The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is currently accepting applications for its 2026 Research Grants, offering German and international researchers the opportunity to undertake independent research projects at leading institutions across Germany.
The DAAD Research Grant 2026 provides fully funded support, including a monthly stipend of €1,400, travel expenses, and allowances for housing and family support. The program targets doctoral students and early postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: DAAD
- 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: August 30, 2025
Scholarship Details
The DAAD Research Grants aim to support international doctoral candidates and early-career postdocs who wish to carry out research in Germany. The program facilitates innovative projects conducted in collaboration with a scientific supervisor based at a state-recognised university or non-university research institution in Germany.
This funding initiative welcomes applicants from a broad range of academic fields—including the life sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and beyond—encouraging them to explore Germany’s renowned research infrastructure while developing their academic and professional careers.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the DAAD Research Grants in Germany, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Doctoral candidates: Doctorate must have started no more than three years prior to the application deadline
- Postdoctoral researchers: Doctorate must have been completed no more than four years before the application deadline
- For those in human medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry, additional regulations may apply
- Applicants must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application
- Research must be carried out in agreement with a scientific supervisor in Germany
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
- €1,400 monthly stipend
- Payments toward health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance
- For programs longer than six months:
- Research allowance of €460
- Optional monthly rent subsidy
- Family allowance for accompanying members
Required Documents
Candidates must prepare and submit the following:
- Full curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages)
- List of publications (mandatory for postdocs; max. 10 pages)
- Letter of motivation (1–2 pages) explaining the academic and personal reasons for the research project in Germany
- Research proposal (max. 10 pages), including a time schedule
- Proof of doctoral enrollment or admission letter (for PhD candidates)
- Confirmation from academic host in Germany
- Safety and ethics declaration from German supervisor
- Degree certificates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate), with final grades
- Letter of recommendation (DAAD form) from a university professor or PhD supervisor
- School leaving certificate with individual grades
- Proof of English proficiency, if applicable
- All university transcripts with explanation of the grading system
- Valid identification document with full name, photo, date of birth, and nationality
How to Apply
To apply for the DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2026:
- Visit the DAAD application webpage by clicking the green button below
- Register on the DAAD portal to begin your application
- Complete the online application form in full
- Upload all required documents under the “Attachments” section of the portal
- Selection Date: February 2026
- Start of Funding: May 2026 (earliest)
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
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To join the EDUSPUR WhatsApp Channel, click HERE
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