Are you a former DAAD scholarship holder looking to reconnect with Germany’s research and academic community? The DAAD Re-invitation Program for Former Scholarship Holders 2026 offers you a fully funded opportunity to return to Germany, continue your research or working projects, and strengthen professional ties with German institutions. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, this program is part of DAAD’s global alumni network initiative and is specifically tailored for scholars who have already benefitted from a previous DAAD grant.
This program provides a unique opportunity to deepen academic cooperation, contribute to international research partnerships, and foster lasting connections in science, education, administration, culture, or media.
Objective of the DAAD Re-invitation Program 2026:
The main goal of the DAAD Re-invitation Program 2026 is to enable former scholarship holders to return to Germany for a short period to carry out research or working projects at a host institution. In doing so, the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) aims to maintain and expand the international academic and professional network of its alumni.
Participants will benefit not only from research resources and institutional support but also from renewed access to Germany’s world-class academic infrastructure and professional environment.
Who Can Apply?
The Re-invitation Program is open to a specific group of former DAAD scholars. You are eligible to apply if you meet any of the following conditions:
● You are a former DAAD research grant or study scholarship holder who received funding for more than six months through a program financed by the German Federal Foreign Office or co-financed with its support.
● You were an East German scholarship recipient who studied in Germany for at least one year.
Also Check: CERN Doctoral Student Program 2025 Fully Funded
What Does the Program Fund?
The program supports research and working visits in Germany, offering full funding for short stays. There are two main categories of eligible activities:
1. Research and academic projects at:
● State or state-recognized higher education institutions.
● Recognized non-university research institutes.
2. Working stays for former scholars who are currently working outside the academic sector, including:
● Business and administration.
● Culture and the arts.
● Media and journalism.
Applicants may also conduct their research or work at multiple institutions within Germany if the nature of the project requires it.
Important: Funding can only be claimed once every three years.
Financial Benefits: What the Scholarship Covers:
The DAAD Re-invitation Program 2026 offers generous financial support tailored to the academic level and employment background of the applicant:
1. Monthly Stipend:
● €2,000 for assistant teachers, assistant professors, and lecturers.
● €2,150 for full professors.
● For former scholars working outside the academic sector, the monthly payment will be calculated based on individual qualifications.
2. Additional Benefits:
● Travel allowance: To cover transportation costs to and from Germany (unless covered by another source).
● Health insurance: Mandatory in Germany. If you do not have international coverage, DAAD will enroll you in its insurance plan and deduct the cost from your monthly stipend.
● Disability support: If you have a disability or chronic illness, you may apply for a subsidy to cover essential additional costs incurred in Germany, provided these are not reimbursed by another third party.
Duration of Funding:
● The duration of funding ranges from one to three months.
● The scholarship must begin in 2026.
● The exact length of the stay will be determined during the selection process by the DAAD selection committee based on your submitted work plan.
● The grant is non-renewable, meaning you cannot extend it once the initial period has been awarded.
Also Check: UBC Affiliated Fellowships 2025 for PhD in Canada
Eligibility Requirements: What You Need to Qualify?
To be eligible for the DAAD Re-invitation Program 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
● Must not have lived in Germany for at least the last three years
● The proposed project must be coordinated with a cooperating host institution in Germany
● Applicants must obtain a written confirmation from the host institution, including details of project support and a workplace guarantee
Required Application Documents:
All application materials must be uploaded to the DAAD portal. Ensure that each file is complete and clearly labeled. The following documents are required:
● Online application form.
● Full curriculum vitae in tabular format (maximum 3 pages).
● List of academic publications (if applicable).
● A detailed research or work project description (maximum 10 pages).
● A time schedule and itinerary, including a list of host institutions and cooperation partners.
● Letter of confirmation from your German host institution referencing your project and confirming that you will be provided with a workplace.
● A valid ID document (passport, national ID, driver’s license, or student ID showing photo, name, date of birth, and nationality).
● Proof of previous DAAD scholarship for more than 6 months (must include specific dates of the funded period).
Note: You will need an official passport when applying for a visa, even if another form of ID is accepted for the DAAD application portal.
Selection Process:
Your application will be reviewed by an independent selection committee. The key selection criteria include:
● Academic performance and achievements, including any relevant publications (must be documented in your CV and list of publications).
● A compelling and well-structured research or work proposal.
● For working professionals outside academia:
1. Will the stay in Germany enhance your career or professional work?
2. Does it have potential for multiplier effects, such as future publications or collaborative projects?
3. Will your stay strengthen existing professional or academic collaborations?
Also Check: DAAD ERA Green Hydrogen Fellowships 2025 Fully Funded
Application Deadline and Timeline:
The application cycle for the DAAD Re-invitation Program follows an annual schedule, with deadlines generally announced in the second quarter of the year. For the 2026 intake, the timeline is as follows:
● Application Deadline: August 29, 2025.
● Selection Committee Meeting: February 2026.
● Funding Starts: May 2026.
Make sure to submit your completed application before the deadline through the official DAAD application portal.
Conclusion:
The DAAD Re-invitation Program for Former Scholarship Holders 2026 is a remarkable opportunity for DAAD alumni to re-engage with Germany’s vibrant academic and professional ecosystem. Whether you aim to complete a focused research project, build new collaborations, or reconnect with your previous host institution, this fully funded program gives you the resources and support you need. By joining this program, you not only benefit from financial support but also reinforce international academic cooperation and contribute to the long standing success of the DAAD global alumni network. So to apply and know more visit DAAD Re-invitation Program for Former Scholarship Holders 2026 official link here.