Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies Scholarship

Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) Scholarship is now open for application from eligible aspirants seeking  to study in Germany.

About Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies Scholarship

The Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) offers scholarships to doctoral candidates from Africa and other regions who wish to pursue their studies in African studies or related disciplines. The scholarships are available to students who have a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.

Why Apply For BIGSAS Scholarship?

The BIGSAS scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, research expenses, and travel costs for the duration of the doctoral program, which typically lasts three years. In addition, scholarship recipients receive training in research methods, academic writing, and other skills relevant to their studies.

Categories Of Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) Scholarship

Just like Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Scholarship, Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) offers two categories of scholarships to doctoral candidates:

1. Regular Scholarship: The regular scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, research expenses, and travel costs for the duration of the doctoral program, which typically lasts three years.
2. Sandwich Scholarship: The sandwich scholarship is designed for doctoral candidates who are already enrolled in a PhD program at their home institution in Africa or elsewhere. The scholarship allows recipients to spend up to 12 months at BIGSAS to conduct research, receive training, and work with their BIGSAS supervisors. The scholarship covers travel expenses, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.

Both categories of scholarships are highly competitive, and only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. To apply for either scholarship, candidates must submit a research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation from their previous professors or supervisors. Successful applicants will be notified in March or April of the following year.

Eligibility Criteria For BIGSAS Scholarship

The Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) scholarship has specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for the scholarship. The following are the eligibility criteria:

1. Academic Qualification: Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field of study from a recognized university or institution.
2. Language Proficiency: Applicants must be fluent in English, as English is the language of instruction at BIGSAS. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in English by submitting valid English language test scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
3. Research Proposal: Applicants must submit a well-defined and feasible research proposal that is relevant to the research focus areas of BIGSAS.
4. Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of an African country or other regions outside of Europe.
5. Age Limit: There is no specific age limit for applicants, but preference is given to candidates who are in the early stages of their careers.
6. Letter of Recommendation: Applicants must provide at least two letters of recommendation from academic referees who are familiar with their academic performance and potential.
7. Other Requirements: Applicants must also provide academic transcripts, a CV, and any other relevant documents requested by the BIGSAS scholarship application guidelines.

It is important to note that meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection for the BIGSAS scholarship, as the scholarship is highly competitive and selection is based on a rigorous evaluation process.

Application Steps For BIGSAS Scholarship

The application process for the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) scholarship typically involves the following steps:

1. Research the scholarship: Visit the BIGSAS website to learn more about the scholarship, including the eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and required documents.
2. Identify a research area: Identify a research area that is relevant to the research focus areas of BIGSAS and develop a well-defined research proposal.
3. Identify potential supervisors: Identify potential BIGSAS supervisors who have expertise in your research area and contact them to discuss your research proposal.
4. Prepare your application: Complete the BIGSAS scholarship application form and attach the required documents, including academic transcripts, CV, research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
5. Submit your application: Submit your completed application form and supporting documents by the application deadline. Applications are usually submitted online via the BIGSAS application portal.
6. Evaluation and Selection: The applications are evaluated and shortlisted based on the eligibility criteria, research proposal quality, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview.
7. Interview: If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to participate in an interview, which can be conducted in person or online.
8. Notification of Results: Successful applicants will be notified of their selection in March or April of the following year. Unsuccessful applicants may also be notified of their status.

It is important to carefully read and follow the BIGSAS scholarship application guidelines to increase your chances of being selected.

If you are interested in applying for the BIGSAS scholarship, you should visit the BIGSAS website for more information and to obtain the application form. The deadline for applications is usually in November or December of each year, and successful applicants will be notified in March or April of the following year.

FAQs On Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) Scholarship

What is the application deadline for the BIGSAS scholarship?

The application deadline for the BIGSAS scholarship is usually in November or December of each year.

How many scholarships are awarded each year?

The number of scholarships awarded each year varies, but only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each year.

Can I apply for both the regular and sandwich scholarships?

No, you can only apply for one category of scholarship. Applicants must choose between the regular scholarship or the sandwich scholarship.

Is there an age limit for applicants?

There is no specific age limit for applicants, but preference is given to candidates who are in the early stages of their careers.

What is the duration of the BIGSAS scholarship?

The BIGSAS scholarship typically lasts for three years for the regular scholarship, and up to 12 months for the sandwich scholarship.

What are the research focus areas of BIGSAS?

The research focus areas of BIGSAS include language, media and communication, religion and ethics, health, conflict and peace, democracy and governance, development and environment, and cultural studies.

Can I apply for the BIGSAS scholarship if I am not an African national?

Yes, applicants from other regions outside of Europe can apply for the BIGSAS scholarship.

Is it possible to work while studying at BIGSAS?

Yes, BIGSAS encourages students to engage in part-time work to gain additional skills and experience, but it is important to balance work and study to avoid compromising academic performance.