The DAAD Hilde Domin Programme 2027–28 is currently accepting applications until 15 October 2026—but only from at-risk Master’s and doctoral candidates whom DAAD invited after a valid nomination. The nomination deadline was 15 September 2026, so this is not a new self-application opportunity. Successful candidates receive monthly funding and study or conduct doctoral research in a secure academic environment in Germany.
Germany
Master’s and PhD
€992 Master’s / €1,400 PhD
15 October 2026
Funding and benefits
The programme is administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funding from Germany’s Federal Foreign Office. The official programme information lists:
- €992 per month for Master’s candidates.
- €1,400 per month for doctoral candidates.
- Health, accident and personal-liability insurance.
- A travel allowance.
- A German-language course lasting two, four or six months where applicable.
- Possible additional benefits under DAAD rules.
Funding can last up to 24 months for a Master’s degree and up to 48 months for a doctorate, subject to the programme’s conditions and academic progress.
Who is eligible?
Candidates must meet the official programme requirements, including all of the following:
- Be an at-risk student seeking a Master’s degree or an at-risk doctoral candidate whose educational or other rights are formally or effectively threatened because of identity and/or political or civic engagement.
- Come from a country outside the EU/EEA/EFTA, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and the United Kingdom.
- Have been nominated by the management of an eligible institution or organisation legally based in Germany. Self-nomination is not allowed.
- Not have been resident in Germany or another EU country at the time of nomination.
- Normally have completed the last university degree no more than six years before application.
- Not be seeking funding for a second Master’s or second doctoral degree.
- Have at least B2-level German or English by the nomination deadline.
Most academic disciplines are eligible. Human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy and law are excluded. Candidates in fine arts, performing arts, design, visual communication, music, film or architecture must provide proof of admission by the application deadline.
Required documents
DAAD’s invitation and portal checklist govern the final submission. Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- University degree certificates and academic transcripts.
- A one- to two-page motivation letter.
- Copies and, where required, certified translations of academic documents.
- Proof of at least B2 proficiency in the relevant German or English study/research language; DAAD’s FAQ says language certificates should generally be no more than three years old.
- Any programme-specific academic or admission evidence requested in the portal.
Evidence supporting the risk assessment is handled through the nominating institution or organisation. Applicants should follow DAAD’s secure instructions and avoid publishing sensitive personal evidence.
How to apply
- Confirm your nomination: only candidates validly nominated by 15 September 2026 and invited by DAAD can proceed.
- Open the DAAD invitation: use the individual application link and instructions supplied by DAAD.
- Prepare the documents: check certificates, transcripts, translations, motivation letter, language evidence and any required admission proof.
- Complete the portal form: enter information consistently with the nomination and upload every required file.
- Submit by 15 October 2026: do not assume an unstated midnight cut-off; follow the time shown in your DAAD portal invitation and submit early.
- Monitor messages: suitable candidates may be invited to an online academic interview.
Deadline: what is still open?
Application deadline for invited candidates: 15 October 2026. DAAD’s public page does not state a time zone or exact cut-off time, so applicants should rely on the time displayed in their individual portal account.
The nomination deadline was 15 September 2026. Anyone who was not nominated by that date cannot start a fresh application in this round. This distinction is important: the scholarship application window is open only for previously nominated and invited candidates.
Selection process
DAAD first checks whether the nomination and application are formally complete and whether the risk situation is plausible. An independent selection committee assesses eligible candidates, including their academic performance and prospects. DAAD’s FAQ explains that suitable applicants may receive an online interview focused on academic potential; the risk situation is not discussed in that academic interview.
Practical applicant tips
- Submit several days early and save the portal confirmation.
- Use the same spelling of your name across passports, certificates and the application.
- Keep the motivation letter specific: connect your academic record, proposed degree or research, and future contribution.
- Check that scans are readable and translations meet the portal instructions.
- Do not email sensitive risk evidence unless DAAD or the nominating body specifically instructs you to use a secure channel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply without a nomination?
No. Candidates cannot apply directly or nominate themselves. A qualifying Germany-based institution or organisation had to submit the nomination.
Is the Hilde Domin Programme fully funded?
It provides a monthly scholarship, insurance, a travel allowance and possible language-course and additional benefits. Individual expenses and benefit eligibility remain subject to DAAD rules.
Do I need university admission before applying?
Requirements vary by subject and programme stage. Candidates in specified arts and architecture fields must submit proof of admission by the application deadline. All candidates should follow their personal DAAD checklist.
What language level is required?
At least B2 German or English is required by the nomination deadline, depending on the intended degree or research language.
When will selection results be announced?
The public programme page describes the selection stages but does not provide a guaranteed result date. Applicants should monitor their DAAD account and email.
Related scholarships in Germany
- DAAD STEM Scholarship 2027–28
- DAAD Master’s Scholarships 2027–28
- Max Planck Schools 2027 fully funded opportunities
- Freiburg DAAD-MEG Scholarship 2027–28
Official sources
Already nominated and invited?
Use the personal DAAD portal link in your invitation and submit before the deadline shown in your account.
ScholarshipHubNow reviewed the official DAAD programme page and September 2026 FAQ on 9 October 2026. Programme rules can change; the official invitation and portal are controlling.
