The Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin is home to exceptional historical special collections of manuscripts, printed works, maps, musical materials, and other collection objects, both in terms of scope and quality, from numerous regions in Europe, Africa and Asia. The library catalogues and researches this cultural heritage which it has been entrusted and which it systematically complements with modern research literature by using hermeneutic, digital and material-analytical methodologies.
The Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin is reviewing its scholarship program to strategically enhance its profile as a research library and to further strengthen its cooperation with other academic institutions. Two measures are at the center of this review: first, expanding eligibility to applicants from universities and research institutions in Germany and second, introducing a thematic focus on selected topics for the scholarships. Preference will be given to research projects that demonstrate a clear connection to the unique collections of the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin.
The theme of this year's call for scholarships will be published in the summer - with an application deadline of September 30th 2025.
How to apply?
Please send your complete application documents - i.e. a. application form, b. list of publications, c. academic certificates and diplomas (copies) and d. detailed description of the planned research project - in a single PDF document by e-mail to stipendien@sbb.spk-berlin.de or by mail to:
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
Generaldirektion
Unter den Linden 8
D-10117 Berlin
The minimum requirement for an application is a first university degree at the time of submission. The monthly stipend is
_1,300 € for graduates without a doctorate (category A)
_1,600 € for doctoral graduates or applicants with comparable qualifications (category B)
In addition, a travel allowance of up to 500 € may be granted.
The scholarship program of the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz supports research stays in Berlin for periods ranging from one to a maximum of three months. We expressly reserve the right to reduce the duration of the scholarship applied for.
