DAAD  (Deutscher Akademischer Austauchdienst), also called German Academic Exchange Service is the world’s largest funding organisation in Germany with Headquarter in Bonn, Germany. It was founded in 1925 with an aim of supporting young minds in their endeavor of achieving international academic goals. DAAD itself does not offer any program of study but provides competitive merit based scholarships for study or research in Germany at any of the accredited German institute of higher education. Several research grants are provided by DAAD ranging from short term periods to several years. These programs are specific to the country of origin with only 5 research programs being available for Indian research aspirants. For research programs in arts, social sciences and law, good knowledge of German language is expected, however, for natural sciences and engineering, good English language skills may be enough. 

Short term grants by DAAD are offered for a tenure of 1 to maximum 6 months depending on the project and applicant’s work schedule and are non-renewable. Highly qualified candidates who have completed their master’s degree or diploma, or in exceptional cases a Bachelor’s degree by the time of beginning grant supported research, PhD aspirants graduated not more than 6 years at the time of application submission , and those who have got their PhD (postdocs) not more than four years ago can apply for this grant. Indian students cannot apply for this grant offered by DAAD. Applications for short term grants are acknowledged twice every year, typically in November and May. Graduate students are entitled with monthly payment of 861 Euros and doctoral students & postdocs receive 1200 euros accordingly. Selection is done by an independent committee of scientist specialized in the corresponding research field. Applications are based on the academic achievements of the individual and convincing and well planned research project or course of continuing education. 

DAAD Funding

A maximum of 4 years of funding is provided in this scheme to the fellows who have completed there master’s degree or diploma for carrying out doctoral research at a state or state recognized institution of higher education or non-university research institute in Germany. Grants are initially awarded for a maximum of 1 year which is further extended if approved by the evaluation committee. Research phases outside Germany can also be supported and funded if necessary. Grant holders completing 6 months of uninterrupted stay may also get housing rent subsidy and monthly allowance for accompanying family member. Access to the DAAD portal generally opens 6 weeks before the application deadline at the latest.

 

Bi-national doctoral projects are funded through this scheme at home university and at a university in Germany. This program offers two options: a) In first option, Doctoral project is supervised bi-nationally by two supervisors, one in home university and other in German University. Candidate starts and completes the degree at home university and spends middle years of research in the host institute at Germany with doctoral degree being awarded by the home university with the involvement of German academic advisor . b) Second option is to follow a cotutelle procedure. Cotutelle is an agreement between two institutes over joint supervision at doctoral degree level. In this case degree is awarded by both the institutes together. Applicants who are enrolled in a doctoral program at home university are in the beginning of their research can apply for scholarship under this second option. 

DAAD provides a maximum of 4 years funding under this scheme  in order to increase the number of international doctoral students in structured Graduate schools at German Universities. Monthly stipend of 1200 Euros is given to the research candidate for carrying out doctoral research under this scheme with an annual research allowance of 460 Euros. You cannot apply for this scholarship directly. Before applying you must get enrolled in a graduate school in Germany and then you are nominated by the school for the funding. 

This program is aimed at supporting short term research (1-3 months) stays in Germany and thus boost sharing of knowledge and experience among colleagues. University teachers and established academics & scientists may apply for this scholarship. Research stays at state or state recognized institutes or non-university research institutes is funded through this scheme by DAAD. One can apply only once in three years for this funding. However Lecture tours or visits to conferences are not funded under this scheme. Monthly payments of 2000-2150 Euros is given. For applying, application must be working at a university or institute of higher education in home country.  Application deadline is October 5th for stays between March and July of the following year and deadline id April 8 for stays between August of same year and January of the following year. 

This program is implemented by German Aerospace center (DLR)  which is Germany’s National Research center for aeronautics and space & DAAD together and is highly qualified foreign doctoral and post doctoral students as well as the senior scientists. These fellowships are awarded on individual basis and are announced on account of some specific requirements. This fellowship is linked to research in aeronautics, space, transportation and energy. You may apply only for a DLR institute and not the other universities or research institutes. Three types of  funding are supported: Type A funding is for Doctoral students in Germany with a duration of 3 years  and accounts for monthly installments of 1760 Euros. Type B is for post Doc students (in Germany) with duration from 6 to 24 months with monthly salary of 2400 Euros. Type C funding is for senior scientists for 1-3 months duration and 2760 Euros monthly stipend.