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Applications are now open for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship Programme in Germany 2027/28. The German Federal Foreign Office funds the scholarship through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It provides international students with an opportunity to complete a fully funded doctoral degree at a state or state-recognized university or a non-university research institute in Germany.
The DAAD Doctoral Scholarship is one of Germany’s most prestigious funding programs for international researchers. It supports outstanding graduates who wish to pursue an individual doctoral research project under the supervision of a professor or join a structured doctoral program in Germany.
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €1,400, health insurance, travel support, an annual research allowance, and additional financial support for eligible scholars. The funding is available for up to 4 years, depending on the research project and academic progress.
If you are planning to study for a PhD in Germany with full financial support, this scholarship offers an excellent opportunity to conduct research at leading German universities and research institutions.
WhatsApp ChannelDAAD Doctoral Scholarship Programme in Germany 2027/28 Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Scholarship Provider: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Funded By: German Federal Foreign Office
- Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral)
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: International students from eligible countries
- Application Deadline: 24 September 2026
- Scholarship Start: October 2027
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Financial Benefits
Selected scholars will receive a comprehensive funding package that includes:
- Monthly stipend of €1,400
- Health, accident and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance (upon approval)
- Annual research allowance of €460
- Monthly rent subsidy (where applicable)
- Family allowance for accompanying family members
- Additional financial support for applicants with disabilities or chronic illnesses
- German language course before the scholarship (if required)
- Online German language course after receiving the scholarship award
- Allowance for a German language course during the scholarship period
- Reimbursement of TestDaF or DSH examination fees
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Duration of the Scholarship
The DAAD scholarship supports doctoral studies for up to four years.
Funding is initially awarded for a maximum of three years. Scholars who demonstrate satisfactory academic progress may receive funding for a fourth year after evaluation.
The scholarship is scheduled to begin in October 2027.
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Available Study Options
Applicants may choose one of the following study routes:
- Individual doctoral research supervised by a professor at a German university
- Participation in a structured doctoral programme
Research periods outside Germany may also be funded if they are essential to the doctoral project. However, these research visits cannot exceed one-quarter of the total funding period.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold an excellent academic record.
- Have completed a Master’s degree or Diplom before the scholarship begins.
- In exceptional cases, applicants with a Bachelor’s degree may also apply.
- The most recent university degree should generally have been completed within the last six years before the application deadline.
- Applicants who have already started their PhD should not have begun more than three years before the application deadline.
- Applicants must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months before the application deadline.
- Good German language skills are generally required for projects conducted in German.
- Projects conducted entirely in English may qualify without German language proficiency.
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Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated by an independent academic selection committee based on:
- Academic excellence
- Grade point average and academic achievements
- Quality and originality of the research proposal
- Feasibility of the research plan
- Choice of host institution
- Career potential
- Motivation for studying in Germany
- Research publications and academic experience (if applicable)
- Community engagement and extracurricular activities
Required Documents DAAD Doctoral Scholarship Programme
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum three pages)
- Letter of motivation (1-2 pages)
- Research proposal and previous research work (maximum ten pages)
- Research schedule
- Letter confirming supervision from a German doctoral supervisor (for individual PhD projects)
- Module plan and coordinator contact proof (for structured doctoral programmes)
- Letter of admission (if available)
- Declaration on research ethics and safety
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- One recommendation letter from a university teacher
- Proof of doctoral admission at the home university (if applicable)
- Certified English or German translations of documents when required
- Optional supporting documents, such as employment certificates, internships, or volunteer experience
How to Apply for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship
Applications must be submitted through the official DAAD online portal.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Register an account on the DAAD Portal during the application period.
Step 2: Generate the recommendation form through the portal and send it to your university teacher. Upload the completed recommendation letter after receiving it.
Step 3: Prepare all required documents in PDF format. Documents issued in another language must include English or German translations.
Step 4: Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.
Step 5: Review your application carefully and submit it before the deadline.
Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship Programme in Germany 2027/28 is 24 September 2026.
The selection process is expected to take place in February 2027, while successful applicants will begin their scholarship in October 2027. Where applicable, the German language course normally starts in June 2027.
Why Apply for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship?
The DAAD Doctoral Scholarship Programme provides international researchers with financial support to pursue advanced research at leading German universities. Besides covering major study and living expenses, the program also offers language training, research funding, international academic networking, and opportunities to work with experienced supervisors. It is one of Germany’s flagship scholarship programs for students seeking a fully funded PhD abroad.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and submit complete applications well before the official deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
