The DAAD Lecture Tour Program, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, supports German academics who are invited to deliver lectures or academic presentations at foreign universities and research institutions outside of congresses and conferences. The program aims to strengthen international academic exchange, promote German research expertise globally, and encourage climate-friendly mobility.
This funding opportunity is particularly relevant for researchers planning academic visits abroad, with clearly defined travel categories and sustainability-focused benefits.
Program Objective
The primary goal of the DAAD Lecture Tour Program is to enable researchers and doctoral candidates to accept invitations from international academic partners to present their research, give guest lectures, or participate in academic exchange activities that are not part of conferences or large academic events.
By supporting these targeted academic visits, the program fosters:
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International scientific cooperation
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Knowledge exchange between German and foreign institutions
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Long-term academic partnerships
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to:
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Researchers holding a doctoral degree
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Doctoral candidates (PhD students)
Applicants must have a formal invitation from a foreign academic institution or researcher. Detailed eligibility conditions are outlined in the DAAD Application Requirements and FAQs.
What Is Being Funded?
The program funds:
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Academic lectures
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Research presentations
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Teaching and scholarly exchange activities
These activities must take place outside of congresses, conferences, or large-scale academic events. The visit should be clearly structured, academically justified, and aligned with the host institution’s interests.
Funding Categories & Benefits
DAAD offers four funding categories based on travel distance, designed to encourage climate-friendly mobility.
Funding Category 1 – Online Participation
Not applicable to the Lecture Tour Program
Funding Category 2 – In-Person Short-Distance Travel
Up to 600 km (crow flies)
(United Kingdom excluded)
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Only climate-friendly transport funded (train, bus, long-distance coach)
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Air travel is not funded
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Travel allowance available upon request
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Green Mobility Top-Up:
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Minimum €50 for outbound journey
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Minimum €50 for return journey
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Private cars are not considered climate-friendly.
Funding Category 3 – In-Person Medium-Distance Travel
601 km – 3,700 km (crow flies)
(Includes the United Kingdom)
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Free choice of transport mode
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Travel allowance available upon request
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Green Mobility Top-Up for climate-friendly travel
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If traveling by plane:
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DAAD reimburses 50% of voluntary CO₂ compensation payments
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Funding Category 4 – In-Person Long-Distance Travel
3,701 km and above
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Generally funded via air travel
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Number of scholarships is limited
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Travel allowance available upon request
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50% reimbursement of CO₂ compensation payments (voluntary)
Sustainability & Third-Party Funding Rules
Note: Applications for this category are currently closed for travel up to June 2026.
Sustainability & Third-Party Funding Rules
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If travel costs are covered by third-party funding, those funds must be used first
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DAAD sustainability benefits (Green Mobility Top-Up or CO₂ compensation subsidy) cannot be combined with similar benefits from other organizations
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Applicants receiving other scholarships must submit proof of financial coverage with their application
Cancellation & Withdrawal Policy
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Applicants may withdraw at any time without providing reasons
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DAAD may withdraw funding if the lecture is not delivered
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Cancellation fees are not reimbursed, even in cases of illness or force majeure
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Applicants are strongly advised not to take financial risks they cannot personally bear
Funding Authority
This program is officially funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, highlighting its role in Germany’s international academic and cultural diplomacy.
How to Apply
Applicants must:
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Secure an official invitation from a foreign academic institution
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Review application requirements and FAQs carefully
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Submit the application through the DAAD system before the relevant deadline
Official Program Link:
Final Notes
The DAAD Lecture Tour Program is an excellent opportunity for German researchers and doctoral candidates to expand their international academic presence while benefiting from structured, sustainability-oriented funding. With limited funding in certain categories, early planning and careful travel selection are essential.
The DAAD Lecture Tour Program is an excellent opportunity for German researchers and doctoral candidates to expand their international academic presence while benefiting from structured, sustainability-oriented funding. With limited funding in certain categories, early planning and careful travel selection are essential.
For further guidance, applicants should consult the official DAAD FAQs and application guidelines before submission.
