality results
• The duration of doctoral studies does not exceed four years
• Promote the early independence of young scientists

A structured time frame is required. Appropriate measures are:

• The “concept of the promotion of young academics” from October 2003
• The “guidelines for supervision of dissertation projects at Kassel University”
• The “guidelines for awarding doctoral-scholarships at Kassel University”

Principles

1. Scholarships are generally awarded for two years, however, it is possible to extend them by one year. Progress reports must be submitted in order to keep a scholarship in the second or third year.
   
   
2. The decision will be made on the basis of quality and potential for success by the Commission of Doctoral Scholarships.
   
   
3. To earn a scholarship, intensive mentoring by an advisor during the writing process of the doctoral thesis is required.
   
   
4. Members of the doctoral colleges have priority for scholarships if the quality is equal.
   
   
5. The age limit for receiving the first scholarship is 30 years. If a candidate has children, every child can extend the age limit by one year. The time of professional training or second-chance education is taken into account with a maximum of three years.
   
   
6. The birth of a child gives you the opportunity to apply for an extension of the scholarship for six months.
   
   
7. The scholarship is 1,020€. If you have children, you may receive an additional 200€ maximum in funds for child care. Costs for child care must be proven.
   
   
8. The possible additional income is restricted to a maximum of 4000€ a year.

Procedure

1. After consulting with the senate, the president appoints a decision council (doctoral scholarships council) for the duration of three years. There are at least three professors, one academic assistant, and one scholarship representative in the decision council. It is lead by the vice-president responsible for young academics who is a member with voting power.
   
   
2. The scholarships are publicly announced. The speaker of the council confirms the membership of the candidate.
   
   
3. The applications consist of an exposé describing the planned dissertation, a certificate from the advisor, a curriculum vitae, and recent certificates. In addition, there has to be a summary of the planned activities with a maximum of 3,000 characters which is able to be understood by academic laypersons.
   
   
4. The second opinion is obtained from the dean of the responsible faculty. This procedure makes the responsibility of the faculties of doctorates clear.
   
   
5. The committee will only make a decision if complete documents are submitted.
   
   
6. The applicant receives an official response regarding the decision of the committee with either the statement “granted” or “not granted.” Following the response, the applicant is advised about his or her rights and responsibilities as a PhD. Student (guidelines for the supervision of doctorates at Kassel University).
   
   
7. The scholarship is only paid if the candidate is accepted to complete a doctorate by the responsible doctoral candidate admissions board.
   
   
8. Within the scholarship you may receive an allowance of 500€ maximum to fund the active participation at a conference with a poster or a lecture. You must submit proof of expenses.
   
   
9. For further promotion, in the second or third year the scholarship holders must hand-in a progress report with a certificate from his or her advisor. Based on this, the Commission of Doctoral Scholarships makes a decision about further promotion.
   
   

Conclusion from the chair of Kassel University: 26, September 2005