The DAAD Research Grants in Germany offer excellent funding for international doctoral candidates and early postdocs to carry out a research project at a state or state-recognised university or non-university research institute in Germany. This programme supports short- to medium-term research stays, allowing you to collaborate with leading German academics and access world-class facilities across fields like life sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and more.
This opportunity is ideal for building international networks, advancing your research, and boosting your academic career in one of Europe’s top research hubs.
Programme Overview
- Target Group: Doctoral candidates (during their PhD) and early-stage postdocs.
- Duration of Funding:
- Doctoral students: 2 to 12 months
- Postdocs: 2 to 6 months
- The funding period cannot be divided, extended, or used for research outside Germany. All funded research must begin in 2026.
- Fields: Open to most disciplines; special rules apply for human medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry (check the DAAD website for details).
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD Research Grants in Germany:
- Doctoral candidates: Your doctorate should have started no more than 3 years before the application deadline.
- Postdocs: You should have completed your doctorate no more than 4 years before the application deadline.
- You must not have lived in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline.
- A research project must be agreed with a scientific supervisor/host in Germany.
- Applicants from medical fields should review additional regulations on the DAAD site.
Benefits and Funding
Successful applicants receive comprehensive support:
- Monthly stipend: €1,400
- Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance
- For funding periods longer than six months: research allowance of €460
- Possible additional benefits (applied for after funding starts, under certain conditions):
- Monthly rent subsidy (for periods >6 months)
- Monthly family allowance for accompanying family members (for periods >6 months)
These benefits help cover living costs and enable you to focus fully on your research.
Required Documents
Prepare and upload these to the DAAD portal:
- Full tabular curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages)
- List of publications (max. 10 pages; mandatory for postdocs)
- Letter of motivation (1–2 pages): Explain your academic and personal reasons for the research in Germany
- Detailed research proposal (max. 10 pages total), written by you
- Time schedule for the planned research
- Proof of admission/enrolment in doctoral studies (for doctoral candidates)
- Confirmation from your academic host in Germany
- Declaration from the German supervisor on safety, ethics, and relevant aspects
- University degree certificates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) with final grades
- One recent letter of recommendation (using DAAD form) from a university teacher (for doctoral students, preferably from your thesis supervisor)
- School leaving certificate with grades
- Proof of English proficiency (if research/doctorate is in English)
- All university certificates/transcripts with grades and grading system explanation
- Valid ID/passport (with photo, name, DOB, and nationality)
Scan documents (non-certified initially; DAAD may request certified copies later). Provide German or English translations if originals are in another language.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the official DAAD programme page: Research Grants in Germany
- Register (or log in) on the DAAD portal (portal opens at least 6 weeks before deadline).
- Complete the online application form fully, indicating your desired funding period (must start in 2026).
- Upload all required documents in the “Attachments” section.
- Submit before the deadline (deadlines updated annually, often in the second quarter; recent cycles include March or September dates—check the portal for the exact 2026 dates, e.g., potential March 2026 for September starts).
- Note: Avoid submitting on the final day due to possible technical issues. The portal closes at 24:00 CET/CEST.
Selection typically occurs a few months after deadlines (e.g., June/July for autumn starts).