If your education or research has been interrupted because of political pressure, conflict, discrimination, or loss of basic rights, Germany is offering a safer path to continue your academic journey. The DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026 supports international students and doctoral candidates who are at risk and need a secure environment to study or carry out research in Germany. (DAAD)

This programme is more than financial support—it is designed to protect academic freedom, restore learning opportunities, and help talented scholars rebuild their futures. (DAAD)

Scholarship Overview

The Hilde Domin Programme is managed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office. (DAAD)

It is specifically created for students and researchers who face serious threats to their academic freedom or access to education.

Host Country

Germany (DAAD)

Study Level

This scholarship supports multiple academic pathways depending on your background, including:

• Undergraduate studies
• Postgraduate (Master’s) studies
• Doctoral (PhD) studies
• Research stays or study programmes at recognized German universities (DAAD)

Benefits

The DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship is built to remove financial barriers so you can focus on education, research, and personal stability.

Key benefits include:

• Support to cover living expenses in Germany
• Funding for study or research programmes at recognized German institutions
• Access to academic enrichment and interdisciplinary training
• A safe academic environment that supports long-term development (DAAD)

Eligible Nationalities

This opportunity is open to international students and researchers who meet the programme conditions and are facing risk in their current environment. (DAAD)

Available Fields of Study

Fields depend on the programme you are entering in Germany.

In general, applicants can pursue study or research programmes aligned with their academic background at a recognized German higher education institution. (DAAD)

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Hilde Domin Programme, you must meet important academic and safety-related requirements.

You may be eligible if you:

• Are an international student or doctoral candidate in a serious risk situation
• Can show strong academic ability and potential to succeed at a German university
• Can provide credible evidence of risk affecting your education, rights, or academic freedom
• Have at least B2-level proficiency in German or English
• Are nominated by an eligible German institution or organization (self-application is not allowed) (DAAD)

Required Documents

Your nominating organization will submit your nomination first, including a clear explanation of your risk situation. (DAAD)

After nomination approval, selected candidates are invited to submit full documents through the DAAD portal.

Typical documents may include:

• Academic certificates and transcripts
• CV (Curriculum Vitae)
• Proof of language proficiency (German or English)
• Research proposal / study plan (depending on level)
• Documentation supporting your risk situation
• Additional programme-related forms requested by DAAD (DAAD)

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

This scholarship follows a two-stage process:

Step 1: Get Nominated (No Direct Application)

1. Identify an eligible German institution or organization that can nominate you
2. The organization submits your nomination online
3. DAAD reviews the nomination and risk assessment (DAAD)

Step 2: Submit Full Application (Only If Invited)

4. If your nomination is accepted, DAAD invites you to apply via the official online portal
5. You complete and submit the full scholarship application within the deadline window
6. Applications are checked for completeness and academic suitability
7. Final selection is made by a DAAD selection committee (DAAD)

Application Deadline (2026–2027 Intake)

For applicants planning to begin studies in Summer Semester 2027, the key dates are: (DAAD)

• Nomination deadline: 15 March 2026
• Application period (invited candidates only): 17 March 2026 – 15 April 2026 (DAAD)

Official Application Link

Apply and read full details on the DAAD official page:

DAAD Hilde Domin Programme (Official): (DAAD)

Final Tips for Applicants

Here are smart steps to improve your chances:

• Start early: nomination takes time and needs strong documentation
• Prepare a simple but clear academic plan (what you want to study/research in Germany and why)
• Gather evidence of your risk situation in a way that is credible and organized
• Make sure your language proficiency meets B2 level
• Only work with legitimate organizations—your nomination must come through an approved institution (DAAD)

Apply Now