PhD Scholarships
DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2026 – Fully Funded for PhD & Postdocs
Location: Germany
Deadline: September 30, 2026
Summary:
The DAAD Research Grant funds short-term research stays in Germany for doctoral students (2–12 months) and early postdocs (2–6 months). It provides a €1,400 monthly stipend, travel costs, insurance, and research allowance, plus optional family, rent, and German language support for longer stays. Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD outside Germany or have completed a PhD within the last four years and secure a German academic host. Selection is based on academic excellence, research quality, and career potential.
Host Organization
DAAD
Level of Study
Doctoral (PhD research phase)
Postdoctoral (early postdoc)
Duration
PhD researchers: 2 – 12 months
Postdocs: 2 – 6 months
Must start in 2026
Cannot be extended or split across countries
Scholarship Value
€1,400 monthly stipend
Travel allowance
Health, accident & liability insurance
€460 research allowance (for stays > 6 months)
Possible Additional Benefits
(for stays over 6 months)
Monthly rent subsidy
Family allowance
German language courses (online or in Germany)
TestDaF/DSH exam refund
Green mobility travel subsidy
Disability support (if applicable)
What Can Be Funded
A research project in Germany at:
A state/state-recognised university, or
A non-university research institute
Must be agreed with a German academic supervisor
Host must confirm workspace
Who Can Apply
Doctoral Applicants
Doing a PhD outside Germany
PhD started within the last 3 years
Postdoctoral Applicants
PhD completed within the last 4 years
Not Eligible
If doing your entire PhD in Germany
If you’ve lived in Germany more than 15 months at deadline
Key Selection Criteria
Academic Quality
Grades & academic progress
Publications / conferences (for postdocs)
Language proficiency
Research Proposal
Originality & relevance
Clear methodology & timeline
Strong choice of German host
Applicant Potential
Career impact of the Germany stay
Motivation
Extracurricular & civic engagement
Required Documents (Major Ones)
CV (max. 3 pages)
Motivation letter (1–2 pages)
Detailed research proposal (max. 10 pages)
Timeline
German host acceptance letter
Academic certificates & transcripts
Recommendation letter
English test (if research in English)
Proof of PhD enrolment / PhD certificate
Key Timeline
Deadline: 3 September 2025
Selection: February 2026
Earliest start: May 2026