The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, has opened applications for the 2026/27 Hilde Domin Scholarship, a fully funded program offering safe and stable academic opportunities to students and doctoral candidates whose access to education has been blocked or severely restricted in their home countries.
The Hilde Domin Programme is specifically designed for individuals from non-EU countries whose right to education has been threatened due to political activism, civic engagement, or social vulnerabilities related to ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual identity, or other circumstances. It targets those whose prospects for higher education or research are precarious in their home environments. Applicants cannot apply independently; they must be nominated by eligible German higher-education institutions or recognized organizations involved in human rights, democracy, peacebuilding, or research. This nomination process ensures that applicants assessed as “at-risk” receive a fair opportunity to continue their academic journey under secure conditions.
For the 2026/27 intake, Hilde Domin scholars will receive comprehensive support. Master’s students are provided with a monthly stipend, while doctoral candidates receive a higher stipend to cover living expenses. The scholarship also includes health, accident, and personal-liability insurance, as well as a travel allowance based on the scholar’s country of origin or residence. Additionally, if required, scholars can attend a preparatory German-language course lasting two to six months to meet the language requirements of their degree programs. This program offers a vital pathway for at-risk students and researchers to continue their education in a safe, supportive, and fully funded environment in Germany.
