DAAD Research Grants 2026 in Germany | How to Apply

The DAAD Research Grants 2026 in Germany offer funding for international doctoral students and early postdoctoral researchers to carry out a research project in Germany. The program supports short-term research stays during a doctorate or in the early postdoc phase.

The grant allows researchers to work at a state or state-recognised university or a non-university research institute in Germany under the supervision of a scientific host.

Read the full details of this program to see if you are eligible, understand what it offers, and learn how to apply.

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DAAD Research Grants 2026 in Germany Summary

• Host Country: Germany
• Study Abroad: Study in Europe
• Host: DAAD
• Category:  Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships 
• Eligible Countries: International Students
• Reward: Up to €1,400 Monthly | Allowances
• Deadline: On a rolling basis

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DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2026 Details

The DAAD Research Grants program funds research projects in Germany. The research must be carried out at a state or state-recognised university or a non-university research institute. The project must be agreed upon with a scientific supervisor in Germany.

The funding is available for:

• Doctoral students currently pursuing a doctorate outside Germany
• Postdoctoral researchers who completed their doctorate not more than four years ago

Applicants cannot apply if they are completing their entire doctorate at a German university.

Funding is provided for:

• Doctoral students: 2 to 12 months
• Postdocs: 2 to 6 months

The funding cannot be divided within the funding period. Research work outside Germany during the funding period is not eligible. The scholarship cannot be extended. Funding must begin in 2026. The selection committee determines the final funding period based on the proposed research schedule.

Applicants who have lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline are not eligible.

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Eligibility Requirements for the DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2026

• Must be pursuing a doctorate outside Germany or have completed a doctorate within the last four years
• Doctoral applicants must not have started their doctorate more than 3 years before the deadline
• Postdocs must not have completed their doctorate more than 4 years before the deadline
• Must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline
• Must have agreement with a scientific supervisor in Germany
• Must meet required language proficiency (English if applicable)

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DAAD Research Grants 2026 in Germany Benefits

• Monthly scholarship payment of €1,400
• Health, accident and personal liability insurance cover
• Travel allowance
• Research allowance of €460 (for funding longer than six months)
• Possible monthly rent subsidy (for funding longer than six months)
• Possible allowance for accompanying family members (for funding longer than six months)
• Possible disability or chronic illness subsidy
• Green Mobility Top Up or carbon offset reimbursement
• Language course support (for funding longer than six months)
• Reimbursement of TestDaF or DSH test fee

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Required Documents for the DAAD Research Grants 2026 in Germany

• Full CV (max. 3 pages)
• List of publications (mandatory for postdocs)
• Letter of motivation (1–2 pages)
• Research proposal (max. 10 pages)
• Time schedule of research work
• Proof of admission to doctoral studies (for doctoral applicants)
• Confirmation from academic host in Germany
• Declaration on ethical and safety aspects of research
• University degree certificates with final grades
• One letter of recommendation (DAAD form)
• Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
• All university transcripts with grading system explanation
• Valid identification document
• School leaving certificate
• Optional supporting documents (if relevant)

Applications must be submitted online through the DAAD Portal. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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How to Apply for the DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2026

1. Register on the DAAD Portal.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Upload all required documents under the correct sections.
4. Ensure all documents are submitted before the deadline.
5. Submit the application through the DAAD Portal.

The portal closes at 24:00 (CET/CEST) on the application deadline.

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Deadline

On a rolling basis

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