The HAW International Scholarship 2026 offers a remarkable opportunity for international students pursuing doctoral studies at German universities of applied sciences (HAWs/Fachhochschulen). This scholarship program is designed to support doctoral researchers in gaining impactful, practice-oriented global experiences, enhancing international collaboration, and building essential intellectual and professional networks. Research stays funded by this scholarship can take place in one or more countries and last anywhere from one to six months, giving candidates flexibility to plan visits throughout their doctoral journey.
Managed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the HAW International Scholarship 2026 reflects decades of commitment to promoting international academic exchange. Since 1925, DAAD has supported nearly three million academics in Germany and abroad and serves as the national agency for the European Union’s Erasmus+ higher education initiatives. By providing financial support for overseas research stays, this scholarship helps doctoral students advance their research, expand their global connections, and gain invaluable cross-cultural experience in their fields.
Benefits
The HAW International scholarship program provides funding for overseas research projects that are a component of a German PhD program. These projects may occur at:
Universities,
Non-university research institutions,
Archives, or through independent field research.
Successful applicants are offered a significant assistance package that includes:
- The monthly scholarship rate varies depending on the host country.
- The travel allowance varies according to destination.
- Insurance coverage for health, accidents, and private responsibility.
- Monthly research and conference costs are €102.
- Additional perks include:
- tuition price subsidies,
- language course financing,
- family support,
- grants for field-related travel within the host country, and
- travel and lodging expenses for supervising professors (up to 10 days).
- The grant can be obtained twice over the course of the PhD, with a maximum of 12 months in total.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to be considered for the HAW International Research Scholarship 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded), applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a doctoral program at a German applied sciences university that has the authority to grant doctorates.
- Be finishing a doctoral program that is a collaborative effort between a German HAW and another German university.
- Be German or foreign students, while non-German nationals are also welcome.
- Note: Since they already have access to comparable financing possibilities, holders of doctoral scholarships from organizations that support gifted students are not eligible.
Documents Required
- Online Application Form
- Academic Transcript
- Personal Statement
- Two Recommendation letter
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae/resume
How to Apply?
- Visit the official DAAD scholarship portal and create an account if you don’t have one.
- Complete the online application form with accurate details about your doctoral program, home university, and planned research stay.
- Select your host institution abroad and provide information about your research plan and supervisor there.
- Upload all required documents, including your research proposal, CV, enrollment proof, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
- Review your application carefully to ensure all information is correct.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Wait for the selection results, which will be communicated via email. If selected, follow DAAD instructions to coordinate with your host institution and prepare for your research stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The HAW International Scholarship 2026 funds doctoral research abroad at German HAWs, covering one to six months per grant, with benefits like stipends, travel, insurance, and optional tuition or family support. Students can apply twice and split stays across institutions or countries.
What is the HAW International Scholarship 2026?
The HAW International Scholarship 2026 supports doctoral students at German universities of applied sciences for research stays abroad. Funding can last one to six months, spread across multiple host institutions, countries, or time periods during the doctorate.
Who is eligible for the HAW International Scholarship 2026?
Applicants must be pursuing a doctorate at a German HAW or a cooperative doctorate with a German university. Non-German citizens can apply, but students already funded by organizations for gifted students cannot receive this DAAD support.
How long can I stay abroad with the HAW International Scholarship 2026?
The scholarship funds stays abroad from one month to a maximum of six months per grant. Students can apply twice during their doctorate, with at least six months between grants, totaling no more than twelve months of funding in all.
What types of research are funded under the HAW International Scholarship 2026?
Funding covers research projects at universities, non-university institutions, archival work, or field research. Projects can occur at multiple host institutions in one country, across several countries, or in separate periods during the doctorate.
What are the main benefits of the HAW International Scholarship 2026?
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend based on the host country, travel allowance, insurance coverage, and a 102-euro monthly flat rate for research and conference costs. Additional benefits may include tuition, language courses, and family support.
Can I receive travel or accommodation funding for my project?
Yes, travel within the host country directly related to the research project can be funded with prior approval and cost estimates. Travel and accommodation for supervising lecturers are also partially funded, but students’ accommodation costs abroad are not reimbursed.
Are there any additional grants available with the HAW International Scholarship 2026?
Students may apply for further funding after the grant starts, including tuition subsidies, language courses, family support, and allowances for disability-related expenses if justified and necessary for completing the research project.
How is the scholarship amount determined?
The monthly scholarship rate is based on the host country and is specifically designed for doctoral students. Travel allowances, tuition support, and other benefits depend on the country of the research stay and are adjusted individually for each applicant.
Can I divide my research stay among multiple countries?
Yes, students can split their funding across multiple host institutions or countries. Each division must be justified technically, particularly regarding travel-related climate emissions, to ensure the research plan is feasible and efficient.
Are third-party contributions counted toward the HAW International Scholarship 2026?
Yes, any funding from third parties is partially credited toward the DAAD scholarship. The credit is calculated individually after the scholarship is awarded, ensuring fair adjustment of the total funding amount for the student.
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