PhD scholarships

Opportunity details

Who can apply

Candidates worldwide, including Ugandan citizens, may be considered when they are at risk because of their ethnic, sexual, gender or religious identity, political or civic engagement or similar circumstances and are unable to safely pursue education. Candidates cannot apply independently and must first be nominated by an eligible Germany-based university, research institution or qualifying organisation active in human rights, democracy, peace or the rule of law.

Key information

Study level

Master’s

Funding coverage

Fully funded

Award value or coverage details

DAAD currently provides EUR 992 per month for Master's students or EUR 1,400 per month for doctoral candidates, health, accident and personal liability insurance, a travel allowance based on country of origin or residence, and where applicable a two-, four- or six-month preparatory German-language course and additional financial benefits. Funding normally lasts up to 24 months for a Master's degree and up to 48 months for a doctorate.

About this opportunity

The Hilde Domin Programme enables students and doctoral candidates who are at risk of being denied educational or other rights in their country of origin to pursue a Master\'s or doctoral degree in Germany. The September-October 2026 application period is for studies planned to begin in the 2027/28 winter semester.

Benefits
DAAD currently provides EUR 992 per month for Master\'s students or EUR 1,400 per month for doctoral candidates, health, accident and personal liability insurance, a travel allowance based on country of origin or residence, and where applicable a two-, four- or six-month preparatory German-language course and additional financial benefits. Funding normally lasts up to 24 months for a Master\'s degree and up to 48 months for a doctorate.

Requirements
The nominating organisation submits a nomination and risk-description form. Candidates who pass DAAD\'s plausibility assessment are invited to submit the formal scholarship application, including academic qualifications and documentation of the risk situation. Admission to the intended German degree programme is a separate process.

How to apply
Secure nomination from an eligible Germany-based institution or organisation by 2026-09-15. DAAD reviews the nomination and invites suitable nominees to apply through the DAAD portal. Invited candidates must submit their complete scholarship application between 2026-09-17 and 2026-10-15 and later apply separately for admission to an appropriate German university programme.