DAAD PhD Scholarship 2026/2027 (Fully Funded)

Applications are invited for the DAAD PhD Scholarship 2026/2027, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office to pursue a doctoral degree in Germany. This scholarship supports outstanding international students in various academic fields, including individual doctoral projects or structured doctoral programs at state-recognized universities or research institutes.

It is a fully funded scholarship, covering monthly stipends, insurance, travel, and research allowances, with additional support for language courses and family or disability-related needs. Eligible applicants include those with a Master’s degree (or, exceptionally, a Bachelor’s degree) completed within the last six years, who have not resided in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline. The application deadline is August 29, 2025, and there is no application fee. Funding begins in the Winter Semester 2026/2027. You can also check more PhD positions here

Key Details

• Program: DAAD PhD Scholarship 2026/2027.
• Fields: Open to all academic disciplines (special regulations for human medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry).
• Funding Type: Fully funded.
• Funding Duration: Up to 4 years (initial 3 years, extendable to 4th year based on progress).
• Nationality: No restrictions
• Application Deadline: August 29, 2025.
• Application Fee: None.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Hold a Master’s degree, Diplom, or, in exceptional cases, a Bachelor’s degree (completed by the start of funding).
• Have above-average academic qualifications.
• Not have graduated more than 6 years before the application deadline (August 29, 2025).
• If you’ve started your doctorate, it must not have begun more than 3 years ago.
• Not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline.
• Note: Special regulations apply for applicants in human medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry. Check www.daad.de/extrainfo for details.

Apply for this: OIST Fully Funded PhD Program 2025/2026

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Financial Support

• Monthly stipend: €1,400.
• Insurance coverage: Health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
• Travel allowance: To support travel to and from Germany.
• Annual research allowance: €460.
• Additional benefits (if applicable):
  • Monthly rent subsidy.
  • Allowance for accompanying family members.
  • Subsidy for additional costs due to disability or chronic illness (reviewed case-by-case).

Check Also: Biozentrum PhD Fellowships

Language Support

To prepare for your stay in Germany, DAAD offers:

• Online language course fees covered after receiving the Scholarship Award Letter.
• In-person language course (2, 4, or 6 months) before your research begins, if needed. Participation is mandatory if the host institute’s working language is German.
• Allowance for a German language course during the funding period.
• Reimbursement for TestDaF or DSH test fees (taken in your home country or Germany).

Application Requirements

Key Documents

Submit the following via the DAAD portal:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Max. 3 pages, in tabular form.
• List of publications: Max. 10 pages (if applicable).
• Letter of Motivation: 1-2 pages, explaining academic and personal reasons for your project in Germany.
• Research Proposal: Max. 10 pages, including a detailed description of your project and previous research work.
• Schedule: For individual projects, include a research work plan agreed with your academic supervisor.
• Letter of Supervision: From your doctoral supervisor (for individual projects) or proof of contact with the doctoral program coordinator (for structured programs).
• University Degree Certificate: Showing final grades (submit before funding starts if not available at application).
• Letter of Recommendation: From a university teacher, providing details about your qualifications.
• School Leaving Certificate: With individual grades.
• Proof of English Language Skills (if applicable): TOEFL (min. 550 or iBT 79), IELTS (min. 6.5), onSET (min. B2), or PTE Academic (min. 75), not older than 2 years.
• Valid ID: Passport, ID card, or similar with your photo, name, date of birth, and country of origin.
• Explanation of Grading System: For all university certificates.
• Optional: Certificates of employment, internships, or voluntary work.

• Check out fully funded conferences here.
• Check out exchange programs here.

Application Process

1. Register on the DAAD portal
2. Request a recommendation form from the portal and have it completed by a university teacher.
3. Prepare and upload documents in PDF format (translations included if needed).
4. Submit your application online
   • Avoid last-minute submissions to prevent technical issues.
   • Incomplete applications will not be considered.