2026 DAAD DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIPS IN GERMANY

DEADLINE: 24 SEPTEMBER 2025

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is offering doctoral scholarships to outstanding graduates from Eswatini and around the world, enabling them to pursue full-time research studies in Germany. These scholarships are fully funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and are designed to support cutting-edge research while building international academic networks.

DAAD is one of the world’s largest funding organisations for international academic exchange, supporting thousands of scholars across all disciplines. The programme aims to support highly qualified students in completing a full doctoral degree in Germany. Scholars may pursue either:

• An individual doctoral project supervised by a professor at a German university, or

• A structured doctoral programme at a recognised German institution

Short-term research phases in other countries may also be supported, provided they are integral to the overall research project and do not exceed 25% of the total funding period.

IDEAL APPLICANT

This opportunity is designed for ambitious and capable researchers who are eager to contribute to global academic knowledge while gaining an international perspective.

Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Exceptional academic performance

• A clearly defined and innovative research focus

• Strong communication and analytical skills

• Leadership potential and community involvement

• Commitment to returning and contributing to their home country’s development

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

• Maximum duration: 4 years

• Initial grant: 1 year (renewable based on academic performance)

• Monthly stipend: €1,400

• Annual research allowance: €460

• Travel allowance

• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance

• Rent subsidy (if applicable)

• Family allowance for dependents (if applicable)

• Support for scholars with disabilities or chronic illness (upon request)

GERMAN LANGUAGE SUPPORT

• Online German language course (post-award)

• Optional 2, 4, or 6-month in-person language course in Germany (based on need)

• Reimbursement of fees for TestDaF or DSH exams

ELIGIBILITY

• Completed Master’s degree, Diplom, or in some cases a Bachelor’s degree

• Outstanding academic record and strong research proposal

• Clear academic and professional motivation to study in Germany

• Basic proficiency in the working language of your chosen institution (English or German)

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Apply online via the DAAD application portal

2. Submit the following:

   • Detailed study plan and timeline

   • Academic transcripts and certificates

   • Letters of recommendation

   • Confirmation from your host institution in Germany

3. Shortlisted candidates will be reviewed by an independent selection committee

The selection process considers:

• Academic achievement and potential

• Quality and originality of the proposed research

• Feasibility of the project

• Motivation and personal character

• Alignment with long-term career goals

• Contribution to diversity and inclusion

APPLY: https://www.daad.org.za/en/find-funding/scholarship-database/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLXsEhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE5S3JEaGpMQnJRVXdTbWFPAR5ccAza953zVZbzLDYw_zETaDe9X0M_gpGm5xN3HxP0CejAB3-2-bOK6366Qw_aem_Sn3dfjEhfyrP35AGkjYGNA&type=a&q=&status=0&subject=0&onlydaad=1&detail_to_show=0&detail_to_show=57135739&target=1&origin=1&pg=1&tab=&utm_content=buffera4219&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer