How long can the research stay last?

The funded research stay can last from one to six months per funding period.

Is the scholarship open to international students?

Yes. International doctoral students studying at eligible German HAWs are eligible to apply.

HAW-DAAD International Research Scholarships 2026 in Germany

HAW-DAAD International Research Scholarships 2026 for PhD students conducting international research through German universities.

HAW-DAAD International Research Scholarships 2026 in Germany

The HAW-DAAD International Research Scholarships 2026 are now accepting applications from doctoral researchers enrolled at eligible German Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW). Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this prestigious research mobility program enables PhD candidates to conduct part of their doctoral research at universities, research institutes, archives, or fieldwork locations around the world.

The scholarship supports international academic collaboration while helping researchers access advanced facilities, specialized resources, and global research networks. Selected applicants can receive funding for research stays lasting between one and six months, with the possibility of receiving support twice during their doctorate.

Scholarship Overview

Details	Information
Host Country	Germany
Funding Organization	German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Scholarship Name	HAW.International Research Scholarship
Degree Level	PhD / Doctoral Research
Scholarship Type	Research Mobility
Research Duration	1–6 Months
Research Destination	Worldwide
Eligible Applicants	German and International Doctoral Students Enrolled at Eligible German HAWs
Application Deadline	Rolling Applications

Degree Level

The HAW-DAAD International Research Scholarship is available for:

Doctoral (PhD) candidates
Researchers enrolled in eligible doctoral programs at German Universities of Applied Sciences

Applicants must already be officially admitted to a qualifying doctoral program before submitting their application.

Eligible Fields of Study

Students from all academic disciplines offered through eligible doctoral programs may apply.

Research areas include:

Engineering
Applied Sciences
Natural Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Information Technology
Health Sciences
Social Sciences
Business and Economics
Education
Humanities

HAW-DAAD Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants may receive a comprehensive financial support package that includes:

Monthly scholarship stipend based on the destination country
International travel allowance
Health insurance support
Accident insurance
Personal liability insurance
€102 monthly research and conference allowance
Funding for research-related expenses

Depending on individual circumstances, additional financial support may also cover:

Tuition fees charged by the host institution
Language course expenses
Family allowance for spouses and children
Domestic research travel within the host country
Supervisor visits
Disability-related costs
Additional assistance for researchers with chronic illnesses

Eligible Nationalities

Applications are open to:

German citizens
International doctoral students enrolled in eligible German Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the HAW-DAAD International Research Scholarships 2026, applicants must:

Be pursuing a doctorate at a German University of Applied Sciences with doctoral awarding rights, or
Be enrolled in a cooperative doctoral program between a German HAW and a German university
Be formally accepted as a doctoral candidate before the application deadline
Normally be within the first three years of doctoral study
Demonstrate the academic value of the proposed international research project
Obtain any required approval from the host institution abroad

Research Duration

The scholarship funds international research stays lasting:

Minimum duration: 1 month
Maximum duration: 6 months per funding period

Researchers may receive funding twice during their doctoral studies if:

A new application is submitted
At least six months separate both funding periods

The maximum total funding available during the doctorate is 12 months.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the HAW-DAAD International Research Scholarship:

Prepare a detailed research proposal.
Identify a suitable host university or research institution abroad.
Obtain all required confirmations and supporting documents.
Gather your academic and research records.
Complete the online DAAD scholarship application.
Submit your application at least three months before your planned research stay.
Wait for the evaluation and funding decision.

Why Choose the HAW-DAAD International Research Scholarship?

The HAW-DAAD International Research Scholarship provides doctoral researchers with an outstanding opportunity to expand their academic experience beyond Germany. Through international collaboration, scholars gain access to world-class laboratories, specialized archives, advanced research facilities, and valuable professional networks.

This international exposure strengthens doctoral research, improves publication opportunities, enhances academic collaboration, and increases future career prospects in both higher education and industry.

Final Thoughts

The HAW-DAAD International Research Scholarships 2026 in Germany offer an excellent opportunity for doctoral researchers to gain international research experience while continuing their PhD studies. With generous financial support, worldwide research opportunities, and access to leading academic institutions, this DAAD-funded program helps researchers build stronger dissertations and establish global academic partnerships.

Students planning international research during their doctorate are encouraged to apply early, as applications are accepted on a rolling basis.