DAAD Research Grants in Germany

The DAAD Research Grants programme supports outstanding international researchers wishing to undertake a research project in Germany. Designed for doctoral candidates and early-career postdocs, this grant offers the opportunity to advance academic work, build networks with German institutions, and gain valuable international research experience.

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Who Can Apply?

This programme is open to applicants who:

• Are currently pursuing a doctorate at a university or research institution outside Germany, or

• Have completed their doctorate within the last four years (early postdoc phase)

Please note:
Applicants conducting their entire doctorate at a German university are not eligible.

TO APPLY CLICK HERE

FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES CLICK HERE

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What Can Be Funded?

The grant supports individually developed research projects carried out at:

• State or state-recognised universities in Germany, or

• Non-university research institutions in Germany

Your project must be arranged in agreement with a scientific supervisor in Germany.

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Duration of Funding

• Doctoral candidates: 2–12 months

• Postdocs: 2–6 months

The funding period must begin in 2026. Split funding or conducting parts of the project outside Germany is not permitted. Extensions are not possible.

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Funding Value

Monthly Scholarship Payments

• €1,400 per month

Additional Allowances

• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance

• Travel allowance

• Research allowance (€460) for stays longer than six months

Optional Additional Benefits (available after funding begins and depending on funding length)

• Monthly rent subsidy (for stays > 6 months)

• Monthly allowance for accompanying family members (for stays > 6 months)

• Subsidy for additional costs due to disability or chronic illness

• Green Mobility Top Up for climate-friendly travel
  or reimbursement of carbon offset payments for air travel

Language Preparation Support (for stays > 6 months)

• Fees for an online German language course after receiving the award letter

• Possible participation in a German language course in Germany before the research project

• Allowance for a self-selected German language course during the stay

• Reimbursement of TestDaF or DSH language exam fees

Benefits from other providers may be credited towards the scholarship.

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Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by an independent committee of subject specialists. Selection is based on:

1. Academic Qualification

• Grade performance and academic trajectory

• Research achievements (publications, presentations)

• Language skills relevant to the project

2. Quality of the Research Project

• Originality, relevance, and preparation

• Feasibility and coherence of work plan and schedule

• Integration within the home doctoral programme (where applicable)

3. Applicant Potential

• Academic and professional development prospects

• Motivation for the stay in Germany

• Non-academic activities and engagement

• Contribution to fostering equal opportunities

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Sponsored By

Federal Foreign Office

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Basic Requirements

Eligible Status:

• PhD students

• PhD holders (up to 4 years post-completion)

Subject Areas:

• All disciplines (see detailed subject list in the scholarship database)

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Contact – DAAD Information Centre Sydney

DAAD Australia – German Academic Exchange Service
90 Ocean Street
Woollahra, NSW 2025
Phone: +61 (02) 72088119
Email: info@daad-australia.org