The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is inviting qualified international students to apply for the 2026 DAAD Doctoral Scholarships to pursue fully funded PhD programs in Germany. This prestigious scholarship, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, supports doctoral research at a state-recognized university or research institute in Germany, with a total funding amount of €17,260.
About the DAAD Doctoral Programs
The DAAD Doctoral Scholarship Program provides international students with the opportunity to complete their doctoral degrees in Germany, a global leader in research and innovation. DAAD is the largest scholarship provider in Germany, and this program is one of its flagship initiatives for advanced academic training.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
* Hold a 2nd Class Upper B.A./B.Sc. and a Master’s degree (M.A./M.Sc.)
* Have graduated no more than 6 years before the application deadline
* If already enrolled in a PhD, the start of the program must not exceed 3 years at the time of application
* Not be residing in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline
* Possess good German language skills, especially for arts-based research (exceptions allowed if the research is in English)
* Be ready to participate in a 4–6 month German language course (generally included in the scholarship)
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:
* €1,300 monthly stipend
* Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
* Travel allowance
* Annual research allowance of €460
* Optional benefits (after funding begins):
- Monthly rent subsidy
- Allowance for accompanying family members
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and upload the following:
* Completed online application form
* CV in Europass format
* List of publications (if applicable)
* Letter of motivation (1–2 pages)
* Research proposal and schedule
* Letter of admission to a doctoral program (if available)
* University degree certificates and transcripts
* Letter of recommendation
* Proof of English language skills
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How to Apply
To apply for the DAAD Doctoral Scholarships 2026:
1. Click HERE to visit the official DAAD scholarship webpage
2. Select your country of citizenship under the “application procedure.”
3. Review the requirements, process, and deadline specific to your nationality
4. Submit all required documents via the DAAD portal by the deadline
Application Deadline: September 24, 2025