Research Stay for University Academics and Scientists Scholarships

About DAAD

DAAD, or Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service, in English), is the largest provider of international scholarship to students and researchers.

Founded in 1925, it actively promotes the internationalization of German universities and research centers. The European country has one of the best education systems, which also happens to be affordable. Students and researchers from around the globe visit Germany as exchange students and conduct world-class research.

More specifically, DAAD supports short-term research stays at selected German universities. For South African students, the programme is managed by the Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET).

Research Stay for University Academics and Scientists in Germany

DAAD is inviting students and researchers to apply for a research stay programme. The programme will cover short-term courses that will last one to three months at selected German universities. Scholars will travel to Germany and get to conduct their proposed research along with a German host.

The Research Stay programme is for teachers, established academics, or scientists who have successfully completed a Doctoral degree. The research grant is open to all fields of study, but the selection is up to the committee members.

Once selected, the programme will pay a monthly stipend of 2,000 Euros to lecturers, assistant teachers, and assistant professors. Professors will receive 2,150 Euros per month. On top of that, recipients will also receive travel allowances between South Africa and Germany. In case of disability or chronic illness, researchers can claim allowances if not covered by other funding providers.

Please note that health insurance is mandatory in Germany. If a participant doesn’t have health insurance coverage, DAAD will offer the coverage. The cost will be deducted from the scholarship amount.

Who should apply?

There are certain eligibility criteria for the scholarship programme. Anyone applying for the funding must fulfill all of the criteria. Since there are a limited number of scholarships on offer, DAAD can’t award everyone.

The eligibility requirements for GERMANY: Research Stay for University Academics and Scientists are:

• A citizen of a Sub-Saharan country
• Have completed a doctoral programme
• Working at a university or higher education institution in your native country
• Have received a letter of invitation from a German host
• Meet all the eligibility requirements of the short study programme you’re willing to undertake

Fulfilling all the criteria, however, doesn’t guarantee funding. It’s done at the sole discretion of DAAD.

How do I apply?

If you’re interested in the Research Stay programme, consider applying for it. You need to go through an online application process and submit relevant details.

Before you begin, make sure to have identified and received a letter of invitation from your German host. It may take six months or more to prepare a convincing application. Moreover, the host needs to be identified at least six months before the deadline. So do it at the earliest.

After you’ve received a letter of invitation, submit an application at the DAAD online portal. Click on the ‘Submitting an Application’ button to begin. You’d have to create an account at the DAAD portal.

You need to submit the following documents:

• ID documents
• Copy of Doctoral degree
• Academic transcripts
• Research proposal
• Updated CV

Review your application and submit it.

DAAD will review and select the candidates on the following basis:

• Academic achievements
• Proposed research project

Therefore, make sure to focus more on the above areas.

Application Deadline?

The Research Stay for University Academics and Scientists programme is currently open, and the last date to apply for it is 1 April 2022 for research stay starting in August 2022.

The deadline for research stay beginning in April 2023 is 15 October 2022.

Contact Information

For more details, contact DAAD at their portal. Click on the ‘Contact and Consulting’ button to get in touch with DAAD.

If this scholarship has already been closed, please do not make any queries. View our other open scholarships or international scholarships for application.

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