Co-funded Research Grants – Short-Term Grants (DAAD): Strengthening Global Research through Co-funding
The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), or German Academic Exchange Service, is one of the world’s largest funding organizations dedicated to supporting international academic exchange and collaboration. Among its many programs, the Co-funded Research Grants – Short-Term Grants stand out as an innovative model that blends domestic scholarships with DAAD’s international support, creating an avenue for doctoral candidates to advance their research in Germany without losing financial continuity at home.
Overview: What Are Co-funded Short-Term Grants?
These grants are tailored for doctoral researchers who seek short research stays in Germany, typically lasting between two and six months. The program was designed with a simple yet powerful objective: to allow students already funded by their home country’s research councils or scholarship agencies to conduct part of their doctoral research in Germany while maintaining their existing domestic scholarship. Unlike fully DAAD-funded schemes, the co-funded format ensures a smoother financial transition and reflects the collaborative spirit between DAAD and its partner agencies. Prominent examples include partnerships with Brazilian institutions such as CAPES, CNPq, FAPESP, and FAPEMIG, where scholars
The DAAD Co-funded Research Grants – Short-Term Grants provide doctoral researchers from partner countries with the chance to undertake short stays in Germany. Through joint support from DAAD and national funding bodies, scholars receive stipends, insurance, and travel assistance while continuing their domestic scholarships.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for the co-funded short-term grants depends on both country of origin and domestic scholarship status. Broadly, the following apply:
Applicants must be enrolled as doctoral candidates at an institution in a DAAD partner country.
They should already hold a domestic scholarship (e.g., CAPES, CNPq, FAPESP, or FAPEMIG in Brazil).
Candidates must identify and secure the support of a host institution in Germany, including a supervising academic who agrees to oversee the research project.
In some bilateral agreements, postdoctoral researchers may also be considered.
The co-funded model emphasizes partnership, meaning eligibility requirements can differ slightly depending on the national research agency involved. Applicants are therefore encouraged to check both DAAD and their local funding body for country-specific details.
Duration of Funding
The fellowship supports short research stays lasting two to six months, depending on the scope and requirements of the proposed project.
The exact duration is determined by the selection committee based on the project’s feasibility and alignment with academic goals.
The program is non-renewable, reinforcing the need for a clear and well-timed proposal.
Scholars are encouraged to design projects that can be effectively executed within the allocated period while generating meaningful outcomes.
Funding Details at a Glance
One of the strengths of the co-funded model is its financial continuity. Participants do not forfeit their domestic scholarships while abroad; instead, DAAD provides complementary support.
Benefits include:
Continuation of domestic stipends: Candidates remain fully funded by their home scholarship program.
Monthly DAAD allowance: A top-up grant of approximately €350.
Comprehensive insurance: Health, accident, and liability insurance during the stay in Germany.
Travel allowance: Provided unless already covered by the partner agency.
Although €350 per month is a common supplement, variations may occur across countries. In some cases, additional allowances for research costs or higher stipends may be provided.
Application Evaluation and Selection Criteria
Applications undergo a rigorous, two-tier review process by independent committees in both Germany and the applicant’s home country.
Key evaluation criteria include:
Quality of the research proposal: Clear objectives, methodology,
and expected outcomes.Academic track record: Evidence of excellence through transcripts, publications, or awards.
Institutional support: Written confirmation from both the home university and the German host institution.
Relevance and impact: The project should advance doctoral progress and strengthen academic collaboration.
The combination of scientific merit and institutional endorsement plays a decisive role in final selections.
Benefits of the Program
The co-funded short-term grants bring significant benefits for doctoral candidates and their institutions:
Enhanced access to German infrastructure: Scholars work with world-class facilities and resources.
Seamless funding continuity: Domestic stipends remain intact, removing financial uncertainty.
Global collaboration: Fellows establish international research partnerships that often outlive the program.
Administrative support: Insurance and allowances reduce the logistical challenges of moving abroad.
Research acceleration: Short stays often catalyze publications, conference presentations, and thesis completion.
