The DAAD Hilde Domin Programme, a major initiative of the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) and managed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), provides crucial support for students and doctoral candidates globally who are at risk of political persecution, violence, arrest, or the loss of fundamental civil and educational rights in their home countries. Named after the German poet and essayist Hilde Domin, who experienced over 20 years of exile, the program offers a secure environment to start or complete a degree or research project at a higher education institution in Germany.
DAAD Hilde Domin Programme 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Germany |
| Funding Body | German Federal Foreign Office (AA), administered by DAAD |
| Degree Level | Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree |
| Duration | Master’s: up to 24 months; Doctoral: up to 48 months |
| Funding | Fully Funded (Living Expenses, Academic Costs, Health Insurance) |
| Eligible Countries | Students/Candidates worldwide who face credible risk |
| Key Criteria | Credible risk assessment, Academic recognition, Nomination, B2 German/English proficiency |
| Application Deadline | 15th April 2026 |
DAAD Hilde Domin Programme Details
The scholarship’s central aim is protection and empowerment. By providing a safe academic space, the program allows beneficiaries to focus on their studies without fear.
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Beyond degree completion, the programme includes additional interdisciplinary training to strengthen the academic and professional capacity of scholars. The selection process is highly unique as it is based entirely on a nomination procedure designed to verify the candidate’s situation of risk and academic suitability before an official application is even invited.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Award Tiers
The scholarship provides a comprehensive package covering the key financial and academic needs of the beneficiary while they are in Germany.
Tier 1: Core Financial and Health Support (Full Living Expenses)
This tier ensures the immediate safety and financial stability of the scholar in Germany.
- Value: Full coverage of living expenses, including a substantial monthly stipend (amount determined by DAAD based on current rates).
- Criteria: Provided to all successful scholars for the duration of their award (up to 24 or 48 months).
- Value: Full coverage of health insurance during the study period in Germany.
- Criteria: Mandatory benefit ensuring complete medical coverage.
Tier 2: Academic and Research Support
This category covers the specific costs associated with pursuing a degree or research project.
- Coverage for academic-related costs (e.g., matriculation, semester fees, relevant study materials).
- Additional DAAD benefits as determined by the specific study level and individual circumstances (e.g., travel grants, family allowances).
- Access to interdisciplinary training to strengthen academic and professional capacity.
Tier 3: Programmatic and Development Focus
These benefits relate to the core mission of the scholarship: providing protection and fostering future contribution.
- Provision of a secure environment to pursue higher education or research.
- Support for beneficiaries aiming to contribute to political, economic, and social development in their home, host, or third countries.
- The scholarship supports all academic disciplines except human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and law.
Eligibility Requirements for Hilde Domin Programme 2026
Candidates cannot apply directly; they must be nominated by a German-based institution, and they must meet strict criteria regarding their status, location, and academic background.
- Academic/Leadership:
- Eligible nominees must be students aiming for a Master’s degree or Doctoral candidates.
- Must possess academic qualifications recognized for German higher education (verified via the anabin database).
- For artistic fields (visual/performing arts, music, film, design, architecture), nominations must come only from accredited higher education institutions with a willingness to enroll the candidate.
- Study Status:
- Must have German or English proficiency at B2 level by the nomination deadline.
- Candidates must demonstrate a credible risk to their personal safety or rights (e.g., violence, arrest, denial of education).
- Visa Status:
- Must not already reside in Germany or the EU at the time of nomination.
- Program Admission:
- The program is open to all academic disciplines excluding human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and law.
- Only one nomination per candidate is required, though nominators may submit multiple candidates.
How to Apply for Hilde Domin Programme 2026 (Step by Step)
The application is strictly invitation-only, following a mandatory nomination phase initiated by a third-party German institution or organization.
- Seek Nomination: The candidate must be nominated by a German-based institution or organization (legal entities active in science, human rights, democracy promotion, or rule of law). The candidate cannot apply directly.
- Nominator Submits Documents: The nominating institution submits the official online nomination form and a detailed risk situation questionnaire to the DAAD.
- DAAD Review and Invitation: The DAAD reviews the nomination for plausibility and the candidate’s situation of risk. Suitable candidates are then invited to apply through the DAAD application portal.
- Candidate Submits Application: The invited candidate must then complete the application via the DAAD portal. The DAAD checks the final application for completeness before the independent committee makes the final decision.
Nominations: until 15th March 2026
Application period: 15th April 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the core purpose of the Hilde Domin Programme?
The core purpose is to protect students and researchers worldwide who face credible threats to their personal safety or fundamental rights (e.g., political persecution or violence), providing them a secure environment to continue their education in Germany.
2. Can I apply directly for the Hilde Domin Scholarship?
No, individuals cannot apply directly. Candidates must be formally nominated by a German-based institution or organization before they receive an invitation to apply via the DAAD portal.
3. Who is eligible to nominate a candidate for this scholarship?
German-based institutions or organizations that are legal entities and actively involved in science, research, teaching, human rights protection, democracy/peace promotion, or rule of law can submit a nomination.
4. What are the German/English language requirements for a nominee?
Candidates must have German or English proficiency at B2 level by the time of the nomination deadline.
5. What is the scholarship duration for Master’s and Doctoral degrees?
The maximum funding duration is up to 24 months for a Master’s degree and up to 48 months for a Doctoral degree.
6. What types of financial benefits does the scholarship provide?
The scholarship is fully funded, covering living expenses, academic-related costs, health insurance, and potentially additional DAAD benefits.
7. Which academic disciplines are excluded from this scholarship?
The program supports all disciplines except Human medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary medicine, Pharmacy, and Law.
8. Are candidates who already live in the EU eligible for nomination?
No, candidates must not already reside in Germany or the EU at the time the nomination is submitted.
9. Is there an advantage to being nominated by multiple institutions?
No, the DAAD explicitly states that multiple nominations do not provide any added advantage. Only one nomination per candidate is necessary.
10. What is the specific requirement for applicants in the artistic fields?
For fields like visual arts, music, or architecture, nominations must be submitted only by accredited higher education institutions, which must include a letter confirming the candidate’s academic capability and the institution’s willingness to enroll them.
