DAAD Doctoral Scholarship Programs in Germany 2026
The DAAD Doctoral Scholarships in Germany offer international students an exceptional opportunity to pursue their PhD studies in a world-renowned academic environment. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, this prestigious program provides comprehensive financial support, enabling students to focus on their research without financial burdens.
About the Scholarship
The DAAD Doctoral Scholarship is designed for international students who wish to pursue doctoral studies in Germany. With a funding amount of €17,260, this scholarship covers a range of expenses, including living costs, health insurance, and research expenses. The scholarship is administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the largest scholarship provider in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
– Academic Background: Hold a Bachelor’s degree (2nd class upper division level) and a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
– Research Experience: Not have graduated more than six years before the application deadline. If already pursuing a PhD, the doctoral studies must have started less than three years ago.
– Residency: Not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months before the application deadline.
– Language Skills: Proficiency in German is usually required for arts subjects, while English language proficiency may be sufficient for other fields.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The DAAD Doctoral Scholarship offers a range of benefits, including:
– Monthly Stipend: €1,300 to cover living expenses.
– Health Insurance: Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
– Travel Allowance: To support travel to and from Germany.
– Research Allowance: €460 annually to support research expenses.
– Additional Benefits: Monthly rent subsidy and allowance for accompanying family members may be available under certain circumstances.
Required Documents
To apply for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship, applicants must submit the following documents:
– Online Application Form: Completed and submitted through the DAAD portal.
– Europass CV: A detailed CV in the Europass format.
– List of Publications: If applicable, a list of research papers or articles.
– Letter of Motivation: A 1-2 page letter outlining the applicant’s research interests and goals.
– Research Proposal: A detailed proposal outlining the research project, including objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
– Letter of Admission: A letter confirming admission to a study program or research project in Germany.
– University Degree Certificate and Transcripts: Official certificates and transcripts of academic qualifications.
– Supporting Letter of Recommendation: A letter from a professor or academic advisor.
– Proof of English Language Skills: If required, proof of proficiency in English.
Application Process
To apply for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship, follow these steps:
1. Visit the DAAD Website: Go to the official DAAD website and navigate to the scholarship page.
2. Select Your Country: Choose your country of citizenship under the ‘application procedure’ section.
3. Submit Required Documents: Upload all required documents to the DAAD portal before the application deadline.
4. Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
Deadline
The application deadline for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship is September 24, 2025. Ensure that all required documents are submitted before this deadline to avoid rejection ¹.
By applying for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your PhD studies in Germany, develop your research skills, and contribute to the academic community. Don’t miss this chance to advance your academic career and achieve your research goals.
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