The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)  will open its scholarship applications for International Ph.D. Agricultural Economics, Bioeconomy and Sustainable Food Systems – IPPAE Ph.D. Program. 

DAAD provides financial support for Ph.D. applicants from developing countries in the mentioned field. The scholarship will provide monthly and yearly funding, research funding, and German language course funding for the entire duration of 42 months and support Ph.D. candidates through the process of their research project. The program usually starts on 1 October each year. 

The University of Giessen and the University of Hohenheim’s agricultural economics groups jointly offer this competitive, interdisciplinary program for international students. At Giessen, the IPPAE focuses on problem-solving and empirical research at the intersection of agricultural economics, agricultural sociology, farm economics, and sustainable resource use.  

Important Details 

Application Starts: 30 April 2024

Application Deadline: 31 October 2024

Host University: Justus-Liebig-University Giessen 

Funding Organization: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) 

Location: Germany 

Medium of Instruction: English                                                         

Level of Study: Ph.D. Program 

Degree Awarded: Dr. Sc. Agr. (Ph.D.) 

Duration: 42 months without German language preparation        

Field of study: 

• Agricultural economics 
• Bioeconomy 
• Sustainable Food Systems  

Benefits of the IPPAE Ph.D. Program 

DAAD will fund the students with the following items for the IPPAE Ph.D. Program 2025: 

Monthly Funding 

• A monthly allowance of € 1.200 for the duration of doctoral studies (42 months). 
• Family allowances for candidates whose family members join them during the doctoral scholarship allocation 

Yearly Funding 

• A return flight every year, which is payable for a total of 3 years 
• Yearly research funding of € 460 for items purchased, including laptops, winter clothes, or courses or conferences expenses 

Additional Research Funding 

• One-time maximum € 2.500 fieldwork allowance for two years.  

• Up to € 1.200 for the publication of the Ph.D. thesis  

German Language Course Funding 

• The total amount of € 410 per month 
• Accommodation is available  

Read EPOS Scholarship details HERE

Eligibility Criteria for IPPAE Ph.D. Program 

Applicants who wish to apply for the IPPAE Ph.D. Program 2024-25 should meet the following requirements:  

• The scholars must be from developing countries and emerging economies (DAC) 
• Demonstrate a minimum of two years of work experience 
• Have excellent written and spoken English skills  
• Provide an MSc degree obtained not more than six years before the application date 

• Submit an MSc degree in agricultural economics or related subjects minimum grade of A or B 
• TOEFL iBT at least 90, IELTS 6.5, 233 scores computer-based, and 577 points paper-based.  
• Master thesis as a language proof if the applicants have done their MSc in English from the following countries: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United States of America, from the Caribbean: Antiqua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevi, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, South America: Belize and Guyana 

The IPPAE Ph.D. Program Specific Activities  

The followings are the highlighted specific activities and timing for this Ph.D. program: 

• Coursework (4 months)  
• Proposal design and finalization (8 Months) 
• Data collection in the country of origin (6 Months) 
• Data analysis and writing (20 Months)  
• Defense of thesis and publication (4 Months) 

Requirement Documents 

Prospective scholars should submit the following documents as part of their English or German application package:  

• DAAD application form (signed) 
• Motivation letter max. two pages long (signed) 
• CV in Europass format 
• Degree Certificate with certified translation for none German or English documents 
• Transcripts with certified translation for none German or English documents 
• Work experience certificate (s) for a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience 
• Two-letters of recommendation from their employer 
• List of publications (signed) 
• Language proficiency certificate  
• Well-structured and finalized research proposal of 5-8 pages 

Note: Read the document checklist here.  

How to apply for the IPPAE Ph.D. Program? 

Applicants must submit their application package through the IPPAE application form, available between 30 April and 31 October every year. Alternatively, applicants can submit their applications via post. The deadline for the post submission is the same as for the online form. Please follow these instructions: 

• Applicants should upload the required documents in the application form in two (optionally three) files only:   

1. The first PDF file must comprise the application documents listed on the checklist, which must be combined into one file using the “combine” function in Acrobat or a free online tool. 

1. The second PDF file must be the applicant’s research proposal only. 

1. The third PDF file must be the applicant’s Master’s thesis, in case the applicant uses it as a language proof (optional). 

• Please do not compress the files. 

• DAAD encourages earlier applications to facilitate the screening of the applications. 
• The selection panel will not consider late or incomplete applications sent through e-mail. 
• If applicants send by post, they should also send an e-mail with their proposal as a PDF file to the address below: 

Justus Liebig University of Giessen 

IPPAE (International Ph.D. Program for Agricultural Economics Bioeconomy and Sustainable Food Systems) 

Professorship for Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Policy 

Sandra Drebes 

Senckenbergstr. 3  

35390 Giessen 

Germany 

Also, Apply for these opportunities:  

 Kazakhstan Scholarship for International Students in  (Bachelor’s, Master, and Ph.D.)

DAAD Scholarship for Master’s and PhD Degree in Development-Related Courses in Germany

For more information about the IPPAE Program, please visit the official link  of the university or the DAAD website