Applications are officially open for the DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026, a prestigious and fully funded program designed for students and doctoral candidates who face risks, discrimination, or denial of educational rights in their home countries. This global scholarship offers financial support, academic opportunities, and a safe environment for scholars to complete their Master’s or PhD studies in Germany.
This comprehensive guide outlines the program overview, eligibility requirements, benefits, and the step-by-step application procedure for all interested candidates.
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Summary of the DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026
- Host Organization: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
- Host Country: Germany
- Study Abroad Region: Europe
- Level of Study: Master’s Degree & PhD
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Scholarship Value: €1,300 monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance, and additional benefits
- IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory
- Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
About the DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship Program (2026)
The Hilde Domin Programme, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) and administered by DAAD, was established to support international students who are at risk of losing access to education due to political, social, or personal circumstances.
The scholarship aims to:
- Provide a safe and supportive academic environment in Germany.
- Enable students to begin or complete their higher education degrees.
- Assist individuals who are threatened due to their political beliefs, social identity, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, or civic engagement.
- Offer long-term academic stability for scholars who cannot safely study in their home countries.
Through this program, recipients have the opportunity to pursue accredited Master’s or Doctoral programs at recognized German institutions.
Eligibility Requirements for the DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026
To be considered for this fully funded scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Level
Applicants must be:
- Prospective Master’s students, or
- Doctoral candidates pursuing a PhD
2. At-Risk Status
Applicants should be individuals who:
- Are at risk of being formally or informally denied educational rights in their country.
- Face threats due to their ethnic origin, gender, sexual identity, religious beliefs, political involvement, or civic activism.
- Can credibly demonstrate risks such as physical violence, arrest, harassment, or restricted access to education.
3. Educational Qualification
Candidates must:
- Possess academic certificates that meet German higher education requirements.
- Have credentials verified through the Anabin database.
4. Residency Status
Applicants:
- Must not already be residing in Germany or the European Union at the time of nomination.
5. Nomination Requirement
Unlike other scholarships, applicants cannot apply independently.
They must be nominated by one of the accredited institutions recognized by DAAD.
Benefits of the DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026
The scholarship provides extensive financial and academic support. Benefits include:
1. Monthly Stipend
- €992 per month for Master’s students
- €1,300 per month for PhD candidates
2. Health and Insurance Coverage
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Accident insurance
- Personal liability insurance
3. Travel Allowance
A travel grant is provided depending on the applicant’s country of residence.
4. German Language Training
Recipients may receive a 2–6 month preparatory German language course, depending on program requirements.
5. Additional Allowances
DAAD may also provide:
- Study and research grants
- Family support (where applicable)
- Rent subsidies (based on individual situations)
Required Documents
Applicants will need to prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport or national ID
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of purpose outlining the threat faced
- Letter from the nominating institution
- Evidence of risk (legal documents, reports, or credible statements)
- Proof of previous academic performance
Application Timeline for the DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026
For studies starting in the Summer Semester 2027
- Nomination Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Application Window: March 17 – April 15, 2026
Nominations can be submitted at any time, but only applications submitted within the designated timeframe will be evaluated.
How to Apply for the DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Follow the steps below to apply:
1: Secure a Nomination
Applicants must be nominated by:
- Higher education institutions
- Non-governmental organizations
- Academic partners recognized by DAAD
Self-nominations are not allowed.
2: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
Gather all academic, identity, and proof-of-risk documents required by DAAD.
3: Complete the Online Application
After nomination, applicants will receive an invitation email from DAAD containing:
- Application link
- Login details
- Instructions for document submission
Proceed to complete the DAAD application portal forms.
4: Submit Your Application
Ensure all documents are uploaded before the deadline: April 15, 2026
5: Await Selection Results
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted directly by DAAD with further instructions.
Conclusion
The DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026 is one of the most impactful scholarships in Europe, specifically designed for students and researchers whose educational paths are threatened in their home countries. With full financial support, strong academic backing, and an opportunity to study in one of the world’s leading higher education environments, this program provides life-changing opportunities for deserving applicants.
Eligible students are encouraged to pursue nomination early and prepare all required documents ahead of the application window.
