Are you a PhD student or early-career researcher looking to expand your academic horizons in Germany? The DAAD Research Grant is your chance to conduct groundbreaking research at one of Germany’s world-class universities or research institutes — fully funded.
This prestigious programme, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, is designed for doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers from around the world who want to pursue a short-term research stay in Germany.
✅ Who Can Apply?
You’re eligible to apply if:
- You’re currently pursuing your PhD at a university or research institute outside of Germany, or
- You have completed your PhD within the last four years (early postdoc phase)
Please Note: If you’re doing your entire PhD in Germany, this programme isn’t for you.
🧪 What Does the Grant Fund?
The grant supports independent research projects carried out at a German university or non-university research institute. To apply, you’ll need confirmation and a work plan from a scientific supervisor in Germany who agrees to mentor your research.
⏳ Funding Duration
Depending on your academic level:
- PhD students: 2 to 12 months
- Postdocs: 2 to 6 months
The funding must be used continuously — no breaks or splits during the funded period. The duration is based on your proposed timeline and is finalized by the selection committee.
💰 What the Scholarship Covers
- €1,300 monthly stipend
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance
- Research allowance of €460 (only for stays longer than 6 months)
For longer stays (over 6 months), you may also be eligible for:
- Monthly rent subsidy
- Family allowance for accompanying partners or children
- Additional support for disabilities or chronic illnesses
- Green Mobility Top-Up for eco-friendly travel or carbon offset reimbursement
🗣 Language Support
If your stay is longer than 6 months, DAAD helps you prepare linguistically with:
- Online German language course
- If required, a language course in Germany before your research begins
- An allowance for a self-selected language course during your stay
- Reimbursement for TestDaF or DSH language test fees
🧑⚖️ How Applications Are Selected
Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of expert researchers. They look at:
1. Academic Qualification
- University performance (GPA and academic development)
- Research achievements (papers, talks, conferences)
- Language skills for your research/work environment
2. Research Project Quality
- Originality and relevance of your topic
- How well-prepared your plan is
- Feasibility and integration with your PhD or career path
- Appropriateness of your chosen host institution
3. Your Potential
- How this research stay fits your academic and career goals
- Your motivation and reasons for choosing Germany
- Any non-academic achievements (volunteering, leadership, civic involvement)
🌍 Why Apply?
This research grant is more than financial support — it’s a chance to connect with leading experts, explore new academic cultures, and take your research to an international level.
Whether you’re fine-tuning your dissertation or kickstarting your postdoc work, a DAAD research stay in Germany can be a game-changing experience.