Hilde Domin Programme Scholarship 2026 – Germany (Fully Funded)
The Hilde Domin Programme is a fully funded scholarship funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and administered by the DAAD. It aims to provide academic refuge in Germany for at-risk students and doctoral candidates who face political, civic, or human-rights-related threats in their home countries. The programme supports candidates in pursuing their Master's or PhD degrees at recognized German universities.
Degree Level
-
Master’s Degree (up to 24 months)
-
Doctoral Degree / PhD (up to 48 months)
Note: Undergraduate studies are not supported.
Available Subjects
All academic disciplines are accepted except:
-
Human Medicine
-
Dentistry
-
Veterinary Medicine
-
Pharmacy
-
Law
Special rules apply for:
-
Visual Arts
-
Performing Arts
-
Design
-
Visual Communication
-
Music
-
Film
-
Architecture
(University confirmation is required in these fields.)
Benefits
The scholarship provides full financial coverage, including:
Monthly Stipend:
-
€992 per month for Master’s students
-
€1,300 per month for PhD candidates
Additional Support:
-
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
-
Travel allowance based on home country
-
German language course (2–6 months) if required
-
Funding for the entire duration of the degree
-
Participation in interdisciplinary training
-
Academic and personal support during the stay in Germany
Eligible Nationalities
Open to all nationalities worldwide except:
-
EU/EEA/EFTA countries
-
Andorra
-
Monaco
-
San Marino
-
United Kingdom
Eligibility Criteria
1. Personal Risk
Candidates must prove or credibly demonstrate risks such as:
-
Physical danger
-
Persecution or arrest
-
Denial of civil or educational rights
-
Threats due to ethnic, religious, gender, or political identity
2. Academic Qualifications
Candidates must hold valid certificates that qualify them for admission to higher education (verified through the anabin database).
3. Residency Requirements
Applicants must not reside in Germany or the EU at the time of nomination.
4. Language Requirements
German or English proficiency at B2 level by the nomination deadline.
5. Study Field Eligibility
Candidate must belong to a permitted academic discipline.
Application Process (You Cannot Apply Directly)
Applications are not accepted directly by the DAAD. Candidates must be nominated.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
1. Nomination
Candidates must be nominated by:
-
A German university
-
A German research institute
-
A German-based human rights, democracy, or peace organization
(Only one nomination is needed.)
2. DAAD Plausibility Check
DAAD verifies the candidate’s risk situation.
3. Invitation to Apply
If accepted, DAAD sends an invitation to submit:
-
Online application
-
Academic transcripts
-
CV
-
Motivation letter
-
Language certificates
-
Risk-description form
4. Final Evaluation
A DAAD committee evaluates:
-
Risk level
-
Academic potential
-
Motivation
Successful candidates receive the scholarship and proceed with visa and enrollment procedures.
Nomination & Application Deadlines (Summer Semester 2027 Start)
-
Nomination Deadline: 15 March 2026
-
Application Period (after DAAD invitation): 17 March – 15 April 2026