DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Postdoctoral Researchers 2027

Overview

This DAAD program funds research stays in Germany of 1 to 24 months for doctoral candidates and early postdoctoral researchers from any country. It is distinct from DAAD PRIME (which targets advanced postdocs) and the development-focused EPOS and In-Country/In-Region programs. Doctoral candidates receive EUR 1,300/month; postdoctoral researchers receive EUR 1,400/month (2026 rates). All disciplines are eligible, and a confirmed supervisor at a German institution is mandatory before applying. Funding for the spring 2027 cohort closes October 30, 2026.

Benefits

• EUR 1,300/month for doctoral candidates
• EUR 1,400/month for postdoctoral researchers
• Travel allowance
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
• Research cost allowance

Eligibility

• Doctoral candidates enrolled in a PhD program, or postdoctoral researchers within four years of PhD completion
• Open to all nationalities
• Confirmed supervisor at a German university or non-university research institute (Max Planck, Fraunhofer, Helmholtz, or Leibniz) - mandatory
• Strong academic record with at least one first-author publication (postdocs)
• All disciplines eligible

How to apply

Contact a potential German supervisor first and obtain a written confirmation letter from them. Then submit the application through the DAAD application portal (DAAD-Portal) by 30 October 2026. Required documents include the supervisor confirmation letter, a research plan, CV, academic transcripts, and two academic references. The full call for applications is listed in the DAAD scholarship database under the reference number 57742121.