DAAD GROW funds short research stays in Germany as well as preparatory and cooperation visits to support the implementation of development related research projects and the establishment of international scientific collaborations.
Scholarship holders will deepen their subject specific, methodological and analytical skills, expand their scientific networks and increase their visibility in the international research context. After completion of the funding period, they will apply the knowledge and contacts gained at their home institutions and contribute there to research, teaching, knowledge transfer and institutional development.
The programme is financed by funds from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Who can apply?

Applications are open to doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, university teachers and established academics and scientists from countries on the OECD DAC list—primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, but also in Latin America and Asia, who are employed at a university or a research institute in their home country.

Women, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals and persons from disadvantaged regions or groups are especially encouraged to apply.

You are not eligible to apply if you are already in Germany at the time of application or are conducting your entire doctoral or postdoctoral research at a German higher education institution.

What can be funded?

The programme is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide an internationally recognised framework for addressing global challenges in areas such as health, education, climate, governance, social inclusion and innovation systems.

Both programme lines support research and cooperation projects that have a clear reference to at least one SDG and are expected to yield concrete development related benefits. The SDG reference serves as a substantive orientation for evaluating proposals and underscores the programme’s aim to support development relevant and transfer oriented research.
The programme includes two programme lines:

• Programme Line 1: Preparatory and Cooperation Visits
  Funding is provided for stays at a public or state recognised university or non university research institution in Germany, aimed at identifying and developing joint research topics/projects (including the development of joint publication ideas and third party funding proposals) with high development relevance and establishing international cooperation and networks.
• Programme Line 2: Research Stays
  Funding is provided for research stays to carry out an independent research project (with high development relevance and a clear transfer concept for implementing results in the home country) at a public or state recognised university or non university research institution in Germany, in coordination with the host academic supervisor. These stays may also include preparatory and cooperation elements as needed.

The application deadline ends onf April 30th, 2026.

Selection decisions in June 2026. The Funding starts in August 2026.