Job Description
Are you a passionate researcher seeking to advance your knowledge and make a tangible impact in your field? The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a unique opportunity for international researchers to pursue their research endeavors in Germany with fully funded Research Grants for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Keywords: DAAD, Research Grants, Scholarship, Germany, 2025-2026, Fully Funded, Research Project, International Collaboration, Application Guide
Opportunity Description:
The DAAD Research Grants program provides a chance for outstanding researchers to:
- Conduct cutting-edge research in Germany: Work alongside leading experts at renowned German universities and research institutions, collaborating on groundbreaking projects.
- Access state-of-the-art facilities: Utilize world-class infrastructure and resources to further your research objectives.
- Expand your international network: Connect with fellow researchers, faculty, and industry professionals in Germany, forging collaborations and building a global network.
- Contribute to global knowledge: Drive innovation and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field through your research endeavors.
Scholarship Highlights:
- Fully Funded: The DAAD Research Grant covers all costs, including a monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel expenses.
- Duration: The scholarship period typically spans 6 to 24 months.
- Research Focus: Emphasis on research projects that align with the research priorities of German institutions.
What Can Be Funded?
The DAAD Research Grant covers:
- Monthly Stipend: A financial allowance to cover living expenses in Germany (€1,300 to cover your living expenses).
- Health Insurance: Coverage for medical expenses during your research stay
- Travel Costs: Round-trip travel expenses to and from Germany (You’ll receive a one-time payment to help with travel costs).
- Research Expenses: Funding for research materials, publications, and conference participation. (You’ll get an annual grant of €460 specifically for research-related expenses)
- Family Allowance: If you have family members accompanying your, and you can apply for a monthly allowance to support of them.
- Disability Support-If you have a disability or chronic illness, you can or may be able to get financial assistance for other extra costs yours incur in Germany due to your condition. Also This is to help ensure you can complete your projects.
Language Support:
- Online Language Courses: DAAD will pay for an online language course after that you receive your scholarship award of letter. This is to help you improve your German before your stay.
- Language Course (Optional): DAAD may offers a 2, 4, & 6-month language course in Germany before your research starts. They’ll decide based on your current German skills & project needs. (If your scholarship includes a language course and the research requires German, participation is mandatory).
- Test Fees: DAAD will cover the cost of taking a TestDaF & DSH test, which measures your German proficiency. (You can take this test in your home country.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Field of Study: Hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field.
- you completed your Master’s degree or Diploma, or in exceptional cases a Bachelor’s degree, at the latest by the time the finding period begins,
- Research Proposal: Submit a compelling research proposal that aligns with your research interests and the host institution’s research priorities.
- Host Institution: Secure an invitation from a German university or research institution to conduct your research project.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate sufficient German language proficiency (if required by the host institution).
Selection Criteria:
- Research Excellence: A well-defined research proposal with clear objectives, innovative methodology, and potential for impact. (convincing and well-planned research or training project)
- Academic Record: Outstanding academic credentials and a proven track record of research achievement.
- Motivation and Commitment: Demonstrated passion for your research area and a commitment to contributing to the field.
- International Collaboration: Potential for fostering international research collaborations and knowledge exchange.
- academic achievements
Document Requirements:
- Application Form: Complete the DAAD online application form.
- Research Proposal: A detailed research proposal outlining your research topic, methodology, expected outcomes, and potential impact.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV outlining your academic qualifications, research experience, and publications.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from academic referees familiar with your research work. Â And also, School Leaving Certificate (with grades)
- Valid ID (passport preferred)
- Invitation from Host Institution: A letter of invitation from the German university or research institution confirming their willingness to host your research project.
- Language Proficiency Certificates (if required): Proof of German language proficiency if the host institution requires it. German/English translations (for non-English/German documents)
- Documents (employment, internships)
- Proof of Doctoral Program Admission (if applicable)
Application Deadline
Application deadlines are updated annually in the second quarter. New deadline for the Academic year 2025/2026 is 30th August2024.
How to Submit Work Samples?
- Digital Portfolio (Optional): Submit a digital portfolio showcasing your relevant research publications, conference presentations, or other relevant work samples.
- Presentation: Structure your portfolio with clear headings, captions, and annotations to explain your research contributions and outcomes.
How to Apply:
- Application Portal: Access the DAAD online application portal at [link to DAAD website].
- Deadline: The application deadline typically falls in the spring/summer months.
- Review Process: The DAAD selection committee reviews applications and shortlists candidates.
- Interview (Optional): Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview to discuss their research proposal and qualifications.
- Notification: Applicants are informed of the selection results via email.
Application Guides:
- DAAD Website: The DAAD website provides detailed application guidelines, FAQs, and other helpful information.
- University Websites: Contact the specific German university or research institution you are applying to for additional information and specific application requirements.