The GROW Global Research Opportunities Scholarship 2026 in Germany is a fully funded program aimed at early career researchers and established academics from countries on the OECD DAC list in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia. It supports short research stays and preparatory visits to foster development-related research projects and international scientific collaborations, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The scholarship is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and administered by the DAAD. It provides financial support for research stays at German universities or research institutions, enabling scholars to enhance their skills, expand networks, and contribute to capacity building in their home regions.
GROW Global Research Opportunities Benefits
- Monthly scholarship payments of 1,400 euros for doctoral candidates and postdocs
- Monthly scholarship payments of 2,000 euros for assistant professors and lecturers
- Monthly scholarship payments of 2,150 euros for full professors
- Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover
- Travel allowance will be provided
- Possible additional benefits for disability or chronic illness after start of funding
GROW Global Research Opportunities Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be from countries on the OECD DAC list in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia
- Applicants must be doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, university teachers, or established academics and scientists
- Applicants must be employed at a university or research institute
- Doctoral students: start of doctorate should not be more than 3 years ago at application deadline
- Not eligible if already in Germany at time of application or conducting entire doctoral/postdoctoral research at a German institution
- Cannot have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at application deadline
How to Apply for GROW Global Research Opportunities?
- Register in the DAAD portal
- Request recommendation form in the DAAD portal and send to university teacher for completion
- Download and complete the online application form
- Prepare application documents
- Translate documents if necessary (to German or English)
- Scan paper documents and save in PDF format
- Upload completed application form and other documents to the portal in PDF format
- Submit the uploaded application documents online
- If you want a proper guide about DAAD, click this link- https://guides.scholarshipunion.com/daad/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the GROW Global Research Opportunities Scholarship 2026 in Germany. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, based on the official DAAD program information.
What is the objective of the GROW Global Research Opportunities scholarship?
The GROW scholarship aims to fund short research stays in Germany for early career researchers and established academics from eligible countries, supporting development-related research projects and international scientific collaborations aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Who is eligible to apply for the GROW Global Research Opportunities scholarship?
Eligible applicants include doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, university teachers, and established academics from OECD DAC list countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia, who are employed at a university or research institute and meet specific residency and timing criteria.
What benefits does the GROW Global Research Opportunities scholarship provide?
The scholarship offers monthly payments (1,400-2,150 euros based on status), health/accident/personal liability insurance, travel allowance, and potential additional benefits for disabilities or chronic illnesses, making it a fully funded opportunity.
What are the programme lines under GROW Global Research Opportunities?
Programme Line 1 funds preparatory and cooperation visits (1-2 months) to develop joint research projects. Programme Line 2 funds research stays (2-6 months) for independent research projects with development relevance and transfer concepts.
What is the duration of funding for the GROW Global Research Opportunities scholarship?
Funding lasts 1-2 months for preparatory visits or 2-6 months for research stays, must begin in 2026 and be completed by 31 January 2027, and cannot be split or extended.
What documents are required for application?
Required documents include online application form, CV, project description, time schedule, host confirmation, proof of affiliation, and for some, publications, motivation letter, proposal, degree certificates, and recommendation letter.
How are applicants selected for the GROW Global Research Opportunities scholarship?
An independent selection committee reviews applications based on academic qualification, proposal quality and development relevance, potential and sustainability, and equal opportunities, with specific criteria for each programme line.
What is the application deadline for the GROW Global Research Opportunities scholarship?
Application deadlines are updated annually in the second quarter and vary by programme; applicants should check the official DAAD portal for current dates, as no fixed deadline is specified in the sources.
Can I apply if I am already in Germany?
No, you are not eligible if you are already in Germany at the time of application or conducting your entire doctoral or postdoctoral research at a German institution, or if you have been resident in Germany for over 15 months at the deadline.
How do I submit an application for the GROW Global Research Opportunities scholarship?
Applications must be submitted online via the DAAD portal during the application period, by registering, requesting a recommendation form, completing the online form, preparing and uploading documents in PDF, and submitting them before the deadline.
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