Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When do I apply?

The call for applications for new scholarships will be published on the IAB homepage sufficiently in advance. Usually the application deadline is in late October/early November of each year.

What should the application contain?

You can find details on application documents under Applications.

How many scholarships are granted per year?

A maximum of six scholarships are granted each year.

What dissertation topics would suit the Graduate Programme?

Preference will be given to dissertation proposals that would profit in a special way from being attached to IAB and from which IAB itself might profit in a special way. Please refer to IAB's Organizational Chart for the areas of research of individual Research Departments.

How much financial support would I receive?

Scholarship holders who join the programme after 30 September 2008 will receive a scholarship of 1,000 euros per month. In addition, an additional family allowance of 220 euros per month can be drawn if your spouse does not undertake more than marginal part-time work/a self-employed activity (Section 8 SGB IV) or if he/she is a single parent with custody for at least one child.

Which university confers the doctorate?

The doctoral degree will be awarded by the university at which the doctoral proposal is registered.

What degree of secondary, income-generating activity is acceptable?

For all scholarship holders commencing the programme in or after 2008, the extent of secondary, income-generating activities must not exceed 10 hours a week (i.e. a "quarter job" according to the German civil service).

Where will my place of work be?

Each graduate will be provided with a workplace at IAB. It is expected that graduates use this workplace.

What is the difference between scholarship holders and college members?

Two different groups of persons take part in the Graduate Programme: scholarship holders (Stipendiaten) and college members (Kollegiaten). While both groups receive a special modular training, direct financial support (scholarships) is only available to scholarship holders. College members are staff of IAB who wish to enhance their qualifications in parallel to their main professional research activities.