DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship Programme 2026-27 in Germany | Fully Funded

The DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship Programme 2026-27 is now accepting applications, offering a life-changing opportunity for students and doctoral candidates from around the world who face educational or personal restrictions in their home countries. Administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office, this scholarship enables talented individuals to pursue or complete their higher education or research degrees at universities in Germany, providing full financial support for tuition, living expenses, and research-related costs.

Named after the renowned German poet Hilde Domin, whose life embodied resilience and return after exile, the programme aims to empower students and researchers who have experienced political, social, or personal persecution. By providing access to world-class education and a supportive academic environment, the DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship Programme 2026-27 ensures recipients can continue their studies with dignity, security, and the chance to build a brighter future.

Benefits

• Monthly stipend:
  • €992 for master’s students
  • €1,300 for doctoral candidates
• Health, accident & personal liability insurance
• Travel allowance
• Optional German language course (2–6 months)
• Additional allowances where applicable

Eligibility Criteria

• Students aiming for a master’s degree and doctoral candidates from all academic disciplines except:
• Human medicine
• Dentistry
• Veterinary medicine
• Pharmacy
• Law
• Must prove or credibly demonstrate a threat to personal well-being or safety (e.g., physical violence, arrest, denial of civil or educational rights) to the nominating institution.
• Must possess educational certificates that allow entry to a higher education institution and support the pursuit of the desired qualification, as per the anabin database.
• Must not already reside in Germany or the European Union at the time of nomination.
• For candidates in visual arts, performing arts, design, visual communication, music, film, or architecture:
• Nominations can only be submitted by accredited higher education institutions.
• A letter from the institution confirming the candidate’s academic ability and willingness to enroll them if awarded the scholarship is required.

How to Apply?

• You cannot apply directly; a recognised German university or institution must nominate you.
• Contact a suitable German institution (university, research organization, or human‑rights/peace‑oriented NGO) and request nomination.
• The nominating institution will submit an online nomination form, including a statement explaining why you face threats to your safety or rights.
• If your nomination passes the initial screening, DAAD will invite you to submit a full application through their online portal.
• Complete the online application, making sure to upload all required documents, such as degree certificates, proof of language skills, and supporting statements.
• Wait for the final selection, which will evaluate both your academic potential and your personal situation. Successful candidates will be notified by DAAD.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship Programme 2026-27 supports students and doctoral candidates facing personal or political restrictions in their home countries. It is fully funded, requires nomination by German institutions, and provides family support, visas, and work flexibility.