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Government Scholarship

DAAD Research Grants — Short-Term Grants

by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Stipend

1,300 EUR/month (doctoral candidates)

Duration

1–6 months

Level

PhD, Postdoc

Deadline

Generally November for the following year. Country-specific deadlines apply — check DAAD scholarship database.

Overview

Short-term research grants for doctoral candidates and young academics to carry out research stays of 1–6 months at a publicly funded German higher education institution or research institute.

Provider

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Type

government Scholarship

Who Can Apply

All international students (including Indian students)

Degree Levels

PhD, Postdoc

Benefits & Financial Support

Funding Amount

1,300 EUR/month (doctoral candidates) + insurance + travel

About

These grants offer doctoral students and recently qualified academics the opportunity to carry out research at a publicly funded German higher education institution or research institute. The grant supports short-term research stays of 1 to 6 months.

Benefits

  • Monthly stipend of 1,300 EUR for doctoral candidates
  • Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
  • Travel allowance

Eligibility

  • Doctoral candidates or postdocs who have completed their last degree no more than 6 years ago
  • Research proposal agreed with a German host institution
  • Open to all nationalities

Eligibility Requirements

  • Doctoral candidates or recently qualified academics
  • last degree completed within 6 years
  • agreed-upon research plan with a German host institution.

What This Scholarship Covers

Living Allowance

Monthly stipend for rent, food, and daily expenses

Health Insurance

Mandatory health, accident, and liability insurance

Travel Allowance

Contribution toward flights to and from Germany

How to Apply

1

Check Eligibility

Verify you meet the nationality, degree level, academic, and language requirements listed above.

2

Prepare Documents

Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, letters of recommendation, language certificates, and motivation letter.

3

Find a Programme

Identify the German university and programme you want to study. Some scholarships require university admission before applying.

4

Submit Application

Apply through the official application portal before the deadline. Upload all required documents as PDFs.

5

Interview & Selection

If shortlisted, attend an interview (may be online). Selection committees assess academic merit, motivation, and fit.

6

Receive Decision

Scholarship decisions typically arrive 3–6 months after the deadline. If awarded, complete visa and enrolment procedures.

Application Document Checklist

  • Completed application form
  • Curriculum vitae (CV / resume)
  • Motivation letter / statement of purpose
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree certificate
  • Academic transcripts with grades
  • Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH)
  • Letter(s) of recommendation from university professors
  • Valid passport copy
  • Passport-sized photograph
  • University admission letter (if already accepted)

Note: Exact document requirements vary. Always check the official scholarship page for the definitive list.

Need Help With Your Application?

Scholarship applications are competitive — a strong profile evaluation, polished SOP, and the right university selection make the difference. GradGermany's experts can help at every step.

Quick Facts

Amount
1,300 EUR/month (doctoral candidates) + insurance + travel
Duration
1–6 months
Degree Levels
PhD Postdoc
Deadline
Generally November for the following year. Country-specific deadlines apply — check DAAD scholarship database.
Who Can Apply
All international students (including Indian students)

Frequently Asked Questions About the DAAD Research Grants — Short-Term Grants

The DAAD Research Grants — Short-Term Grants provides 1,300 EUR/month (doctoral candidates) + insurance + travel. The exact amount may vary depending on your study level, programme, and personal circumstances.
Doctoral candidates or recently qualified academics; last degree completed within 6 years; agreed-upon research plan with a German host institution.
The application deadline is: Generally November for the following year. Country-specific deadlines apply — check DAAD scholarship database.. We recommend starting your application at least 3 months before the deadline to allow time for document preparation.
The target group for this scholarship is: All international students (including Indian students). Indian students are generally eligible for most German scholarships if they meet the academic and language requirements.
This scholarship covers: monthly living allowance, health insurance, travel costs.
To apply: (1) Check you meet the eligibility requirements, (2) Prepare all required documents including transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and language certificates, (3) Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline. Apply at: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/scholarships/daad-scholarships/

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