DAAD GROW – Global Research Opportunities for the South 2026
About this scholarship
DAAD GROW supports short research stays and cooperation visits in Germany for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and established academics from countries in the Global South, with projects aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals.
DAAD GROW – Global Research Opportunities for the South is a scholarship programme run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to support research collaboration between Germany and countries of the Global South. The programme funds short research stays and cooperation visits in Germany for researchers whose work contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The programme is aimed primarily at doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and established academics working at universities or research institutes in eligible countries on the OECD DAC list, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as parts of Latin America and Asia. It is intended for applicants who are based in their home country and seeking to carry out a research stay in Germany. Applicants already in Germany are not eligible under the referenced call.
Funding typically includes a monthly scholarship payment, plus additional support such as travel allowance and health, accident, and liability insurance. In some cases, extra support may be available for scholars with a disability or chronic illness. The programme does not support conference travel under the referenced posting.
Research topics should be clearly connected to SDG-related challenges such as public health, education, climate, governance, social inclusion, or innovation systems. DAAD also indicates that women, socioeconomically disadvantaged applicants, and those from disadvantaged regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Applications are generally made through DAAD procedures for the specific call. Candidates usually need to prepare an academic proposal, demonstrate their research status and institutional affiliation, and identify a suitable host in Germany for the planned research stay. Because calls may vary, applicants should always check the current DAAD call text for exact eligibility, timelines, and document requirements.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Applicants must be doctoral candidates whose PhD started within the last 3 years, postdoctoral researchers who completed their PhD within the last 4 years, or established academics employed at a university or research institute in their home country. The programme is for applicants from countries on the OECD DAC list, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Applicants should have an SDG-aligned research or cooperation project and must not already be in Germany under the referenced call.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting DAAD GROW – Global Research Opportunities for the South.
