Applications are invited for the 2027 DAAD Research Grants in Germany, providing international doctoral candidates and early-career postdoctoral researchers with funding to undertake research at a university or recognized research institution in Germany.
The programme supports research stays undertaken in agreement with an academic supervisor in Germany. Successful applicants receive a monthly scholarship, insurance support, travel allowance and other benefits while conducting their research.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor: DAAD
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institution: State/State-recognised University or Research Institute
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Monthly Scholarship: €1,400
- Funding Duration: 2–12 Months
- Study Level: PhD & Postdoctoral Research
- Nationality: International Applicants
Also Check: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Study in UK 2027 (Fully Funded)
DAAD Research Grants 2027 | Program Overview
The DAAD Research Grants in Germany programme supports international researchers wishing to undertake a research project at a state or state-recognised university or non-university research institute in Germany.
The research must be carried out in agreement with an academic supervisor in Germany. Doctoral candidates can receive funding for 2 to 12 months, while postdoctoral researchers can receive funding for 2 to 6 months. The research stay must begin in 2027, and the scholarship cannot be extended or divided into separate funding periods.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants can apply if they:
- Are undertaking a doctorate at a university or research institution outside Germany; or
- Have already completed a doctorate and are in the early postdoctoral phase.
- Have started their doctorate no more than three years before the application deadline, if applying as a doctoral candidate.
- Completed their doctorate no more than four years before the application deadline, if applying as a postdoc.
- Have an agreed research project and academic supervisor in Germany.
- Have not been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.
Applicants completing their entire doctorate at a German university are not eligible.
Language requirements depend on the proposed research and subject. German is generally important in some disciplines, while English may be accepted as the working language in fields such as natural sciences and engineering.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful DAAD Research Grant recipients receive:
- €1,400 monthly scholarship payment.
- Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance.
- Travel allowance, subject to the applicable DAAD conditions.
- €460 research allowance for funding periods longer than six months.
Depending on individual circumstances and funding duration, recipients may also qualify for:
- Monthly rent subsidy.
- Allowance for accompanying family members.
- Support for additional disability or chronic-illness-related costs.
- Green Mobility Top Up or reimbursement of eligible carbon-offset payments.
- German language course support and eligible language examination fees.
Applicants may also consult the DAAD for other conditions applying to additional benefits.
Selection Process
Applications are assessed by an independent selection committee of specialist academics. Important considerations include:
- Academic achievements and academic progress.
- Relevant publications and scholarly achievements.
- Quality, originality and relevance of the proposed research.
- Feasibility of the research plan and schedule.
- Choice of German host institution and academic supervision.
- Applicant’s motivation and career prospects.
- Language proficiency.
- Relevant extracurricular activities and civic engagement.
See Also: DAAD Integrated International Double Degrees Program [Fully-funded]
Application Procedures
How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit their applications through the DAAD Scholarship Database and online portal.
A smooth application steps will include, applicants should:
- Check the DAAD listing for the deadline applicable to their country.
- Identify a suitable German host institution and academic supervisor.
- Agree on the proposed research project with the supervisor.
- Register on the DAAD Portal when applications are open.
- Complete the online application and indicate the desired funding period.
- Upload all required supporting documents and submit before the applicable deadline.
Application Documents
Required documents include:
- Full tabular CV, maximum three pages.
- List of published publications, maximum 10 pages; mandatory for postdocs.
- Motivation letter, generally 1–2 pages.
- Detailed research proposal, maximum 10 pages.
- Research schedule/work plan.
- Confirmation from the academic host/supervisor in Germany.
- University degree certificates.
- Undergraduate and postgraduate transcripts.
- Recent academic recommendation using the DAAD form.
- Explanation of the applicable grading system.
- Proof of German or English proficiency according to the language of the research.
Documents issued in another language should generally be accompanied by German or English translations. DAAD may request certified copies where necessary.
Application Deadline: Varies by country of origin.
