DAAD ‒ HAW.International: Research Scholarships for Doctoral Students at Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany

If you are a PhD candidate working at a German University of Applied Sciences (HAW, formerly Fachhochschule) and you want to conduct part of your research abroad: applications are now open. The DAAD – HAW.International: Research Scholarships for Doctoral Students support research stays abroad lasting between one and six months, to strengthen international collaboration and enrich doctoral research. These scholarships are designed for those enrolled in a full or cooperative doctorate at German HAWs (or in cooperation with a German university with the right to award doctorates).

Below you’ll find a detailed summary and guidelines to help you understand whether you’re eligible, what you get, and how to apply.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Doctoral enrollment at a German HAW; research stays abroad in one or multiple host institutions/countries.

• Host Institutions: Universities, non-university research institutions, archives, or field research (even without institutional affiliation).

• Study Level: Doctoral / PhD candidates (including cooperative doctorates with a German university).

• Target Group: Doctoral students at German HAWs; non-German citizens eligible. Excludes those already funded by other organizations with similar benefits.

• Fields of Study: Open to all disciplines; research project must be original, relevant, and feasible.

• Value & Coverage:

  • Monthly stipend (country-dependent, for doctoral students).

  • Travel allowance based on host country.

  • Health, accident, and liability insurance.

  • Flat research/conference cost allowance (102 € monthly).

  • Possible extras: tuition subsidy, language course grant, family benefits, research-related in-country travel, disability-related support.

• Duration:

  • 1–6 months per grant.

  • Up to two grants per doctorate (separated by at least 6 months).

  • Maximum total of 12 months.

• Application Deadline: Continuous applications accepted; must be submitted at least 3 months before planned stay abroad.

• Start Date: Flexible, depending on grant approval and applicant’s plan.

📚 Scholarship Overview

The DAAD’s HAW.International initiative promotes internationalization of German Universities of Applied Sciences. This research scholarship track for doctoral students is:

• Practice-oriented, strengthening doctoral research through international collaboration.

• Flexible in structure: stays may be split across countries, host institutions, or time periods.

• Inclusive: supports not only university or research institute stays but also field/archival research without institutional affiliation.

🎁 Benefits of the Scholarship

• Stipend to cover living expenses abroad (varies by country).

• Travel costs covered.

• Health, accident, and liability insurance.

• Conference and research cost allowance (102 €/month).

• Extra options: tuition subsidies, language course grants, family benefits, local project-related travel, disability support.

• Flexible stay structuring (across time periods or countries).

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Must be enrolled as a doctoral student at a German HAW (or in a cooperative doctorate with a German university).

• Doctoral studies must have started no more than 3 years before application deadline (exceptions possible).

• Cannot hold another doctoral grant with similar foreign research benefits.

• Strong research project required: originality, relevance, feasibility, and justification for stay abroad.

• Language proof only required if conducting fieldwork/interviews in a language other than the host’s working language.

✍🏻 Application Procedure

• Register and apply via the DAAD portal.

• Upload all required documents.

• Apply at least 3 months before planned stay.

• No interview; decisions are based on documents only.

• Selection is made by academic committees appointed by DAAD.

🗂️ Required Documents

• CV (tabular, up to 3 pages, including extracurricular activities).

• Doctoral project description (5–8 pages).

• Detailed schedule for research stay abroad.

• Motivation letter (1–2 pages).

• Certificates with grades (Bachelor, Master, etc.).

• Summary of most recent thesis (or explanation if none).

• Proof of admission and supervision at HAW (or cooperation agreement for joint doctorate).

• Confirmation from host institution abroad (workspace, supervision, permits, tuition info). Preliminary confirmation accepted.

• Publication list (if available).

• Language certificate (if applicable).

• Letter of recommendation from doctoral supervisor (cover sheet + free-form).

ℹ️ Extra Information

• Stay abroad may be divided across institutions, countries, or time periods — but must be well justified.

• A maximum of two grants per doctorate, not exceeding 12 months total.

• DAAD emphasizes environmentally responsible travel planning.

🔗 Details & Apply

---