The DAAD GROW – Global Research Opportunities for the South program offers an exceptional chance for early career and established researchers from developing countries to undertake short research stays in Germany. Hosted by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this fully funded opportunity supports international scientific collaboration and development-oriented research. The program will begin in 2026 and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
About the DAAD GROW Program
- Host Country: Germany
- Duration: 1–2 months (Preparatory and Cooperation Visits), 2–6 months (Research Stays)
- Dates: Funding begins in July/August 2026 (depending on region) and must be completed by 31 January 2027
- Benefits: Monthly stipend, insurance, travel allowance, and additional support for disabilities or chronic illness
- Deadline: To be announced (refer to official website for updates)
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Financial Benefits
- Monthly stipend of €1,400 for doctoral candidates and postdocs
- €2,000 per month for assistant professors and lecturers
- €2,150 per month for full professors
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
- Travel allowance
- Additional subsidies for justified costs due to disability or chronic illness (upon application and approval)
- Partial crediting of third-party benefits towards the DAAD scholarship
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Program Theme
The DAAD GROW program is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on research that addresses global challenges such as health, education, climate change, governance, social inclusion, and innovation systems. Projects must demonstrate clear development relevance and a strong transfer concept for implementing results in the applicant’s home region.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Open to applicants from countries on the OECD DAC list, with a primary focus on Sub-Saharan Africa, and also including Latin America and Asia
- Age: No specific age limit, but postdoctoral researchers must have completed their PhD within the last four years
- Background: Doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, university teachers, and established academics and scientists employed at a university or research institute
- Requirements:
- Applicants must not be in Germany at the time of application or conducting their entire doctoral/postdoctoral research at a German institution
- Women, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, and those from underrepresented regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply
- Research proposals must be linked to at least one SDG and demonstrate development relevance
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How to Apply for the DAAD GROW Program?
Interested candidates can apply online through the official DAAD scholarship database. The application process requires submission of a detailed research proposal, CV, and supporting documents. For the most current information on deadlines and application procedures, please visit the official website.
Yasir is currently a master’s student at Bilkent University on a fully funded scholarship. He has a strong passion for technology, innovation, and creating meaningful impact through digital platforms. Yasir’s goal is to make education more accessible by helping students discover global opportunities and take confident steps toward their future.