Fully Funded DAAD PhD Scholarship in Germany 2026 for International Students: Overview

The DAAD Doctoral Scholarship 2026 offers exceptional international students the opportunity to pursue their PhD in Germany at a recognized university or research institute. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the program supports both individual and structured doctoral projects across various disciplines. Scholars receive full financial support, language training, and additional allowances to facilitate their academic and professional development in Germany.

Fully Funded DAAD PhD Scholarship in Germany 2026 for International Students: Benefits

✅ €1,400 monthly stipend
✅ Health, accident & liability insurance
✅ Travel allowance
✅ Annual research grant of €460
✅ Rent subsidy (on request)
✅ Family allowance (on request)
✅ Disability support (if needed)
✅ Free language training (online & in-person)
✅ Test fee reimbursement for German exams (TestDaF/DSH)

Scholarship Categories

• Individual doctoral project (under a university supervisor)

• Structured PhD program (at a recognized institution)

Fully Funded DAAD PhD Scholarship in Germany 2026 for International Students: Eligibility Criteria

• Must have completed a Master’s degree (or in exceptional cases, a Bachelor’s with outstanding qualifications) by the time funding starts in 2026

• Bachelor’s degree: Minimum of 2nd Class Upper

• Graduation must be within 6 years of the application deadline (24 September 2025)

• If already in a PhD program, it must have started within the past 3 years

• Must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline

• Good German language skills required, especially for arts subjects. Language course support is available.

• For medicine, veterinary, or dentistry applicants: check special conditions at www.daad.de/extrainfo

Documents Required

• CV (max 3 pages)

• Letter of motivation (1–2 pages)

• Detailed research proposal (max 10 pages)

• Research timeline & supervision confirmation from German academic

• Admission letter to a doctoral program (if available)

• Module plan (for structured programs)

• Proof of contact with doctoral program coordinator

• Supervisor’s declaration on research ethics/safety

• Academic transcripts and grading explanation

• 1 academic recommendation letter

• Proof of admission to home university PhD (if applicable)

• Optional: employment or internship certificates, volunteer experience, etc.

Important Notes

• Research outside Germany can be funded (up to 25% of program duration)

• Scholarship starts in October 2026

• Applicants may also receive language course sponsorship (2–6 months)

• Applications open in June 2025, and the deadline is 24 September 2025

• Language course (if awarded) starts around June 2026

Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a committee of subject specialists. Evaluation is based on:

• Academic performance and progress

• Quality and relevance of research proposal

• Career potential and motivation

• Language proficiency

• Civic or extracurricular involvement