DAAD Research Grants - Doctoral Programmes in Germany

Overview

The DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Programmes fund highly qualified international graduates who want to complete a full PhD in Germany. The programme is run by DAAD on behalf of the German Federal Foreign Office, and it is designed for people who have finished a Master's and are ready to take on a doctorate at a German university or research institution.

The monthly stipend for doctoral candidates is higher than the Master's-level DAAD award, and it comes with research and travel allowances, insurance and support for German language preparation. You apply once a year through the DAAD online portal, and the deadline is announced annually, so you confirm the current date before you start.

This is a competitive scholarship judged by an independent committee of subject specialists. They look closely at your research proposal and your academic record, so the quality of your proposal and your fit with a German supervisor matter a great deal.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need a completed Master's or Diplom by the time funding starts, with above-average results; in exceptional cases a Bachelor's may be accepted. Your most recent degree should usually be no more than six years old at the deadline. If you have already started your doctorate, it must have begun no more than three years before you apply.

Nationality Requirements

The grant is for international graduates, with specific conditions and deadlines that depend on your country of residence. You should also not have lived in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline.

Language Requirements

The language you need depends on your research and host institution. Documents in another language need German or English translations, and DAAD assesses proficiency in your working language. Optional German courses before arrival are supported, and TestDaF or DSH exam costs can be reimbursed.

Age & Other Requirements

There is no explicit age limit. The main time-based conditions are the six-year rule on your most recent degree, the three-year rule if your doctorate has already started, and the 15-month residence limit in Germany.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Monthly stipend of EUR 1,400 for doctoral candidates
• Annual research allowance of EUR 460
• Health, accident and personal liability insurance
• Travel allowance, paid on application
• Possible rent subsidy and allowances for accompanying family
• German language course support and reimbursement of the TestDaF or DSH exam
• Disability or chronic-illness subsidy, assessed case by case

How to Apply

1. Find a supervisor: identify a German professor or institute willing to supervise your doctorate, since you need confirmation of supervision.
2. Build your research proposal: write a focused proposal (up to about 10 pages) with a realistic work schedule.
3. Register in the DAAD portal: create your account and request recommendation forms for your referee.
4. Prepare your documents as PDFs: assemble certificates, transcripts, CV, proposal and supporting papers.
5. Submit online before the deadline: upload everything and submit before the portal closes at 24:00 CET/CEST.

Required Documents

• CV in tabular form, maximum three pages
• Letter of motivation, one to two pages
• Research proposal, maximum ten pages
• Schedule for the planned research work
• Letter confirming doctoral supervision in Germany
• Declaration on research ethics and safety aspects
• All degree certificates with final grades
• Transcripts of records with individual grades
• One letter of recommendation from a university teacher
• List of publications, maximum ten pages, if you have any

Key Dates & Deadlines

You apply once a year. The application window opens on 1 June, and the deadline is announced annually, commonly around mid-year, with the portal closing at 24:00 CET/CEST on the final day. Funding then starts in the following cycle. Always check the current DAAD entry for the exact deadline that applies to your country.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Secure a committed supervisor early and reflect that fit in your proposal
• Make the research proposal original, feasible and clearly structured
• Show academic progress and any civic or non-study engagement, which the committee values
• Keep every document within the stated page limits

Common mistakes to avoid

• A vague or overlong research proposal that ignores the page limit
• Applying when your doctorate started more than three years ago
• Missing the supervision confirmation letter
• Translations missing for non-German, non-English documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Programmes?

Above-average international graduates who hold a Master's or Diplom by the time funding starts, whose most recent degree is generally under six years old, and who have not lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the deadline.

How much does the DAAD Doctoral Research Grant pay?

Doctoral candidates receive EUR 1,400 a month, plus a EUR 460 annual research allowance and additional allowances and insurance.

How long does the DAAD Doctoral Research Grant last?

It can run up to four years in total. The initial award is for a maximum of three years and can be extended to a fourth, with your progress assessed each year.

Do I need a supervisor before applying for the DAAD Doctoral Research Grant?

Yes. You need a letter confirming that a German professor or institute will supervise your doctorate.

Can I apply for the DAAD Doctoral Research Grant if I already started my PhD?

Yes, but only if your doctorate began no more than three years before you apply.

What is the most important part of the DAAD Doctoral Research Grant application?

The research proposal. The selection committee weighs its quality, originality and feasibility heavily, alongside your academic record.

Does the DAAD Doctoral Research Grant require German language skills?

It depends on your research and host institution. DAAD assesses your working language, and German course support and exam reimbursement are available if you need them.

When is the deadline for the DAAD Doctoral Research Grant?

The window opens on 1 June and the deadline is announced annually, commonly mid-year. The portal closes at 24:00 CET/CEST on the final day.

Does the DAAD Doctoral Research Grant cover health insurance?

Yes, it includes health, accident and personal liability insurance.

Can my family come with me on the DAAD Doctoral Research Grant?

Possible allowances for accompanying family members and a rent subsidy are available depending on your circumstances.

How is the DAAD Doctoral Research Grant selected?

An independent committee of specialist scientists reviews applications, looking at your achievements, your proposal, your motivation and your wider engagement.