DAAD GROW (Global Research Opportunities for the South)

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Doctoral candidates, postdocs, university teachers and established researchers employed at a university or research institute in a country on the OECD DAC list, primarily Sub-Saharan Africa, with Latin America and Asia also targeted. Doctorate started no more than 3 years ago, or PhD completed no more than 4 years ago. Not for people already in Germany or lived there over 15 months.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

GROW funds research stays and preparatory visits in Germany for researchers from developing countries. Line 1 supports short visits to build joint projects, and Line 2 supports independent research projects with a German host.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Doctoral candidates, postdocs, university teachers and established researchers employed at a university or research institute in a country on the OECD DAC list, primarily Sub-Saharan Africa, with Latin America and Asia also targeted. Doctorate started no more than 3 years ago, or PhD completed no more than 4 years ago. Not for people already in Germany or lived there over 15 months.
2. Note the deadline. Jun – Jul (annual; DAAD updates the deadline each year in the second quarter, usually in the same period as the previous year - the page says you cannot apply when the portal is closed) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
4. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
5. Submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. Portals slow down on the last day.
6. Have your SOP and CV reviewed by someone who has seen successful applications before you submit.

Quick answers

Who can apply for DAAD GROW (Global Research Opportunities for the South)?

Doctoral candidates, postdocs, university teachers and established researchers employed at a university or research institute in a country on the OECD DAC list, primarily Sub-Saharan Africa, with Latin America and Asia also targeted. Doctorate started no more than 3 years ago, or PhD completed no more than 4 years ago. Not for people already in Germany or lived there over 15 months.

What does DAAD GROW (Global Research Opportunities for the South) cover?

Monthly scholarship of EUR 1,400 for doctoral candidates and postdocs (EUR 2,000 for assistant professors and lecturers, EUR 2,150 for full professors) plus insurance and travel allowance; research stays of 2 to 6 months, or 1 to 2 month preparatory visits

When is the deadline for DAAD GROW (Global Research Opportunities for the South)?

Jun – Jul (annual; DAAD updates the deadline each year in the second quarter, usually in the same period as the previous year - the page says you cannot apply when the portal is closed) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with DAAD GROW (Global Research Opportunities for the South)?

Host countries: Germany.

What documents do I need for DAAD GROW (Global Research Opportunities for the South)?

Passport or national ID; Academic transcripts and degree certificates; CV; Statement of purpose or motivation letter (if requested); Reference or recommendation letters (if requested); Research proposal (for research degrees, if requested); English-language test result or other language proof (if required); Anything else listed on the official page (this list is a typical checklist - always confirm there).

How much work is the DAAD GROW (Global Research Opportunities for the South) application?

Very High: DAAD portal application + project proposal with transfer concept (Line 2) + CV + motivation + recommendation form