DAAD Hilde Domin Programme – Scholarship Opportunity for At-Risk Students & Researchers

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office, invites nominations for the Hilde Domin Programme—a prestigious scholarship scheme supporting students and doctoral candidates worldwide who are at risk of being denied education or other basic rights in their home countries.

Named in honour of the German poet Hilde Domin, whose life reflected resilience, exile, and return, the programme offers a lifeline to individuals facing political, social, or personal persecution.

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About the Programme

The Hilde Domin Programme provides at-risk individuals with the chance to begin or complete a master’s degree or doctoral degree in Germany in a safe environment. Awardees receive full financial support, additional training opportunities, and access to world-class higher education institutions across Germany.

The long-term goal is to empower scholars to contribute meaningfully to political, social, and economic development—whether in their home countries, Germany, or elsewhere.

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Who Can Be Nominated?

The programme supports master’s students and doctoral candidates from all disciplines (except human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and law) who:

• Are at risk due to identity or civic engagement (e.g., ethnic, gender, sexual, or religious identity; political or civil participation).

• Face threats such as violence, arrest, discrimination, or denial of educational rights.

• Possess academic qualifications that allow entry to a German higher education institution (verified via the anabin database).

• Are not residing in Germany or the EU at the time of nomination.

• Can demonstrate German or English proficiency (B2 level) by the nomination deadline.

Candidates from EU/EEA/EFTA countries, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the United Kingdom are not eligible.

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How the Programme Works

Individuals cannot apply directly. Candidates must be nominated by a recognised institution or organisation based in Germany working in:

• Higher education

• Research

• Human rights

• Peace, democracy, or rule of law

Nominating institutions request access to the online portal, submit a nomination form and risk assessment, and—following DAAD’s initial review—eligible candidates receive an invitation to apply.

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Funding & Benefits

Duration

• Master’s degree: up to 24 months

• Doctoral degree: up to 48 months

Financial Support Includes

• Monthly stipend:

  • €992 for master’s students

  • €1,300 for doctoral candidates

• Health, accident & personal liability insurance

• Travel allowance

• Optional German language course (2–6 months)

• Additional allowances where applicable

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Key Dates

For studies beginning in Summer Semester 2027

• Nomination deadline: 15 March 2026

• Application period: 17 March – 15 April 2026

Nominations can be submitted at any time, but only those received by the deadline will be considered for the relevant intake.

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About Hilde Domin

Hilde Domin (1909–2006) was a German-Jewish poet who spent over two decades in exile before returning to Germany. Her experiences of displacement and resilience continue to inspire the mission of this programme—to provide protection, dignity, and a future for those forced to leave their academic or personal home.

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• FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

• FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE

 

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Contact

For programme-related questions:
✉️ info.hildedomin@daad.de

DAAD Section ST35
Kennedyallee 50
D-53175 Bonn, Germany

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Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE