Financing a doctorate in Germany from abroad often comes down to one question: which funding is actually open to you? For applicants from countries outside the EU, the DAAD programme “Promotionen in Deutschland” (doctoral studies in Germany) is one of the central routes. This guide explains the funding terms, the exclusion criteria and what to clarify before you apply, based on the entries in the DAAD scholarship database.
Short answer: The DAAD programme for doctoral studies in Germany lists a monthly rate of 1,400 euros in its scholarship database, depending on your training level, plus an annual research allowance of 460 euros. Funding lasts a maximum of four years. Applications run through the DAAD portal from 1 June. The page notes that applying is currently not possible. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- The programme is aimed at applicants from a list of countries that contains no EU states, applying from the country where they live.
- The database lists 1,400 euros per month, depending on training level, and 460 euros research allowance per year.
- Funding runs for a maximum of four years. Initial approvals are granted for up to three years.
- You can only apply through the DAAD portal, which opens on 1 June.
- Exclusions cover, among other things, how long you have already lived in Germany and how old your last degree is.
- Scholarship foundations (Begabtenförderungswerke) are usually not an option for non-EU citizens without German-educated status (Bildungsinländer).
Who is the programme for?
The database is aimed at doctoral candidates who apply from abroad for a doctorate in Germany. According to the database, the country that counts is the one where you live and from which you apply. The list of countries contains no EU states, so the programme is for non-EU citizens from the listed countries.
On degrees, the page gives two statements you should compare. It mentions at least one academic degree, such as a bachelor, but for an application it names a master or Diplom and, in exceptional cases, a bachelor. Check in the DAAD portal which requirement applies to you before you invest time in documents.
Which funding terms apply?
The table below summarises the entries in the DAAD scholarship database. The page gives no update date of its own, so the figures are treated as current as of October 2026 and should be checked in the portal before you apply.
| Feature | Entry in the DAAD database |
|---|---|
| Monthly rate | 1,400 euros, depending on training level |
| Research allowance | 460 euros per year |
| Funding period | maximum 4 years, initial approval for up to 3 years with annual review |
| Extension | a fourth year can be applied for |
| Start of funding | in 2027 |
| Supplements after funding starts | rent allowance, family supplements, grant for disability or chronic illness (optional) |
| Lump sums | health insurance, accident and private liability insurance provided, no amount stated; travel allowance on application only, no amount stated |
The page provides for lump sums for health insurance and liability cover but does not state an amount. Ask about the level and scope before you accept an offer, and get the arrangement in writing. This matters most if you have to arrange your health insurance for Germany yourself. The guide Health Insurance During a PhD in Germany explains how insurance works during a doctorate.
Which exclusions apply?
The database lists several exclusion criteria. They are the most common reason an otherwise suitable application is not considered:
- You cannot apply if you have lived in Germany for more than 15 months when the application closes.
- Your last relevant university degree is generally not more than six years old.
- If you have already started the doctorate, the start must not be more than three years ago.
- Human medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry have additional rules that the page does not spell out.
- Incomplete applications are not considered.
Check these points against your own history before you write a motivation letter. Many applications fail on a formal date, not on the quality of the research plan.
What does the funding add up to?
A doctoral scholarship is not wage income. It therefore cannot be compared one to one with a doctoral position, as described in the guide PhD Funding: Position, Scholarship or Own Savings. The calculation below uses only the figures from the database.
Assumption: you receive the monthly rate of 1,400 euros for 36 months, without supplements. That makes 50,400 euros. The research allowance of 460 euros per year adds another 1,380 euros over three years. Together that is 51,780 euros, before deductions and contributions. The funder should confirm in writing how the payment is treated for tax and social insurance.
Why scholarship foundations usually do not fit
Many doctoral candidates look first at the scholarship foundations (Begabtenförderungswerke). Their doctoral scholarships are financed with funds from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). According to the overview published by the Heinrich Böll Foundation in October 2026, the funding is open to German citizens, German-educated international students (Bildungsinländer) and EU citizens. The basic scholarship there is at most 1,750 euros per month, plus a research cost allowance of 100 euros. For applicants from non-EU countries without German-educated status, that is usually not an option, which is why the DAAD programme is worth a closer look.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply with a bachelor degree?
The database gives different statements on this. An academic degree is required, but for an application the page usually names a master or Diplom. A bachelor degree is accepted only in exceptional cases. Ask the portal or the faculty before you invest time.
I already live in Germany. Can I still apply?
Yes, as long as you have not lived in Germany for more than 15 months when the application closes. If you stay longer, you fall outside the target group. The page does not say whether other stays in Germany, such as a language course, count. Clarify this directly with the DAAD.
How long is the doctorate funded?
Funding runs for a maximum of four years. At the start, approval is usually given for up to three years, followed by an annual review. You can apply for a fourth year. Plan your dissertation so that you can show a solid interim result after three years.
Does the programme also cover a medical doctorate?
According to the page, human medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry have additional rules, but the page does not list them. Ask in the portal and compare the requirements with those of your medical faculty. An overview of doctoral routes in Germany is in the guide PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements.
What to do next
- Check the exclusion criteria against your background: time in Germany, year of your degree and start of the doctorate.
- Clarify in the DAAD portal which degrees are required and note the closing date.
- Find a supervisor at a German university and confirm that this person will take on your project.
- Before accepting an offer, ask about the health insurance and liability lump sums, travel costs and any supplements.
- Compare the programme with other routes, such as university positions or scholarships from your home country.
Related guides
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
- PhD Funding: Position, Scholarship or Own Savings
- Dr. or Ph.D.: Which Doctoral Title You May Use in Germany
- Health Insurance During a PhD in Germany
Sources:
- DAAD scholarship database, programme “Promotionen in Deutschland”, accessed October 2026 (no date on the page)
- Heinrich Böll Foundation, scholarship amounts of the scholarship foundations, status October 2026 (PDF, in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
