DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2026 – Fully Funded for PhD & Postdocs

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

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2026