The DAAD Doctoral Programmes in Germany Scholarship offers up to four years of funding, €1,400 monthly, insurance support and a €460 annual research allowance for doctoral study in Germany.
The DAAD Doctoral Programmes in Germany Scholarship offers qualified graduates and PhD students the opportunity to complete a doctoral degree at a state or state-recognised higher education institution or non-university research institute in Germany.
Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the programme supports both individual doctoral research projects and structured doctoral programmes.
Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service |
| Scholarship | Doctoral Programmes in Germany |
| Study level | Doctoral / PhD |
| Study location | Germany |
| Funding start | 2027 |
| Maximum funding | Up to 4 years |
| Monthly scholarship | €1,400 |
| Research allowance | €460 per year |
| Insurance | Health, accident and personal liability insurance support |
| Travel allowance | Available upon application |
| Academic requirement | Master’s/Diplom, or exceptionally Bachelor’s degree by funding start |
| Language | Depends on the host programme/research environment |
| Application deadline | Not specified in the supplied information |
What Does the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship Fund?
The scholarship supports a doctoral project in Germany at a state or state-recognised institution of higher education or a non-university research institute.
Applicants can pursue either:
- An individual research project supervised by a university teacher; or
- A structured doctoral study programme.
Research periods outside Germany may also be funded when they are essential to successfully completing the doctorate. Such periods may account for no more than one quarter of the anticipated total funding period and must be explained in the study plan and schedule.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for applicants with above-average qualifications.
Applicants must have completed a Master’s degree or Diplom, or in exceptional cases a Bachelor’s degree, by the beginning of the funding period.
The programme lists graduates and PhD students among the eligible status groups.
Duration of Funding
Funding can be provided for a maximum of four years.
Initially, scholarships are awarded for up to three years. Academic progress is reviewed annually. Where progress indicates that the doctorate can be completed within a reasonable period, funding can continue as planned.
A fourth year of funding may be requested through an extension application.
The scholarship funding must begin in 2027.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful scholars receive a number of financial and support benefits.
Monthly Scholarship
The DAAD provides a monthly payment of €1,400.
Insurance
The scholarship includes payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance.
Research Allowance
Recipients receive an annual research allowance of €460.
Travel Allowance
A travel allowance may be available upon application.
Additional Benefits
Depending on individual circumstances, scholars may also apply for:
- A monthly rent subsidy.
- A monthly allowance for accompanying family members.
- Support for justified additional costs related to a disability or chronic illness.
The DAAD also provides several forms of language-learning support, including an online language course, possible language preparation before the research stay, an allowance for a personally selected German course and reimbursement of fees for TestDaF or DSH examinations under the stated conditions.
Research Project Requirements
The quality and preparation of the proposed research project are important parts of the selection process.
The selection committee considers:
- Originality, topicality and relevance of the research project.
- The choice of host institution and initial contacts.
- The feasibility of the research plan.
- The consistency of the study plan and schedule.
- How the project fits into the overall doctoral programme.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed by an independent selection committee of specialist scientists.
The main selection areas are:
1. Academic Qualification
The committee considers academic performance, development of grades, academic progress, language knowledge and, where applicable, scholarly achievements such as publications, lectures and conference papers.
2. Quality of the Research Project
The research proposal, preparation, originality, relevance, host institution and feasibility of the project are assessed.
3. Applicant Potential
The committee also considers career prospects, motivation, academic and personal reasons for studying in Germany, German-language skills where relevant, and non-academic knowledge, skills and civic engagement.
Equal-opportunity considerations are also taken into account.
Application Deadline
The supplied scholarship information states that funding must begin in 2027, but it does not provide the actual application closing date in the material provided.
Applicants should therefore check the official DAAD scholarship database for the current deadline applicable to their application.
How to Apply
Applicants should use the official DAAD Scholarship Database and follow the application instructions for the Doctoral Programmes in Germany scholarship.
Visit the official DAAD Scholarship Database
Applicants should carefully prepare the research proposal, study plan and other documents required by the official application process.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The DAAD Doctoral Programmes in Germany Scholarship is a substantial funding opportunity for qualified researchers planning to complete a PhD in Germany. The programme combines a €1,400 monthly scholarship, insurance support, a research allowance and potential additional benefits with funding that can extend for up to four years.
The research-project component means applicants should pay particular attention to the quality, feasibility and academic relevance of their proposed doctoral research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DAAD Doctoral Programmes in Germany Scholarship?
It is a DAAD funding programme that supports doctoral study and research at eligible institutions in Germany.
How much does the DAAD doctoral scholarship pay?
The scholarship provides €1,400 per month.
How long can DAAD doctoral funding last?
Funding can last for a maximum of four years, subject to the programme’s conditions and academic progress.
Who can apply for the scholarship?
Applicants with above-average qualifications who have completed a Master’s degree or Diplom, or in exceptional cases a Bachelor’s degree by the start of the funding period, may apply.
Can I conduct part of my research outside Germany?
Yes. Research periods outside Germany may be funded when they are important to completing the doctorate, but they must not exceed one quarter of the anticipated total funding period.
Does the scholarship include insurance?
Yes. DAAD provides payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance.
Is there a research allowance?
Yes. The scholarship includes an annual €460 research allowance.
Are additional benefits available?
Depending on the circumstances, applicants may qualify for rent support, an allowance for accompanying family members or support for justified additional disability- or illness-related costs.
When must the funding begin?
The supplied information states that funding must begin in 2027.
What is the application deadline?
The supplied material does not state a specific application deadline. Applicants should check the official DAAD scholarship database for the current deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed is sharing this scholarship for informational and educational purposes. We are not affiliated with DAAD or the German Federal Foreign Office and do not select scholarship recipients.
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