The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is suspending its work in the Russian Federation. On 10 February, the Russian Ministry of Justice declared the DAAD an "undesirable organisation". As a result of this decision, the DAAD office in Moscow and the "German Centre for Research and Innovation (DWIH)" in Moscow, which is managed by the DAAD, will be closed.

"We regret this decision by the Russian government. In recent years, there has continued to be local interest in DAAD scholarships for study or research stays in Germany. At the same time, on the day of the Russian attack on Ukraine, we agreed with the other German scientific organisations that there would be no more political and institutional contacts with Russia and no more scholarships for study in Russia," said DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee. "Nevertheless, around 10,500 Russian students are still enrolled at German universities, and Russians can continue to apply for DAAD scholarships, for example from third countries."

On 10 February, the Russian Ministry of Justice added the DAAD, along with other organisations, to the list of organisations whose activities are considered undesirable in Russia. The DAAD is therefore forced to cease its work in Russia. The selection process for scholarships in Russia must be stopped; the DAAD office and the DWIH Moscow will be closed. DAAD scholarships for Russian students, doctoral candidates and scientists who are already in Germany will continue.

Background

Currently, around 200 Russian citizens are in Germany on DAAD scholarships for study or research. 
The DAAD had most recently awarded around 170 scholarships per year to Russian students, doctoral candidates and researchers for stays in Germany.