HAW-DAAD International Research Scholarships 2026 in Germany
Doctoral researchers enrolled at German Universities of Applied Sciences now have an excellent opportunity to gain international research experience through the HAW.International Research Scholarships. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this program supports PhD candidates who wish to conduct research abroad while continuing their doctoral studies in Germany.
The scholarship enables researchers to spend between one and six months at international universities, research institutes, archives, or fieldwork locations worldwide. It is designed to strengthen doctoral research projects through international collaboration, access to specialized facilities, and global academic networking.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Funding Organization: German Academic Exchange Service
- Scholarship Name: HAW.International Research Scholarship
- Degree Level: PhD / Doctoral Research
- Eligible Nationalities: Domestic and International Students in Germany
- Scholarship Type: Research Mobility Scholarship
- Research Stay Duration: 1 to 6 Months
- Research Locations: Worldwide
- Application Deadline: Rolling Applications
- Funding Frequency: Up to Two Funding Periods During Doctorate
Degree Level
The scholarship is available for:
- Doctoral (PhD) Candidates
- Research Scholars pursuing doctoral studies
Applicants must already be enrolled in an eligible doctoral program.
Available Subjects
The scholarship is open to all academic disciplines offered through eligible doctoral programs at German Universities of Applied Sciences.
Research may be conducted in areas including:
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Environmental Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Education
- Humanities
- Applied Sciences
Benefits
Selected scholars may receive:
- Monthly scholarship payments based on the destination country
- International travel allowance
- Health insurance support
- Accident insurance coverage
- Personal liability insurance coverage
- €102 monthly research and conference allowance
- Support for research-related expenses
Additional funding may be available for:
- Tuition fees at host institutions
- Language courses
- Family allowances for spouses and children
- Research travel within the host country
- Supervisor visits abroad
- Disability-related support costs
- Assistance for researchers with chronic illnesses
Eligible Nationalities
Applications are open to:
- German citizens
- International doctoral students enrolled in eligible German HAW doctoral programs
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be pursuing a doctorate at a German University of Applied Sciences (HAW) with doctoral awarding rights, or
- Be enrolled in a cooperative doctoral program between a German HAW and a German university
- Be formally accepted as a doctoral candidate before the application deadline
- Normally be within three years of starting doctoral studies
- Demonstrate the academic relevance of the planned international research stay
- Obtain approval or support from the host institution when required
Research Stay Duration
The scholarship supports:
- Minimum Duration: 1 Month
- Maximum Duration: 6 Months per Funding Period
Researchers may receive funding twice during their doctorate if:
- A new application is submitted
- At least six months separate the two funded periods
The total funding duration during a doctorate cannot exceed 12 months.
Application Procedure
To apply for the scholarship:
- Develop a research plan for the international stay.
- Identify and contact the host institution abroad.
- Obtain required confirmations and supporting documents.
- Prepare academic and research-related materials.
- Complete the DAAD online application.
- Submit the application at least three months before the planned research stay.
- Await evaluation and funding decision.
Why Apply for the HAW.International Scholarship?
International research experience has become increasingly important for doctoral researchers. This scholarship provides access to global research facilities, specialized archives, international datasets, and collaborative academic networks. It allows PhD candidates to strengthen their dissertations, expand professional connections, and improve future career opportunities in academia and industry.
The flexibility to conduct research in multiple countries or institutions makes this one of DAAD's most valuable mobility programs for doctoral researchers.
