DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme

German Aerospace Center (DLR) and 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

Not German nationals (or living outside Germany for at least six years), from a country in the DAAD dropdown list. Type A: first degree and enrolled in a Master's; Type B: university degree no more than six years old; Type C: doctorate no more than two years old. Excellent English; German is an advantage. You apply to a DLR institute, not to a university.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The DLR-DAAD programme offers research fellowships at the German Aerospace Center for graduate students, doctoral candidates, postdocs and senior scientists. Applications are made against the offers that DLR institutes currently publish.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Not German nationals (or living outside Germany for at least six years), from a country in the DAAD dropdown list. Type A: first degree and enrolled in a Master's; Type B: university degree no more than six years old; Type C: doctorate no more than two years old. Excellent English; German is an advantage. You apply to a DLR institute, not to a university.
2. Note the deadline. Open all year (no fixed deadline: awards follow "first come first serve" against the current DLR-DAAD offers - the page says you cannot apply when no offer is open) 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. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
5. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
6. "Rolling" or "varies" does not mean unlimited time. Funds are awarded as applications are reviewed, so apply early.

Quick answers

Who can apply for DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme?

Not German nationals (or living outside Germany for at least six years), from a country in the DAAD dropdown list. Type A: first degree and enrolled in a Master's; Type B: university degree no more than six years old; Type C: doctorate no more than two years old. Excellent English; German is an advantage. You apply to a DLR institute, not to a university.

What does DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme cover?

Monthly fellowship of EUR 992 (graduate, 9 months), EUR 1,760 (doctoral, 36 months or visiting PhD, 1 to 6 months) or EUR 2,400 (postdoc, 7 to 24 months) at a DLR institute in aeronautics, space, energy or transport, plus possible travel, insurance and family allowances

When is the deadline for DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme?

Open all year (no fixed deadline: awards follow "first come first serve" against the current DLR-DAAD offers - the page says you cannot apply when no offer is open) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme?

Host countries: Germany.

What documents do I need for DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme?

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 DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme application?

High: DAAD portal registration + recommendation letters + CV and documents