DAAD Research for University Academics

Here, you can find the information on DAAD Research Stays for University Academics with the application details.

Research Grants – One-Year Grants for Doctoral Candidates

Objective

This programme offers you the opportunity to carry out research primarily as part of doctoral projects in Germany.

Who can apply?

You can apply if you have above-average qualifications and

are already taking a doctoral degree
or
are not yet taking a doctoral degree and you have already completed a Master’s degree or Diplom, or in exceptional cases a Bachelor’s degree, at the latest by the time the funding period begins.

Postdocs may not apply.

What can be funded?

The programme provides funding for a research project or continuing academic training at a state or state-recognised institution of higher education in Germany or a non-university research institute, which is being carried out in agreement with a supervisor in Germany.

Duration of the funding

Funding is provided for between 7 and a maximum of 12 months. Please indicate in your application how long you wish to receive funding. The funding period will then be determined during the selection process by a selection committee. The committee takes into account your study plan.
The grant is non-renewable.

Value

Depending on academic level, monthly payments of 1,200 euros for doctoral candidates,
861 euros, if you are not yet taking a doctoral degree
Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover
Travel allowance, unless these expenses are covered by the home country or another source of funding
One-off research allowance

Under certain circumstances, grant holders may receive the following additional benefits:

monthly rent subsidy
monthly allowance for accompanying family members. Please also read our important information for scholarship applicants / section F, point 3.
In the case of a disability or chronic illness: subsidy for additional costs which result from the disability or chronic illness and are not covered by other funding providers

To enable you to learn German in preparation for your stay in Germany, DAAD offers the following services:

Payment of course fees for an online language course after receipt of the Scholarship Award Letter
if necessary: Language course (2, 4 or 6 months) before the start of the research stay in Germany; the DAAD decides whether to fund the grant holder’s participation and for how long depending on language skills and project. If a language course scholarship is granted and the working language at the host institute is German, participation is compulsory. Due to the pandemic, German courses may take place online.
Allowance for a personally chosen German language course during the funding period
Reimbursement of the fee for a TestDaF or DSH test, which you can take either in your home country after you have received your Scholarship Award Letter or in Germany during your funding period.

Selection

An independent selection committee consisting of specialist scientists reviews applications.
The selection criteria are:
1. Qualification

Academic achievements (grade point average, development of grades)
Academic progress
Knowledge of the language of instruction or working language
If applicable, scholarly achievements after graduation, (e.g. publications, lectures, conference papers)

2. Quality of research project

Quality of research proposal and preparation (originality, topicality and relevance of the project, choice of host institution and first contacts)
Feasibility and consistency of study plan and schedule (analysis and evaluation stages)
Incorporation of project within the overall doctorate (in terms of content and time), if relevant

3. Potential of applicant

Career prospects: significance of the research project and stay in Germany for further academic, professional and personal development
Motivation: academic and personal reasons for wanting to visit Germany, German language skills (if different from working language)
Non-study-related activities: non-study-related knowledge and skills, civic engagement

Find more Details.