DAAD Fundamental Academic Values Award 2026 in Germany
The DAAD Fundamental Academic Values Award 2026 is a prestigious international competition that recognizes outstanding early-career researchers whose work contributes to the understanding and promotion of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, academic integrity, and democratic governance in higher education.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the award aims to support scholars researching the future of higher education and the fundamental values that underpin universities across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
Unlike traditional scholarships that focus on degree studies, this award provides substantial prize funding, international recognition, and a fully funded opportunity to present research at a conference in Germany.
Award Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Award Organizer: DAAD
- Award Name: Fundamental Academic Values Award
- Funding Type: Research Award and Conference Grant
- First Prize: €7,000
- Second Prize: €6,000
- Third Prize: €5,000
- Conference Participation: Fully funded
- Eligible Applicants: Early-career researchers worldwide
- Application Deadline: 22 June 2026
- Results Announcement: October 2026
Degree Level
The award is open to:
- Master's degree graduates
- Doctoral researchers
- Early-career academics
- Recent graduates involved in higher education research
Available Subjects
Research must focus on higher education and academic values, including:
- Academic Freedom
- Academic Integrity
- Higher Education Governance
- Institutional Autonomy
- Education Policy
- University Administration
- Public Responsibility in Higher Education
- Democracy in Academia
- Sociology of Education
- Political Science and Higher Education
- Educational Leadership
- Law and Higher Education
Benefits
Selected winners will receive:
- First Prize of €7,000
- Second Prize of €6,000
- Third Prize of €5,000
- Invitation to present research at an international conference
- Fully funded travel to Germany
- Free accommodation during the conference
- International recognition from DAAD
- Networking opportunities with researchers and policymakers
- Exposure within the European Higher Education Area
Eligible Nationalities
- Open to applicants from all countries
- Researchers from any academic discipline may apply
- International applications are encouraged
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a Master's degree or Doctoral degree
- Have completed their degree in 2021 or later
- Be considered an early-career researcher
- Submit research related to fundamental academic values
- Demonstrate relevance to higher education policy or governance
Exceptions may be considered for applicants affected by:
- Maternity or parental leave
- Illness or disability
- Conflict-related displacement
- Other exceptional circumstances
Eligible Research Topics
Research should contribute to discussions related to:
- Academic freedom and institutional independence
- University governance systems
- Academic ethics and integrity
- Participation of students and staff in decision-making
- Public accountability of higher education institutions
- Democratic values in universities
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Motivation letter (maximum 800 words)
- Publication abstract (maximum 400 words)
- Full publication
- Additional 2,000-word summary (if required)
- Academic CV without chronological gaps
- Publication list
- Supporting evidence of volunteer or governance activities (optional)
Accepted Publication Types
Applicants may submit one publication published in 2021 or later, including:
- Journal articles
- Conference papers
- Book chapters
- Dissertation chapters
- Academic books
- Thesis manuscripts
- Contributions to edited volumes
Co-authored publications are accepted, but applicants must clearly explain their individual contribution.
Application Process
- Select one eligible publication related to academic values.
- Prepare the motivation letter and publication abstract.
- Compile the required academic documents.
- Submit the complete application package in English.
- Await evaluation by the DAAD selection committee.
- Successful applicants will be notified in October 2026.
Why Apply for This Award?
The DAAD Fundamental Academic Values Award offers more than financial support. It provides a platform for young researchers to contribute to international discussions on academic freedom, governance, and the future of higher education. The award also helps researchers gain visibility, build international networks, and engage directly with policymakers and higher education leaders.
