DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme 2026 in Germany

DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme 2026 in Germany: Fully Funded

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The DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme 2026 is now accepting applications from international graduate students, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, visiting researchers, and senior scientists. The program is jointly offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), providing funded research opportunities in Germany.

The fellowship supports highly qualified researchers who wish to conduct research at DLR institutes across Germany. Participants can work on projects related to aeronautics, space, energy, and transportation while receiving financial support and access to Germany’s leading research facilities.

Quick Overview of DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme 2026

  • Host Country: Germany
  • Host Organizations: DLR & DAAD
  • Funding Type: Fully funded research fellowship
  • Eligible Applicants: Graduate students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, visiting researchers, and senior scientists
  • Research Fields: Aeronautics, Space, Energy, Transportation
  • Deadline: Varies by Fellowship Offer

This fellowship is one of Germany’s major international research funding opportunities for students and researchers seeking to work at leading DLR research institutes.

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About DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme

The DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme is a collaborative initiative between DAAD and DLR. It aims to attract talented international researchers to Germany and promote scientific cooperation in advanced research fields.

DLR is Germany’s national center for aerospace, energy, transport, and space research. With more than 50 institutes and facilities located across Germany, DLR conducts research that contributes to national and international scientific development.

Unlike traditional university scholarships, this fellowship allows applicants to conduct research directly at DLR institutes. Applicants cannot apply to German universities through this program.

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Scholarship Categories and Duration

TypeApplicant LevelDuration
Type AGraduate Students9 months
Type BDoctoral Students36 months
Type CPostdoctoral Researchers7–24 months
Type DSenior Scientists1–3 months
Type EVisiting Researchers (PhD/Postdoc)1–6 months

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Financial Benefits

CategoryMonthly Stipend
Type A€992
Type B€1,760
Type C€2,400
Type D€2,760
Type E (PhD)€1,760
Type E (Postdoc)€2,400

Additional benefits may include:

  • Travel allowance
  • Health insurance
  • Rent subsidy (where applicable)
  • Family allowance
  • Disability/chronic illness support

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be non-German nationals, or have lived outside Germany for at least six years.
  • Demonstrate outstanding academic or research achievements.
  • Meet the qualification requirements for the specific fellowship type.
  • Have excellent English language proficiency.
  • German language skills are advantageous but not mandatory.

Required English Scores

Examples accepted by DAAD include:

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79
  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5

Required Documents

Commonly required documents include:

  • Online application form
  • Cover page
  • Motivation statement
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Degree certificates and transcripts
  • English proficiency proof
  • Thesis abstract
  • Recommendation letters
  • Publication list (where applicable)

Graduate applicants generally require one recommendation letter, while doctoral and postdoctoral applicants typically require two recommendation letters.

All documents must be submitted in PDF format through the DAAD online portal.

How to Apply

  1. Register in the DAAD portal.
  2. Select a current DLR fellowship offer.
  3. Prepare all required documents in PDF format.
  4. Request recommendation letters through the DAAD system.
  5. Submit the online application before the relevant deadline.

Why Apply for a DLR-DAAD Fellowship?

The DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme provides international researchers with the opportunity to work at Germany’s leading research institutions. Fellows gain access to advanced laboratories, international research networks, and projects in aerospace, energy, transportation, and space sciences.

The program also offers competitive funding, making it one of the most attractive research fellowships in Germany for international students and researchers.

Application Deadline

There is no single universal deadline. Deadlines are specified in individual fellowship advertisements. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so positions may be filled while applications are under review.


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