The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is offering research grants to German and international candidates who wish to carry out research in Germany.
The DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2026/2027 provide a monthly scholarship payment of €1,400 and additional funding to cover travel expenses, housing support, and family allowances for successful applicants.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: DAAD, Germany
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | €1,400 Monthly Allowance | Travel Costs | Housing & Family Allowances
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: March 17, 2026
Scholarship Details
The DAAD Research Grants programme provides an opportunity for candidates to undertake an approved research project in Germany. The scheme supports research stays during doctoral studies as well as in the early postdoctoral phase.
The 2026/2027 cohort is designed for international doctoral candidates and early-career postdocs who are eager to conduct high-level research at leading German universities and research institutes. With generous financial support, the programme enables scholars across disciplines — including life sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and more — to engage with Germany’s advanced research infrastructure while strengthening their academic careers.
The grant funds research projects hosted at a state or state-recognised university or a non-university research institute in Germany, under the supervision of an approved academic mentor.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Doctoral Candidates:
- The start of your doctorate must not be more than 3 years before the application deadline.
- Postdoctoral Researchers:
- You must not have completed your doctorate more than 4 years prior to the application deadline.
- Special Fields:
- Applicants in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry are subject to additional specific regulations.
- Residency Condition:
- Applications will not be considered if you have resided in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.
What Can Be Funded?
- A research project at:
- A state or state-recognised university in Germany, or
- A non-university research institute in Germany
- The research must be conducted in agreement with a scientific supervisor in Germany.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- €1,400 Monthly Scholarship Payment
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
- Travel Allowance
- Research Allowance of €460 (for funding periods exceeding six months)
Under certain conditions (for funding periods longer than six months), scholars may also receive:
- Monthly Rent Subsidy
- Monthly Allowance for Accompanying Family Members
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload the following documents:
- Full Curriculum Vitae (tabular format, max. 3 pages)
- List of Published Publications (max. 10 pages; mandatory for postdocs)
- Letter of Motivation (1–2 pages outlining academic and personal reasons for the research project in Germany)
- Research Proposal (max. 10 pages, self-prepared and clearly structured)
- Detailed Time Schedule of Planned Research Work
- Proof of Admission/Enrolment for Doctoral Studies (for doctoral candidates)
- Confirmation Letter from Academic Host in Germany
- Declaration from Scientific Supervisor on safety and ethical aspects of the research
- University Degree Certificates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate where applicable) with final grades
- One Recent Letter of Recommendation (on DAAD form; doctoral applicants must submit one from their thesis supervisor)
- School Leaving Certificate with Individual Grades
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (if doctorate will be conducted in English)
- All University Examination Certificates with grading explanation
- Valid Identification Document (passport, national ID, driver’s licence, or student ID)
- Explanation of the Grading System
How to Apply
To apply for the DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2026:
- Register on the DAAD portal to initiate your application.
- Complete the online application form in full.
- Upload all required documents in the “Attachments” section of the DAAD portal.
Selection is expected to take place in July 2026, with the scholarship commencing from September 2026.
Interested candidates are encouraged to begin preparations early and ensure that all documents are complete before submission.
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