The Future Network Weimar Triangle Scholarship 2026 in Germany is a fully funded program for PhD students from France and Poland to conduct research stays of 3 to 12 months at German universities or research institutions. It aims to expand the political Weimar Triangle initiative into a sustainable science platform, fostering trilateral cooperation on European and global challenges through joint research and networking.
The scholarship is offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), a leading organization supporting international academic exchange. DAAD manages this program to strengthen European integration and the European Research Area, focusing on future-oriented topics like climate-neutral energy, AI, security, biotechnology, and societal impacts of new technologies.
Future Network Weimar Triangle Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly scholarship instalment of 1,400 Euros
- Lump sum towards international travel costs
- Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover
- Monthly lump sum for research expenses of 102 Euros
- Lump sum grants for attending conferences in the countries of the Weimar Triangle (under certain circumstances)
- Monthly allowance for accompanying members of family (for funding period >6 months)
- Monthly rent subsidy (for funding period >6 months)
- Allowance for language courses taken during the scholarship period
- Subsidy for additional costs due to disability or chronic illness (if not covered by other funding)
- Funding for an annual in-person networking meeting organised by the selected working group
Future Network Weimar Triangle Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- PhD students from all disciplines
- Applicants should not have graduated any longer than six years before the application deadline
- If already started doctorate, start should not be longer than 3 years ago
- Cannot have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline
- Very good English language skills are essential (no official test required, but host must confirm)
- Must be working on one of the future-oriented topics: climate-neutral energy, AI/digitalization, security in Europe, biotechnology/medicine, or societal impacts of new technologies
- Must be from France or Poland (based on country selection in application portal)
How to Apply for Future Network Weimar Triangle Scholarship
- Register in the DAAD portal
- Request recommendation form from the portal and have a university teacher complete it
- Prepare application documents: full CV (max 3 pages), letter of motivation (1-3 pages) including statement on preferred working group, research proposal (max 10 pages), schedule, degree certificates and transcripts, declaration from scientific supervisor, confirmation from academic host, proof of doctoral admission, summary of final thesis, list of publications (if applicable), proof of language proficiency (if needed), and optional supporting documents
- Upload all documents as PDF files to the DAAD portal
- Submit the application online by the deadline (June 15, 2026)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Future Network Weimar Triangle Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Future Network Weimar Triangle Scholarship?
It is a fully funded DAAD scholarship for PhD students from France and Poland to conduct research stays in Germany for 3 to 12 months. The program focuses on future-oriented topics like climate-neutral energy, AI, security, biotechnology, and societal impacts of new technologies, and includes participation in working groups.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
PhD students from all disciplines who are citizens or residents of France or Poland can apply. Applicants must not have graduated more than six years before the deadline, and if already enrolled in a doctorate, the start must be within three years. They must also not have resided in Germany for over 15 months at the time of application.
What are the benefits of the scholarship?
The scholarship includes a monthly instalment of 1,400 Euros, a lump sum for international travel, health/accident/liability insurance, and a monthly research expense allowance of 102 Euros. Additional benefits may include family allowances, rent subsidy, conference grants, language course allowance, and disability support.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is June 15, 2026. The selection period runs from July through mid-August, and funding begins in October 2026. Applications must be submitted online via the DAAD portal by 24:00 hrs (CET/CEST) on the deadline day.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include a full CV (max 3 pages), a letter of motivation (1-3 pages) explaining your preferred working group, a research proposal (max 10 pages), a schedule, degree certificates and transcripts, a confirmation from your academic host in Germany, a declaration on safety aspects, proof of doctoral admission, a summary of your final thesis, and a letter of recommendation.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
You must register in the DAAD portal, generate and submit a recommendation form, prepare all required documents in PDF format, fill out the online application form, and upload the documents. Submit the application before the deadline. The portal is only open during the application period.
Can I apply as a tandem?
Yes, applications may be submitted as a tandem. If you have organised a research project jointly with other applicants, you should indicate this in the comments field of the application form.
What are the selection criteria?
Selection is based on academic qualifications (grades, language skills, publications), quality of the research project (originality, feasibility, schedule), and the applicant’s potential (motivation, career prospects, extracurricular commitment, and willingness to actively contribute to working groups). Special life circumstances may also be considered.
Is the scholarship renewable?
No, the grant is non-renewable. Funding is provided for a single period of three to twelve months, which may be divided into several shorter stays within a 12-month period starting in October 2026.
Where can I get more information or help?
For questions, contact the DAAD team at [email protected]. You can also use the DAAD Info-Center via phone (+49 228 882 180) or the contact form. Technical issues with the portal can be directed to [email protected] or the technical hotline at +49 (0) 228 882-8888.
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