The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
is offering Research Grants in Germany for 2026, providing doctoral candidates
and early-career postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to conduct research
at German universities and research institutes.
Sponsored by the Federal Foreign Office,
this prestigious programme supports short-term research stays in Germany and
strengthens international academic collaboration.
Programme Objective
The DAAD Research Grant enables researchers
to carry out an independent research project in Germany during:
- A doctoral programme (outside Germany), or
- The early postdoctoral phase (up to four years after completing
a PhD).
The grant supports research at a state or
state-recognised university or non-university research institute in Germany, in
coordination with a German academic supervisor.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Doctoral candidates enrolled at a university or research
institution outside Germany
- Postdoctoral researchers who completed their doctorate within
the last four years
Applicants are not eligible if they are
completing their entire doctorate at a German university.
Duration of Funding
The funding period depends on academic
status:
- Doctoral students: 2 to 12
months
- Postdoctoral researchers: 2 to
6 months
The research stay must begin in 2026. The
funding period cannot be divided or extended, and research activities in other
countries outside Germany are not eligible.
Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD Research Grant provides
comprehensive financial support, including:
- Monthly stipend: €1,400
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
- Travel allowance
- Research allowance (€460) for funding periods longer than six
months
Additional benefits (for stays longer than
six months) may include:
- Monthly rent subsidy
- Family allowance for accompanying dependents
- German language course funding (before or during the stay)
- Reimbursement of TestDaF or DSH examination fees
- Green Mobility Top-Up or carbon offset reimbursement for
climate-friendly travel
In cases of disability or chronic illness,
additional financial support may be granted upon application.
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed by an independent
academic selection committee. The evaluation is based on three main pillars:
1. Academic Qualification
- Academic performance and GPA
- Academic progress
- Language proficiency
- Publications, conference papers, or scholarly contributions (if
applicable)
2. Quality of the Research Project
- Originality, relevance, and feasibility of the proposal
- Clarity and structure of research plan and timeline
- Alignment with doctoral research (if applicable)
- Suitability of the host institution and academic supervision
3. Applicant Potential
- Career prospects and long-term impact of the research stay
- Motivation for conducting research in Germany
- German language skills (if required)
- Civic engagement and extracurricular achievements
The selection process also considers equal
opportunity principles.
Why Apply for the DAAD Research Grant?
Germany is home to world-class
universities, cutting-edge research institutions, and internationally
recognized scholars across disciplines. A DAAD-funded research stay offers:
- Access to advanced research facilities
- Academic networking opportunities
- International collaboration experience
- Strengthened academic profile and career prospects
The programme enhances global academic
exchange and supports emerging researchers in developing innovative, impactful
research.
Application and Contact Information
Applicants must secure agreement from a
German host institution before submitting their application. The funding must
begin in 2026.
For applicants in Southern Africa,
inquiries can be directed to:
DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa
The DAAD Research Grant in Germany remains
one of the most competitive and respected funding opportunities for
international PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. Early preparation
especially securing a host supervisor and refining a strong research
proposal—is essential for a successful application.
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