Suitably qualified researchers who are looking to undertake a research project at a state or state-recognized university or non-university institute in Germany starting from 2027 are invited to apply for the DAAD Research Grants 2027 for International Researchers.
The fully funded DAAD Research Grants 2027 offers International Researchers or early-career postdoctoral researchers with funding to undertake research at a university or recognized research institution in Germany starting from the 2027 academic year. These PhD Scholarships supports research stays undertaken in agreement with an academic supervisor in Germany.
The research must be carried out in agreement with an academic supervisor in Germany. Doctoral candidates can receive funding for 2 to 12 months, while postdoctoral researchers can receive funding for 2 to 6 months. The scholarship cannot be extended or divided into separate funding periods.
SEE MORE: International Scholarships 2027 at National College of Ireland
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be undertaking a doctorate at a university or research institution in Germany; or
- Have already completed a doctorate and are in the early postdoctoral phase.
- Have started their doctorate no more than three years before the application deadline, if applying as a doctoral candidate.
- Completed their doctorate no more than four years before the application deadline, if applying as a postdoc.
- Have an agreed research project and academic supervisor in Germany.
- Have not been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.
Note: Language requirements depend on the proposed research and subject. German is generally important in some disciplines, while English may be accepted as the working language in fields such as natural sciences and engineering.
Scholarship Benefits
- €1,400 monthly scholarship payment.
- Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance.
- Travel allowance, subject to the applicable DAAD conditions.
- €460 research allowance for funding periods longer than six months.
Depending on individual circumstances and funding duration, recipients may also qualify for:
- Monthly rent subsidy.
- Allowance for accompanying family members.
- Support for additional disability or chronic-illness-related costs.
- Green Mobility Top Up or reimbursement of eligible carbon-offset payments.
- German language course support and eligible language examination fees.
Applicants may also consult the DAAD for other conditions applying to additional benefits.
Method of Application
To apply for the DAAD Research Grants 2027 for International Researchers, applicants should submit their applications online through the DAAD Scholarship portal and follow the steps below for a successful application:
- Check the DAAD listing for the deadline applicable to their country.
- Identify a suitable German host institution and academic supervisor.
- Agree on the proposed research project with the supervisor.
- Register on the DAAD Portal when applications are open.
- Complete the online application and indicate the desired funding period.
- Upload all required supporting documents and submit before the applicable deadline.
Required Documents
- Full tabular CV, maximum three pages.
- List of published publications, maximum 10 pages; mandatory for postdocs.
- Motivation letter, generally 1–2 pages.
- Detailed research proposal, maximum 10 pages.
- Research schedule/work plan.
- Confirmation from the academic host/supervisor in Germany.
- University degree certificates.
- Undergraduate and postgraduate transcripts.
- Recent academic recommendation using the DAAD form.
- Explanation of the applicable grading system.
- Proof of German or English proficiency according to the language of the research.
Note: Documents issued in another language should generally be accompanied by German or English translations. DAAD may request certified copies where necessary.
Application Deadline: Varies by Country
For More Information: Visit the Scholarship Website.
