The DAAD Research Grants in Germany 2027 provide financial support for doctoral candidates and early-career postdoctoral researchers to conduct research at German universities and research institutes.
The program is designed for:
- PhD students enrolled at universities outside Germany
- Early-career postdoctoral researchers (within four years of completing their PhD)
Applicants pursuing their entire doctoral degree at a German university are not eligible.
| Organization | DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) |
| Country | Germany |
| Eligible Applicants | PhD Students and Early Postdoctoral Researchers |
| Funding | €1,400 per month + additional benefits |
| Duration | 2–12 months (PhD), 2–6 months (Postdocs) |
| Research Location | German Universities and Research Institutes |
| Major Deadlines | 4 March & 7 October |
| Funding Starts | 2027 |
Research Duration
The funding period depends on your academic status.
| Applicant | Duration |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Students | 2–12 months |
| Postdoctoral Researchers | 2–6 months |
Scholarship Benefits
Selected researchers will receive a monthly scholarship of €1,400 and a monthly rent subsidy.
A research allowance of €460 is also provided for stays longer than six months.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated by an independent panel of academic experts. The committee considers:
- Academic performance
- Quality and originality of the research proposal
- Feasibility of the research plan
- Choice of host institution
- Research potential
- Career prospects
- Motivation for conducting research in Germany
- Publications, conference presentations, and academic achievements
- Extracurricular and community engagement
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
Doctoral StudentsThe
- PhD should have started within the last three years before the application deadline.
Postdoctoral Researchers
- The PhD must have been completed within the last four years before the application deadline.
Application Deadlines
DAAD offers two application rounds each year.
| Application Deadline | Selection Result | Earliest Funding Start |
| 7 October | Around February | May |
| 4 March | Around May | July |
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages)
- Motivation Letter (1–2 pages)
- Detailed Research Proposal (maximum 10 pages)
- Proof of PhD enrollment (for doctoral applicants)
- Acceptance letter from the German academic host
- Scientific ethics and research safety declaration
- Degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Recommendation letter from a university teacher (DAAD format)
- List of publications (mandatory for postdoctoral applicants)
- Optional supporting documents, such as employment certificates or extracurricular achievements
How to Apply
The application process is completed through the DAAD online portal.
Steps:
- Register on the DAAD Portal.
- Generate the recommendation form and send it to your referee.
- Prepare all required PDF documents.
- Upload all documents through the portal.
- Submit the online application.
- Print the generated Application Summary PDF and send one signed copy by post to the designated application address.