Fully Funded DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2026
Opportunities like this are not common. The DAAD Research Grants is more than a scholarship; it is a doorway into a season of academic growth, international exposure, and groundbreaking research in one of the world’s most respected educational environments — Germany.
This program is open to both German and international candidates who are ready to pursue serious research at a state or state-recognised university or research institute in Germany. Whether you are currently in your doctoral studies or in the early postdoctoral stage, DAAD offers strong support to help you succeed.
Funding Includes
- €1,400 monthly allowance
- Health, accident, and liability insurance coverage
- Travel allowance
- If your stay lasts more than six months, you will receive an additional €460 research allowance.
- Possible rent subsidy and family allowance for longer projects
Eligibility
- Doctoral candidates: Your PhD must have started less than 3 years before the application deadline.
- Postdoctoral candidates: Only applicants who earned their PhD within four years of the application deadline will be considered.
- You must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months prior to applying.
- A confirmed research project with a scientific supervisor in Germany is required.
- Special regulations apply for human medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry.
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open to all countries and spans a wide range of fields, including life sciences, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. Whether your work is advancing technology, deepening human understanding, or transforming healthcare, DAAD provides a platform to elevate your research.
Key Dates
- Deadline: August 29, 2025
- Selection: February 2026
- Earliest Start Date: May 2026
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages)
- List of publications (required for postdocs)
- Motivation letter (1–2 pages)
- Detailed research proposal (max. 10 pages)
- Research timeline
- Proof of admission/enrolment for doctoral students
- Confirmation from your academic host in Germany
- Supervisor’s declaration on ethical and safety aspects
- Degree certificates with final grades
- Letter of recommendation (on DAAD form)
- School leaving certificate
- Proof of English language skills (if applicable)
- Academic transcripts with grading explanation
- Valid identification document
Application Process
- Visit the official DAAD funding page.
- Register on the DAAD portal.
- Complete the online application in full.
- Upload all required documents under the Attachments section.
The DAAD Research Grants programme is not just about financial support; it is about providing a platform for researchers to work at the highest level, in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. For those prepared, this is an opportunity that can redefine the course of their academic journey.
