DAAD GROW Scholarships 2026: Research Opportunities for Early-Career Scientists from Developing Countries
Are you an early-career researcher from Africa, Latin America, or Asia looking to boost your work in Germany? The DAAD GROW Global Research Opportunities for the South Scholarships 2026 offer a chance to do just that. This program supports scientists and academics from developing countries to build skills, networks, and projects tied to global challenges like health, climate, and education.
These scholarships come from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and are funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). They focus on early-career researchers, doctoral students, and established professors who want to create lasting impacts back home. Applications are open now, with a deadline of April 30, 2026.
Who Can Apply?
This program targets people from countries on the OECD DAC list, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa, but also in Latin America and Asia. You must work at a university or research institute in your home country. Doctoral candidates, postdocs, university teachers, and full professors are all welcome.
Women, people from low-income backgrounds, and those from underserved areas or groups get special encouragement to apply. One key rule: you cannot apply if you are already in Germany or doing your full PhD or postdoc there. Postdocs are defined as those who finished their PhD no more than four years before the deadline.
The goal is to help you gain skills in your field, build methods, analyze data better, and connect with global experts. After your stay, you bring that knowledge back to improve research, teaching, and development at your home institution.
Program Focus and Alignment
All projects must link to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals cover big issues like clean water, zero hunger, good health, quality education, climate action, and fair societies. Your research needs a clear tie to at least one SDG and should lead to real benefits for development.
This focus helps judges pick proposals that matter for real-world change. It also pushes for work that can transfer knowledge back to your country, like new teaching methods or policy ideas.
Two Programme Lines Explained
The DAAD GROW scholarships split into two main types of funding. Each supports stays at German universities or research centers that are public or state-approved.
Programme Line 1: Preparatory and Cooperation Visits
This line funds trips of 1 to 2 months to plan joint projects. You work with German hosts to pick research topics, develop ideas for papers, or prepare grant applications. The aim is high-impact work with strong ties to development needs, plus building networks.
These visits lay the groundwork for long-term partnerships. They help spot shared interests and set up future collaborations.
Programme Line 2: Research Stays
Here, you get 2 to 6 months for your own research project. It must have clear development relevance and a plan to apply results back home. You coordinate with a German supervisor, and the stay can include some planning elements if needed.
This line lets you dive deep into independent work while gaining skills. Conference travel or talks are not covered under either line.
Timeline and Duration Rules
Your funded period must start in 2026 and end by January 31, 2027. No extensions are possible, and scholarships cannot be stretched out. Plan your dates carefully to fit within this window.
For Line 1, expect 1-2 months. Line 2 allows up to 6 months, giving flexibility for deeper projects.
What the Scholarship Covers
Funding matches your career stage:
- Doctoral candidates and postdocs: 1,400 euros per month
- Assistant professors and lecturers: 2,000 euros per month
- Full professors: 2,150 euros per month
You also get coverage for health, accident, and liability insurance. Plus, a travel allowance helps with flights and local trips. Check DAAD’s details on insurance and travel for exact rules.
These amounts support living costs in Germany, so you can focus on research without money worries.
How to Get Started
Start by reviewing the full list of eligible countries on the DAC list through DAAD’s PDF. Prepare a strong proposal that shows your SDG link, development impact, and transfer plan.
Submit by April 30, 2026. Head to the official DAAD webpage for the application form, guidelines, and host institution search. They have tools to find German partners.
Success depends on a clear project idea, host support, and fit with program goals. Early preparation, like contacting potential supervisors, boosts your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the DAAD GROW Scholarships 2026?
Researchers from OECD DAC countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia, including doctoral candidates, postdocs, and professors at home universities, can apply if they are not currently in Germany.
What are the two programme lines?
Programme Line 1 funds 1-2 month visits to plan joint projects, while Line 2 supports 2-6 month research stays with development relevance.
What does the scholarship cover?
It provides monthly stipends of 1,400-2,150 euros based on your career stage, plus health, accident, liability insurance, and a travel allowance.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026, for stays starting in 2026 and ending by January 31, 2027.