DAAD 2026
About this scholarship
DAAD offers international scholarships for study and research in Germany, especially at doctoral level. Funding commonly supports living costs and may also include research allowance, insurance, travel, and language preparation.
DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, is one of the main organisations supporting international academic exchange with Germany. Through a wide portfolio of scholarships and funding schemes, DAAD helps students and researchers pursue study, research, and academic collaboration at German universities and research institutes.
Based on the referenced postings, DAAD is especially prominent for doctoral funding in Germany, including full PhD routes and sandwich/cotutelle arrangements for candidates who are already registered for a doctorate in their home country. DAAD-funded opportunities are typically hosted by universities and research institutions across Germany rather than being tied to one single institution.
Support can be substantial. For doctoral funding, the referenced posting indicates a monthly stipend of €1,400, an annual research allowance, health/accident/personal liability insurance, travel support, and in some cases a German language course before the programme begins. Tuition is often not charged at public universities in Germany, although students may still pay a semester contribution.
Eligibility and application requirements vary by scheme, but doctoral applicants usually need a relevant Master's degree or equivalent, a strong academic record, and a viable research plan or confirmed supervision in Germany. Depending on the programme and host institution, applicants may need proof of English or German proficiency. Some DAAD opportunities are open worldwide, while others target specific regions, career stages, or development-related themes.
Applications are generally made through DAAD's scholarship portal or via programme-specific procedures linked from the DAAD website. Because DAAD runs many distinct schemes with different timelines and rules, students should carefully review the exact call for their chosen programme, host institution, and subject area before applying.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Varies by DAAD scheme. For the doctoral programmes referenced, applicants typically need a relevant Master's degree or equivalent; candidates for sandwich/cotutelle funding are usually already registered as doctoral students. Applicants generally need a strong academic background, a suitable research topic, and often supervision or admission arrangements with a German university or research institute.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
Varies by programme and host institution; English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL) or German proficiency may be required depending on the doctoral programme.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting DAAD.
