Germany’s DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship Opens Application Window for 2027/28

International students and doctoral candidates looking for opportunities to study in Germany are being presented with another scholarship window through the DAAD Hilde Domin Programme. The programme is designed for students and doctoral candidates from around the world who are considered at risk of being denied educational or other rights in their countries of origin under circumstances covered by the programme. For the 2027/28 winter semester intake, the nomination deadline was September 15, 2026, while the application period for candidates invited to apply runs from September 17 to October 15, 2026. One important detail distinguishes the programme from many other international scholarships: students cannot simply submit a direct application on their own. Potential candidates must first be nominated by an eligible institution or organisation based in Germany. After an initial assessment, suitable nominees can be invited by DAAD to complete an application through its online application system. The programme supports master’s students and doctoral candidates across a wide range of academic disciplines, although some fields are excluded. For master’s students, funding can normally last for up to 24 months, while doctoral funding can last up to 48 months. DAAD states that the scholarship currently includes a monthly payment of €992 for master’s students and €1,400 for doctoral candidates, alongside health, accident and personal liability insurance and a travel allowance. Additional support may also apply in certain circumstances. Applicants should also understand that receiving a scholarship does not automatically mean admission to a German university. A separate application for the desired degree programme is required. The Hilde Domin Programme is therefore not a conventional scholarship where an applicant simply fills out a form and waits for selection. The nomination requirement is central to the process. International students who believe they may qualify should examine the official DAAD requirements carefully and contact eligible German institutions or organisations about the nomination process. With the current application window running until October 15, eligible candidates who have already been nominated should pay close attention to the remaining deadline.