• Research stays in Germany as part of a PhD in France or Poland
• Projects at universities or research institutions

A core element of the program is participation in interdisciplinary working groups, bringing together fellows, DAAD alumni, and academic experts.

Duration

• 3 to 12 months
• non-renewable

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend (€1,400)
• Travel allowance
• Health, accident, and liability insurance
• Optional: research allowance (€102/month)
• Optional: conference funding

Additional support (on request):

• Family allowances
• Rent subsidy
• Language courses
• Support for disabilities or chronic illness
• Green mobility funding

Additional benefits:

• Planned research award at the end of the program

Applications are reviewed by independent academic committees appointed by the DAAD.

Selection criteria

1. Academic excellence

• Academic record and achievements
• Publications, presentations, research experience

2. Research project

• Quality, relevance, and originality
• Feasibility and structure
• Fit with host institution

3. Applicant potential

• Motivation and career development
• Contribution to the network
• Extracurricular engagement

Special circumstances may be taken into account.

• Recent academic degree (usually within the last 6 years)
• Doctorate started no more than 3 years ago (if applicable)
• Not resident in Germany for more than 15 months at application deadline
• Very good English language skills, confirmed by a letter from the host institution in Germany

The application is to be uploaded in the DAAD portal. You can find the link, and more details concerning the application documents, in the call for applications (LINK). 

Documents to be uploaded to the DAAD portal:

• Online application form
• Full CV in tabular form (max. 3 pages)
• List of publications (max. 10 pages), if applicable
• Letter of motivation (1-3 pages) 
• A research proposal
• Declaration from the scientific supervisor in Germany on safety-relevant and ethical aspects of the research project. 
• Schedule of planned research work
•  Confirmation from the academic host or the host institution in Germany
• University degree certificate and transcripts of records of your last academic degree (as a rule, Master or equivalent; Bachelor, if you have not yet completed your Master at the time of application)
• Proof of admission as a doctoral candidate at the home university
• Other documents which support your application (example: certificates of employment, proof of practical training/internships or social commitment etc.)
• One recent letter of recommendation from a university teacher which provides information about your qualifications

👉 All application documents must be submitted in English!

• Application deadline second intake: November 2, 2026
• Selection: November 2026 - January 2027
• Funding begins: April - September 2027

The next call for applications will open in February 2027 (begin of funding between October 2027 and March 2028).

Application only via the DAAD Portal.

• All applications must be in English
• Apply via the DAAD portal only
• Submit complete applications on time
• Late applications cannot be considered

Documents that are not yet available by the application deadline (e.g. letter of admission) can be submitted later. Please upload a free form statement to your application in which you explain why the documents are not at hand yet and when they will be available.