DAAD GROW Scholarships 2026: Funding for Researchers from Developing Countries
Early career researchers from developing countries have a chance to advance their work in Germany through the DAAD GROW Scholarships 2026. This program, called Global Research Opportunities for the South, supports stays that build skills and partnerships. It focuses on projects linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, like health, education, and climate action.
Who Can Apply?
The DAAD GROW Scholarships 2026 target doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, university teachers, and established academics or scientists. You must come from countries on the OECD DAC list, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Applicants need to work at a university or research institute in their home country.
Women, people from low-income backgrounds, and those from underserved areas or groups get special encouragement to apply. You cannot apply if you are already in Germany or doing your full doctoral or postdoctoral research at a German institution. Postdoctoral researchers qualify if their PhD was completed no more than four years before the deadline.
What Does the Program Fund?
The program has two main lines, both tied to Sustainable Development Goals for real-world impact. Projects must show clear benefits for development, like better research or knowledge sharing back home.
Programme Line 1: Preparatory and Cooperation Visits
This funds 1- to 2-month stays at German universities or research institutes. The goal is to plan joint projects, develop publication ideas, or seek funding together. It helps build networks with high relevance to development needs.
Programme Line 2: Research Stays
These cover 2- to 6-month research projects at German hosts, supervised by a local academic. Stays include a plan to apply results in your home country. Preparatory work can fit in as needed.
Travel for conferences or presentations does not qualify under either line.
Funding Duration
All funded periods start in 2026 and must end by January 31, 2027. No extensions are possible. Programme Line 1 lasts 1 to 2 months. Programme Line 2 runs 2 to 6 months.
Benefits and Support
Scholars receive monthly payments based on their career stage: 1,400 euros for doctoral candidates and postdocs, 2,000 euros for assistant professors and lecturers, and 2,150 euros for full professors. Coverage includes health, accident, and liability insurance. A travel allowance helps with costs.
How to Apply
The application deadline is April 30, 2026. Check the official DAAD webpage for full details and the application form: DAAD GROW Scholarships. Prepare a project with SDG links and a host in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for DAAD GROW Scholarships 2026?
Doctoral candidates, postdocs, university teachers, and academics from OECD DAC countries, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia, who work at home institutions.
What are the two main program lines?
Programme Line 1 funds 1-2 month preparatory visits for planning projects, while Line 2 supports 2-6 month research stays with application plans back home.
What benefits do scholars receive?
Monthly stipends based on career stage (1,400-2,150 euros), health and liability insurance, and a travel allowance.
How do I apply for the scholarships?
Submit by April 30, 2026, via the official DAAD website with a project linked to SDGs and a German host institution.