Description:
The German Academic Scholarship Foundation’s Doctoral Scholarship Programme provides financial and academic support to exceptionally talented PhD candidates conducting research in Germany. The programme is designed for scholars who demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic achievements
• A strong research proposal that is innovative and feasible within the funding period
• A commitment to social causes beyond their academic work

The scholarship offers doctoral candidates a monthly stipend of €1,650, consisting of a basic allowance of €1,550 and a research allowance of €100. In addition, scholars may receive family and childcare allowances, health insurance grants, and travel funding for international research visits.

Apart from financial support, the programme provides access to an academic mentor, participation in doctoral forums, and exclusive workshops, seminars, and networking events. The selection process is highly competitive and includes an extensive evaluation of academic performance, research potential, and social engagement.

Deadline:
There are no fixed deadlines for applications—submissions are accepted throughout the year.

Dates:

• Scholarship Duration: 3 years, with a possible 6-month extension (maximum funding period: 42 months).
• For doctoral students with children, funding can be extended up to 54 months.

Location:

• Germany (PhD candidates must be enrolled at a German university).
• Scholarship holders can also receive funding for international research visits, conferences, and laboratory work.

Eligibility:
The scholarship is open to highly qualified PhD students who:

• Have completed their last academic degree within the past four years
• Have been admitted to a doctoral programme at a German university, where their thesis will be submitted
• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance and a strong commitment to social causes

Number of Scholarships Available:

• Approximately 350 new scholarships are awarded each year.

Scholarship Value & Benefits:

1. Financial Support:

   • €1,650 per month (including €1,550 basic stipend + €100 research allowance).
   • Health insurance grant: Covers 50% of health insurance costs (up to €100 per month).
   • Family & childcare allowances: Additional financial support for doctoral students with families.
   • Employment flexibility: Scholars may work up to 25% of a full-time position to gain research and teaching experience.

2. Research & International Travel Funding:

   • Funding for research-related travel (conferences, laboratory visits, international research stays).
   • Grants for living expenses and tuition fees during research visits abroad.

3. Academic & Professional Development:

   • Personal mentorship from an academic adviser at the Studienstiftung and a tutor at the scholar’s home university.
   • Access to doctoral forums and exclusive academic programmes (e.g., summer academies, short conferences, professional development workshops).
   • Networking opportunities with alumni and scholars.

Application Process:
Applications are accepted throughout the year and involve a two-stage selection process:

1. Pre-selection phase:

   • The Studienstiftung checks formal eligibility criteria (degree completion within 4 years, PhD admission, research proposal quality).

2. Evaluation & Selection Committee Review:

   • Applications are assessed through a specialist review and interview process.
   • The final decision is made by the Selection Committee for Doctoral Candidates, which meets four times a year.
   • The selection process takes between 4 to 6 months.

Required Documents:
Applicants must submit:

• A research proposal (demonstrating an innovative and challenging dissertation project that can be completed within 3 years).
• Proof of acceptance into a doctoral programme at a German university.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• A letter of recommendation from a doctoral supervisor.
• A statement of personal motivation and commitment to social causes.

Evaluation Criteria:
The selection committee assesses:

• Academic excellence (high GPA, research achievements).
• Innovative and feasible research proposal.
• Commitment to social engagement (activities beyond academic work).
• Potential to contribute to society and academic community.

