The DAAD Re-invitation Programme offers former DAAD scholarship holders the opportunity to return to Germany and undertake research or work projects. The fully funded program helps alumni maintain strong connections with Germany and advance their careers by supporting short stays at universities, research institutes, or institutions in business, culture, and administration. The funding is available for different career stages and qualification phases.
The programme supports research and working stays lasting from one to three months at German state or state-recognized institutions. Funding can be claimed once every three years and may cover stays at multiple host institutions within the same project.
There are two separate lines within the program:
- Programme line A: For former holders of DAAD research or study grants funded by the German Federal Foreign Office for more than six months, including East German scholarship holders who studied in Germany for at least one year.
- Programme line B: For former DAAD scholarship holders of the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) who completed their studies successfully.
Quick Overview of the DAAD Re-invitation Programme 2026
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institutions: Universities, research institutes, businesses, cultural or media institutions
- Deadline: August 29, 2025 (line A), March 31 & September 29, 2025 (line B)
- Duration: 1 to 3 months
- Funding: Monthly stipend (€2,000–€2,150), travel allowance
- Eligibility: Former DAAD scholarship holders (with specified criteria), must not have lived in Germany for 3+ years
Perks of the DAAD Fund for Former Scholarship Holders
- Monthly funding of up to €2,150, depending on qualification and position
- Travel allowance for visits, unless covered elsewhere
- Subsidies are available for applicants with disabilities or chronic illnesses
- Support to carry out research or working projects in Germany
- Opportunity to visit multiple host institutions within the funding period
- Health insurance coverage provided or arranged via DAAD during stay
- Access to Germany’s top research and cultural institutions
- Strengthening global professional networks with German partners
Benefits of the DAAD Re-invitation Programme
- Reconnect with German academic and professional networks worldwide
- Advance your research or professional work through access to Germany’s institutions
- Gain new knowledge and skills in your field by working in Germany
- Support the development of sustainable international cooperation and partnerships
- Opportunity to publish and share research results with global peers
- Boost your career prospects with international experience
- Promote ongoing collaborations between your home country and Germany
Exclusions of the Germany Research Fellowship
- Funding can be claimed only once every three years
- Duration is limited to 1–3 months per visit; no renewals available
- Travel costs are covered only if not funded by other sources
- Health insurance is mandatory; costs are deducted from the scholarship
- Applicants must not have lived in Germany for at least 3 years before the application
- Funding does not cover family expenses or dependents’ costs
- Incomplete or late applications are not considered
Eligibility Criteria of the Fully Funded Research Program
Programme Line A (General Re-invitation)
- Former DAAD scholarship holders funded by the German Federal Foreign Office for more than six months
- Former scholarship holders from the former GDR who studied in Germany for at least one year
- Must not have lived in Germany for at least three years before the application
- Research or working project must be coordinated with a German host institution
- The project must have a clear work plan and a cooperation partner confirmation
Programme Line B (EPOS Alumni)
- Former DAAD scholarship holders of Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) who finished their studies
- Same residency restriction and cooperation requirements as Programme Line A
Important Dates for Fully Funded Fellowships for International Students 2026
- Application Deadline (Line A): August 29, 2025
- Application Deadlines (Line B EPOS): March 31 (for stays July–Dec), September 29 (for stays Jan–June)
How to Apply to the DAAD Re-invitation Programme 2026
- Prepare your application documents, including a detailed research or working project plan.
- Obtain confirmation from your German host institution confirming cooperation and workplace availability.
- Complete the online application form in the DAAD scholarship database portal during the application period.
- Upload your CV, project description (max. 10 pages), itinerary, list of publications (if any), and proof of former DAAD scholarship.
- Submit identification documents (passport, ID card, etc.) as required.
- Send a hard copy of your “Application Summary” PDF by post to the DAAD office address.
- Submit your complete application before the deadline to be considered.
Required Documents for DAAD Re-invitation Programme 2026
- Online application form
- Detailed curriculum vitae (max 3 pages)
- List of academic publications (if applicable)
- Comprehensive research or work project description (max 10 pages)
- Schedule and itinerary of planned visit (host institutions/cooperation partners)
- Confirmation letter from the host institution in Germany guaranteeing supervision and workplace
- Valid identification document with photo (passport preferred)
- Proof of former DAAD scholarship for at least 6 months
