Are you a PhD student at a German University of Applied Sciences (HAW/Fachhochschule) looking to take your research global? Here’s a time-sensitive opportunity that could change the course of your academic journey: The DAAD’s HAW.International Research Scholarships 2026 are now open for applications!
This is your last chance this year to unlock funding, international research experience, and expand your academic network, all while pursuing your doctorate. Whether you plan to research in Europe, Asia, North America, or elsewhere, this scholarship supports you every step of the way.
The HAW.International program is a special initiative of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) that supports doctoral students enrolled at German universities of applied sciences (HAWs) to conduct short- or mid-term research abroad.
This scholarship is designed to:
- Foster global collaboration
- Strengthen practice-oriented research
- Build long-lasting academic and professional networks across borders
Doctoral students can travel to one or multiple countries to work on their dissertation or related research at:
- Universities
- Non-university research institutions
- Archives
- Or through independent fieldwork
Unlike many rigid scholarships, this one is flexible. You can split your stay into multiple trips across the course of your doctoral studies giving you the freedom to work where and when it’s most impactful.
Program Objective
The key aim of the HAW.International Research Scholarship is to support innovative and applied research abroad by enabling PhD candidates at HAWs to:
- Gain international exposure
- Conduct cutting-edge fieldwork
- Develop strong research and academic collaborations
- Build a global professional network
- Present findings at conferences or symposiums abroad
Scholarship Benefits
DAAD offers one of the most generous doctoral research packages in Europe, and this program is no exception.
Successful candidates will receive:
- Monthly scholarship rate (varies by host country)
- Travel allowance (based on destination)
- Health, accident, and liability insurance
- €102 per month for research and conference costs
Optional Additional Benefits:
- Tuition fee subsidies
- Language course funding in the host country
- Family support for accompanying spouse/children
- Grants for field-related travel within the host country
- Travel & accommodation for supervising professors (up to 10 days)
Name of Organizer
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Requirements/ Eligibility Criteria
The HAW international research scholarship in Germany for the class of 2026 is open to candidates who:
- Are pursuing a doctorate at a German university of applied sciences with the right to award doctorates.
- Are completing a cooperative doctorate involving a German HAW and another German university.
- Are international student or German students (non-German citizens are also eligible).
Note: Doctoral scholarship holders from organizations that promote gifted students are not eligible, as they already have access to similar funding opportunities.
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