DAAD-Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026 Open in Germany
For students and researchers whose academic lives have been disrupted by political pressure, conflict, or loss of basic rights, Germany has opened a powerful new door. The DAAD-Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026 is now welcoming nominations, offering at-risk international students and doctoral candidates the chance to continue their education or research in a secure and supportive academic environment in Germany.
Administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, this programme is not merely about studying abroad—it is about safeguarding intellectual freedom, restoring academic continuity, and rebuilding futures that have been placed under threat.
What Makes the Hilde Domin Scholarship a Lifeline for Scholars
This scholarship is designed to fully remove financial and institutional obstacles so scholars can focus entirely on learning, research, and personal recovery.
- Comprehensive financial support covering essential living costs in Germany
- Funding for undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies aligned with the candidate’s background
- Support for research or degree programmes at recognized German universities
- Access to interdisciplinary academic training and professional development activities
- A secure academic setting that allows scholars to plan long-term academic and social impact
Beyond the study period, the programme aims to prepare scholars to contribute positively to societies—whether back home, in Germany, or in other parts of the world.
Who Can Benefit From This Programme
The Hilde Domin Scholarship is specifically structured for individuals whose access to education or academic freedom is under serious threat.
- International students or PhD candidates facing political, social, or institutional risk in their home countries
- Candidates with strong academic potential and a clear ability to succeed at a German higher education institution
- Individuals nominated by eligible German institutions or organizations working in education, research, human rights, peace, democracy, or rule of law
- Applicants who can demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in German or English
- Scholars whose risk situation can be credibly assessed and documented during nomination
Self-applications are not accepted; nomination by an approved organization is mandatory.
How the Nomination and Application Journey Works
The process begins with a formal nomination rather than a direct application. Eligible German institutions or organizations submit nominations online, including a detailed description of the candidate’s risk situation. After DAAD conducts an initial assessment, selected nominees are invited to submit a full application through the DAAD online portal.
Applications are checked for academic suitability and formal completeness before being reviewed by an independent DAAD selection committee. Both academic merit and the seriousness of the risk situation are central to final decisions.
Application Timeline for the 2026–2027 Intake
For candidates aiming to start their studies in Summer Semester 2027, nominations by eligible institutions must be submitted by 15 March 2026. Candidates invited to apply will then complete their applications during the official DAAD application window, which runs from 17 March 2026 to 15 April 2026.