Applications are now open for the DAAD Research Scholarship 2026 for Doctoral Programs in Germany.
The DAAD Doctoral Programs offer a fully funded scholarship through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), designed for international students looking to pursue their doctoral studies in Germany. As the largest scholarship provider in the country, DAAD opens doors for numerous opportunities.
This scholarship program allows you to embark on your doctoral journey in Germany, with funding provided by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Funding Package
- Monthly stipend: €1,300–1,400
- Additional benefits:
- Health, accident, and liability insurance
- Annual research allowance (~€460)
- Travel allowance
Under certain conditions, you may also apply for additional support after funding begins, including:
- rent subsidy, family allowance, disability support, language courses.
- Duration: Up to 42–48 months
- Initially 36 months, extendable by 12 months pending progress report.
Eligibility
To be considered for the 2026 DAAD Doctoral Programs, please note the following criteria:
- Completed a Master’s (or exceptional Bachelor) not more than 6 years prior, with above-average grades
- If you have already begun your doctorate, it should not have started more than three years ago.
- Should not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by application deadline
- Proficiency in the German language is usually required, especially for those in arts subjects. However, there are exceptions for projects conducted in English.
- A prior language course lasting 4 to 6 months is typically included in the scholarship package.
Application Requirements
Applications are submitted via the online DAAD portal and require:
- CV (max 3 pages), academic transcripts, grades, and grading scale
- Motivation letter (1–2 pages) & detailed research proposal (up to 10 pages)
- Confirmation of supervision or structured program admission
- Two academic recommendation letters
- Language test certificates (TOEFL/IELTS/TestDaF/DSH)
- Passport copy or ID
- Safety & ethics declarations
- Optional: publication lists, volunteer work etc.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in applying for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship Programs in Germany, here’s what you need to do:
- CLICK HERE to head to the scholarship webpage.
- Select your country of citizenship under the ‘application procedure’ section.
- You’ll receive all the relevant details regarding the application process, what you need to submit, and the deadlines specific to your country.
- Remember, your application will only be considered valid if you upload all the required documents to the DAAD portal by the specified deadline.
DEADLINE: September 24, 2025
Good luck!
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