Requirements for DAAD Scholarship Application

1. Age Limit: DAAD scholarships typically do not have a fixed age limit, except for certain programmes where international partners specify restrictions. Instead, eligibility often depends on how much time has passed since the last degree was obtained. For precise requirements, applicants should check the relevant Call for Applications at www.funding-guide.de.
2. Eligibility Despite Degree Completion Timeline: If an applicant completed their degree or began their doctorate beyond the specified time frame, exceptions may apply in cases such as pregnancy, childcare (up to three years per child), caregiving responsibilities, disability, chronic illness, compulsory military service, or other justified circumstances. Applicants must provide relevant documentation.
3. Final-Year Students: Those in their final year of university can apply, provided they meet all academic requirements before the funding period begins. The degree certificate must be submitted before the start of funding.
4. Applicants Residing in Germany: Individuals who have lived in Germany for up to 15 months at the application deadline are eligible, unless stated otherwise in the scholarship guidelines.
5. Applicants Outside Their Country of Origin: Applications can be submitted from a country of residence under specific conditions. For short-term scholarships (up to six months), applicants must have resided there for at least one year. For longer scholarships, the last degree must have been obtained in the country of residence. Dual applications from different countries are not allowed.
6. Dual Citizenship: Applicants must apply from their country of origin, defined as the country where they have spent most of their life. Applications from a country of nationality where they have never lived or do not currently reside are not permitted.
7. Scholarship for Research Outside Germany: Students enrolled at a German university or completing a doctorate in Germany may apply for DAAD funding for research stays abroad, provided they are not already receiving an “Incoming DAAD scholarship.” Additional eligibility criteria apply based on residency status and connection to Germany.
8. Subject-Specific Restrictions: Most DAAD scholarships are open to all disciplines, though some have restrictions, particularly in fields like medicine. Subject-specific scholarships also exist for fields such as architecture, music, and computer science.
9. Language Requirements: Language proficiency depends on the programme and country. Applicants must provide proof of their proficiency in the language of instruction (German, English, or both). DAAD may fund preparatory German courses for scholarship holders but does not guarantee reaching university admission-level proficiency solely through these courses.
10. Online Language Courses: Various online platforms offer German language courses, including Deutsche Welle and Goethe-Institut. DAAD may fund an online module for scholarship holders with funding exceeding six months.
11. Ineligible Study Formats: DAAD only funds full-time, on-campus degree programmes. Part-time, blended learning, and distance-learning courses are ineligible.
12. Combining Scholarships: DAAD scholarships cannot be held simultaneously with full funding from another German organization or the European Union. However, partial DAAD funding may be compatible with Erasmus.
13. Reapplying for DAAD Scholarships: Applicants cannot receive multiple DAAD study or research grants within one academic phase (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate). However, specific short-term grants and postdoctoral funding may allow multiple applications.
14. Academic Performance: DAAD prioritizes high-achieving applicants. While no fixed minimum GPA exists, selection considers academic excellence, research quality, language skills, motivation, and extracurricular activities.
15. Tuition-Free Programmes: STEM scholarships require enrolment in tuition-free programmes, excluding private universities and institutions in Baden-Württemberg that charge general tuition fees. However, semester fees are not considered tuition.

Preparing Your Application

1. Letter of Motivation: Applicants must submit a letter of motivation (1-3 pages) explaining their professional and personal reasons for pursuing a project in Germany. This letter should reflect their personality, aspirations, and suitability for DAAD funding. Key points to include:

• Education, skills, and knowledge
• Study program details, professional experience, specialized knowledge, and language skills
• Prizes and awards (if applicable)
• Academic motivation: reasons for selecting the program and university, expected personal and professional benefits
• Scholarship motivation: reasons for applying, expected contributions of the scholarship to academic and career goals
• Personal interests: extracurricular activities, commitments, and qualities that define character

2. Research Proposal: A research proposal (maximum 10 pages) outlines the agreed-upon project with an academic supervisor. It must be original and adhere to academic integrity guidelines. The proposal should include:

• Objective: Research topic, planned steps, and time schedule
• Structure:
  • Current state of research, theories, and scientific models
  • Research question, objectives, and academic relevance
  • Methodology: data collection, literature sources, evaluation methods
  • Ethical considerations and anticipated challenges
  • Research bibliography A separate time plan must be uploaded to the DAAD portal.

3. Use of AI in Applications: Applicants may use AI tools as an aid, provided they follow these principles:

• Scientific Integrity: Proper citation of secondary sources, protection of intellectual property
• Authenticity: Applications should reflect the applicant’s unique qualities
• Transparency: AI-generated text must be disclosed with a note (e.g., “Produced with the aid of [AI tool]”)
• Data Caution: Be mindful of personal data entered into AI tools
• Declaration of Authenticity: Applicants must confirm independent preparation and adherence to good scientific practices.