Success Stories: Brazil as a Model Partner
The most established example of this program operates in Brazil, where DAAD collaborates with CAPES, CNPq, FAPESP, and FAPEMIG. Brazilian doctoral candidates can spend part of their research in Germany without interrupting their home stipends.
DAAD complements their funding with a €350 monthly allowance, insurance, and travel support. This arrangement has proven to be a model of academic cooperation, enabling Brazilian researchers to expand
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
While details differ by country, the general steps for applying include:
Check eligibility with your national funding body and DAAD.
Identify a German host institution and secure written confirmation from a supervisor.
Prepare your proposal with a detailed plan, methods, and timelines.
Collect endorsements from both your home university and funding agency.
Submit your application via your domestic research council and DAAD’s online portal if required.
Await review, with results typically announced several months before the stay.
Tips for Crafting a Strong Application
To increase your chances of success:
Align your project with both your doctoral thesis and the strengths of the German host.
Highlight how the research stay will accelerate your work and produce measurable outcomes.
Provide realistic timelines and outputs, such as publications or joint research.
Ensure your documents are concise, professional, and free of errors.
Seek early feedback from mentors or former DAAD grantees.
Key Advantages over Standalone DAAD Grants
DAAD also offers Standalone Short-Term Research Grants, which differ from the co-funded model:
Standalone grants: Provide full stipends (around €1,200/month) and are open more widely.
Co-funded grants: Offer smaller DAAD top-ups but preserve the domestic stipend, giving scholars financial continuity.
Duration: Both programs support 1–6 months, but co-funded stays emphasize bilateral collaboration.
For many scholars, the co-funded model is attractive because it minimizes financial disruptions and strengthens institutional partnerships.
Final Thoughts
The DAAD Co-funded Research Grants – Short-Term Grants offer doctoral candidates a unique chance to enhance their research with global exposure while retaining domestic funding security. By combining the strengths of DAAD and national research agencies, this program strengthens academic partnerships and advances international collaboration.
For motivated researchers, it is an opportunity not only to accelerate their doctoral projects but also to establish networks that support long-term careers. As bilateral collaborations expand, this model may serve as a blueprint for international cooperation in research funding worldwide.
Program Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | DAAD Co-funded Research Grants – Short-Term Grants |
| Host Country | Germany |
| Funded By | DAAD with partner country research agencies (e.g., CAPES, CNPq, FAPESP) |
| Duration | 2–6 months (non-renewable) |
| Study Mode | Full-time, in-person research in Germany |
| Eligibility | Doctoral candidates with domestic scholarships; some agreements allow postdocs |
| Financial Support | Domestic stipend + DAAD top-up (€350/month), insurance, travel allowance |
| Fields of Study | All disciplines, with emphasis on research relevant to home country and Germany |
| Deadline | Applications usually due in September; next cycle expected September [update soon] |
| Official Website | DAAD Co-funded Short-Term Grants |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These grants support doctoral researchers for short research stays in Germany while continuing their domestic scholarships with added DAAD funding and benefits.
Doctoral candidates with active domestic scholarships from partner agencies, and a confirmed host institution in Germany, are eligible to apply.
The grant usually covers a research stay in Germany ranging from two to six months, depending on project needs and selection committee approval.
Scholars receive their home scholarship plus a DAAD top-up, health insurance, liability coverage, and a travel allowance for their stay in Germany.
Yes, in some bilateral agreements, postdoctoral researchers may also be eligible depending on the specific partner agency and co-funding arrangement.
Applicants must secure a German host supervisor, prepare a detailed proposal, and submit through their domestic funding agency with DAAD coordination.
Applicants generally need a research proposal, CV, letters of support from home and host institutions, and proof of their domestic scholarship.
Deadlines vary by country but usually fall around September each year. The next cycle is expected in September; updates will follow.
Key benefits include research collaboration in Germany, financial continuity, international networking, and professional development through access to advanced facilities.
Standalone DAAD grants provide full stipends, while co-funded grants preserve domestic scholarships with smaller DAAD top-ups and emphasize bilateral cooperation.
