Introduction
Germany has consistently been at the forefront of higher education, research innovation, and international collaboration. Over the years, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has become a global leader in fostering opportunities for researchers, students, and academics worldwide. One of its most distinctive initiatives is the Re-invitation Programme for Former Scholarship Holders, designed to strengthen academic ties with alumni who have already benefited from DAAD support once before.
The DAAD Re-invitation Programme empowers international alumni to return to Germany for short-term research and academic collaboration. By reconnecting with German institutions, scholars strengthen global partnerships, advance joint projects, and contribute to international research diplomacy, making this fellowship a unique opportunity to extend their academic journey with long-term impact.
This program provides returning scholars with the chance to reconnect with Germany’s academic ecosystem, pursue impactful projects, and reinforce professional partnerships. By doing so, it supports DAAD’s mission of promoting international academic exchange while enabling scholars to maximize their global research impact.
What Is the DAAD Re-invitation Programme?
The DAAD Re-invitation Programme is specifically tailored for former DAAD scholarship holders who wish to return to Germany for research stays or academic collaborations. Unlike initial scholarships aimed at first-time applicants, this programme is exclusive to alumni who already share an
Its primary goals include:
- Sustaining long-term collaborations between international scholars and German institutions.
- Encouraging fresh academic projects based on shared expertise and new research directions.
- Strengthening alumni networks that contribute to Germany’s academic diplomacy and international reputation.
By targeting alumni, the programme ensures continuity—transforming one-time experiences into lasting partnerships that expand Germany’s research influence globally.
Duration of the Fellowship
The fellowship supports short-term stays ranging from one to three months, offering flexibility to match individual project requirements. The compact duration is particularly suitable for:
- Completing joint publications.
- Utilizing specialized equipment, archives, or laboratories in Germany.
- Participating in academic workshops or international conferences.
- Deepening institutional collaborations already underway.
This timeframe ensures scholars remain focused on high-priority objectives while building sustainable academic links.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for the Re-invitation Programme is clearly defined:
- Applicants must be former DAAD scholarship holders.
- They must have returned to their home country after their initial funding.
- They should demonstrate active academic or researchengagement at their home institution.
Preference is given to projects that highlight mutual benefit, particularly proposals that can lead to long-term cooperation between Germany and the applicant’s country.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
The Re-invitation Programme is fully funded, ensuring researchers can focus exclusively on their work. The fellowship typically includes:
- Monthly stipend: The amount varies based on the scholar’s academic level (doctoral, postdoctoral, or senior academic).
- Travel allowance: Covers round-trip flights to and from Germany.
- Research access: Scholars gain entry to German universities, libraries, archives, and laboratories.
By removing financial barriers, DAAD enables alumni to concentrate fully on advancing their projects.
Fields of Study
One of the most inclusive aspects of this programme is its discipline-neutral approach. Applicants from across all academic domains—including engineering, medicine, natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities—are welcome. This inclusivity fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, ensuring Germany remains a hub for diverse research fields.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify a Host Institution: Applicants must first secure an invitation letter from a German host (professor or researcher).
- Prepare Application Documents: Corerequirements usually include:
- Detailed research proposal with objectives and timeline.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements.
- Documentation of previous DAAD scholarship.
- Host institution’s invitation letter.
3. Submit Application Online: Applications are submitted via the DAAD online portal.
4. Evaluation Process: Submissions are assessed based on:
- Academic merit of the proposal.
- Feasibility of completing the project within the timeframe.
- Long-term impact on institutional partnerships.
Benefits for Scholars and Institutions
For Scholars
- Access to Germany’s research infrastructure.
- Expansion of professional networks.
- Enhanced academic visibility through publications and collaborations.
For Institutions
- Strengthening of international ties.
- Opportunities for joint projects and grants.
- Contribution to Germany’s role as a global academic leader.
Why This Programme Stands Out
Unlike one-time fellowships, the Re-invitation Programme focuses on continuity and sustainability. Alumni return not as visitors but as partners, with the ability to create deeper, long-lasting collaborations.
This alumni-centered structure ensures that Germany remains at the heart of
Tips for a Strong Application
- Emphasize past DAAD experience and its impact on your academic career.
- Highlight collaboration—demonstrate strong ties with your German host.
- Propose realistic goals achievable in three months or less.
- Showcase impact for both your home and host institution.
Career Impact of the Fellowship
This programme often becomes a catalyst for academic advancement. Alumni use it to:
- Publish joint research papers.
- Develop grant proposals with German partners.
- Establish faculty exchange programs or joint curricula.
Such outcomes not only enhance individual careers but also expand institutional reputations internationally.
Key Deadlines and Timeline
The Re-invitation Programme typically accepts applications once a year. While exact deadlines vary, most fall between spring and summer. Scholars are advised to:
- Contact hosts 4–6 months in advance.
- Finalize project documents at least 3 months before submission.
For the upcoming cycle, the application window will open in spring. The deadline is expected around June, but applicants should check the DAAD portal regularly. We will update the exact dates soon.
Conclusion
The DAAD Re-invitation Programme for Former Scholarship Holders is more than a short academic visit. It represents a commitment to sustained global collaboration, providing scholars with the resources to reconnect, expand, and innovate.
For DAAD alumni eager to continue building on their earlier experiences, this programme is a golden opportunity to deepen academic ties, strengthen research partnerships, and extend their influence in global academia.
Quick Overview
Feature | Details |
Program Name | DAAD Re-invitation Programme for Former Scholarship Holders |
Host Country | |
Funded By | |
Duration | 1–3 months |
Study Mode | Full-time research stay at a German institution |
Eligibility | Former DAAD scholarship holders who returned to their home country and are engaged in academic or research work |
Financial Support | Monthly stipend, travel allowance, research facility access |
Fields of Study | All disciplines (sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, medicine, arts) |
Deadline | Annually (applications open once a year; next cycle details to be updated soon) |
Official Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is a fully funded fellowship for DAAD alumni to return to Germany for short-term research or academic collaboration with German institutions.
Only former DAAD scholarship holders who have returned to their home country and remain active in academic or research work can apply.
The fellowship usually supports research stays in Germany ranging from one to three months, depending on the proposed project.
It covers a monthly stipend, international travel allowance, and access to German research facilities, ensuring scholars focus entirely on their projects.
Yes, the program welcomes applications from all disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, humanities, medicine, and social sciences.
You must apply online through the DAAD portal, submit a detailed research proposal, CV, previous DAAD details, and an invitation letter from a German host.
A strong application highlights past DAAD experience, realistic project goals, joint collaboration with German partners, and clear academic or institutional impact.
Applications open annually. The next cycle deadline is expected in autumn, but official dates will be updated on the DAAD portal.
It enhances global research networks, supports joint publications, strengthens collaborations, and boosts career visibility for long-term academic growth.
You can access updated details, guidelines, and the application portal directly on the official DAAD website.