Planning your project

1. Do I need contacts in Germany when I apply?
   For individual research or a doctorate, you need confirmation of supervision from a university teacher. For structured doctoral programs, proof of contact with the program coordinator is required. Master’s applicants must provide study program details.
2. Who can be my host for an individual project?
   Hosts can be university teachers or academic staff at state or recognized institutions. Ideally, they should hold a professorial qualification.
3. What documents do I need from my supervisor?
   A “Letter confirming academic supervision” must be submitted, confirming project discussion, workspace availability, and working language at the host institute.
4. Applying for a Master’s in Germany
   Admission applications must be arranged independently. A DAAD scholarship does not guarantee admission. Applying to multiple universities, including smaller institutions, is recommended.

Writing your application

1. How to apply for a DAAD scholarship
   Application procedures vary by program. Details are available in the “Application procedure” section of the Call for Applications.
2. Applying through the DAAD portal
   Applications must be submitted online. Technical issues can be addressed via the DAAD portal support.
3. Letter of recommendation requirements
   It should be written by a university teacher with a doctorate and address academic achievements, qualities, project feasibility, and scholarship significance.
4. Application language
   Applications can be in German or English. Documents in other languages require translations.
5. Language certificates
   Applicants must provide proof of language proficiency relevant to their program.
6. Validity of German Language Diploma II (DSD II)
   A placement test is sufficient if obtained over two years ago.
7. Certification of documents
   Initially, certified copies are not required but may be requested later.

The selection procedure

DAAD scholarship applications are evaluated by independent selection committees composed of academic experts, including local and German university professors, researchers, and DAAD lecturers. Depending on the specific program and regional context, top applicants may be invited for personal interviews, conducted either in person or virtually. Selection decisions are made either directly by these committees or, in a two-stage process, by another independent academic committee in Germany. DAAD staff do not have voting rights in these procedures.

Selection criteria focus on:

1. Professional Qualification: Academic achievements, progress, and language proficiency.
2. Quality of Study or Research Project: Preparation quality, project relevance, and feasibility.
3. Applicant’s Potential: Motivation, prospects for personal and professional development, and extracurricular involvement.

The selection committee may also consider special circumstances, such as disabilities, chronic illnesses, caregiving responsibilities, or significant employment commitments, to ensure equal opportunities.

Additional criteria may apply depending on the specific scholarship program. Applicants should consult the relevant Call for Applications for detailed information.

Scholarship benefits

DAAD scholarships provide financial support based on academic level and program. Master’s students receive EUR 992 per month, doctoral candidates and postdocs EUR 1,300, and university teachers between EUR 2,000 and EUR 2,150. Additional benefits can be found in the Call for Applications.

Travel allowances are granted as lump sums, with additional funding available for climate-friendly travel via bus or train. Some programs also reimburse emissions offset costs for air travel. Further guidance on sustainable travel is available in DAAD’s Travel Navigator and brochures.

Under specific conditions, family benefits include a EUR 276 monthly partner allowance and a EUR 255 child allowance per child if state child benefits are unavailable. These benefits apply to scholarships exceeding six months.

Health insurance is mandatory. Many programs include insurance, covering most pre-existing conditions except HIV, multiple sclerosis, hemophilia, cancer, and chronic kidney disease. Pregnancies within the first eight months of insurance are not covered. Scholarship holders must secure adequate insurance before arrival.

Part-time work requires DAAD approval and consent from the academic supervisor or course coordinator. Income exceeding EUR 556 gross per month is deducted from the scholarship. Additional scholarships up to EUR 556 from international providers do not affect DAAD funding, but exceeding this amount results in deductions. Scholarships from other German funding organizations cannot be combined with DAAD scholarships.

Tuition fees are not covered by DAAD. While most German universities do not charge fees, exceptions exist, such as in Baden-Württemberg and private institutions. Some specialized master’s programs also have high fees.

Scholarship holders with disabilities or chronic illnesses can apply for additional financial support based on justified and necessary costs not covered by third parties. Rent subsidies of up to EUR 350 per month are available for those in high-rent areas, with additional support for families.

Link to Scholarship & Application Details:
For full details and application guidelines are available at Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes – Doctoral Scholarships website HERE