Pursuing a PhD while parenting might be challenging and a strong support system is crucial. Family Representative at European University Viadrina will be glad to answer all your questions on balancing family and academic work. She can provide you with valuable information on child care services, funding and variety of support offered by the university. As for questions regarding doctoral and postdoctoral programmes, please turn to the Viadrina Center for Graduate Studies (VCGS).

The family-friendly European University Viadrina has set itself the goal of providing targeted support for academic staff and early-stage researchers with children and those with caregiving obligations and to this purpose, grants bridging scholarships for PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. These serve to bridge situations in which the reentry into, or the continuation or completion of the studies is endangered or made more difficult, such as taking family (child rearing and caregiver) leave from university.

In addition, the University is committed to supporting women (researchers and scientists) in acquisition of academic qualifications – it is a commitment outlined in University’s Equal Opportunities Concept. Degree Completion Scholarship is a financial assistance provided by University to particularly highly qualified female doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers.