DAAD Research Grants (Short-Term Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs)

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 doing their doctorate outside Germany (started no more than three years before the deadline) and postdocs who finished their doctorate no more than four years before the deadline; not for those doing the whole doctorate in Germany or who have lived in Germany for more than 15 months. Needs a German academic supervisor and host institution.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

DAAD short-term research grants pay doctoral candidates and postdocs based abroad to carry out a defined research project at a German university or research institute for two to twelve months.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Doctoral candidates doing their doctorate outside Germany (started no more than three years before the deadline) and postdocs who finished their doctorate no more than four years before the deadline; not for those doing the whole doctorate in Germany or who have lived in Germany for more than 15 months. Needs a German academic supervisor and host institution.
2. Note the deadline. Aug (annual; the last round listed closed on 18 Aug 2025 for funding from early 2026, and funding must now begin in 2027 - check the DAAD portal for the current date) 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 Research Grants (Short-Term Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs)?

Doctoral candidates doing their doctorate outside Germany (started no more than three years before the deadline) and postdocs who finished their doctorate no more than four years before the deadline; not for those doing the whole doctorate in Germany or who have lived in Germany for more than 15 months. Needs a German academic supervisor and host institution.

What does DAAD Research Grants (Short-Term Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs) cover?

EUR 1,400 a month plus insurance contributions, a EUR 460 research allowance for stays over six months and a travel allowance on application; doctoral candidates get 2 to 12 months, postdocs 2 to 6 months

When is the deadline for DAAD Research Grants (Short-Term Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs)?

Aug (annual; the last round listed closed on 18 Aug 2025 for funding from early 2026, and funding must now begin in 2027 - check the DAAD portal for the current date) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with DAAD Research Grants (Short-Term Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs)?

Host countries: Germany.

What documents do I need for DAAD Research Grants (Short-Term Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs)?

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 Research Grants (Short-Term Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs) application?

Very High: DAAD portal application + research proposal (10 pages) + time schedule + host confirmation + supervisor declaration + degree certificates