The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has opened applications for the GROW – Global Research Opportunities for the South 2026 programme, offering fully funded short-term research opportunities in Germany for researchers from developing countries. The programme supports doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, university lecturers, and established academics seeking to strengthen international scientific collaboration while addressing global development challenges.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the programme focuses on promoting research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides funding for research stays and preparatory collaboration visits at German universities and research institutions, helping participants expand their expertise, establish international partnerships, and contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
For researchers aiming to build global academic networks and conduct impactful development-oriented research, the DAAD GROW programme represents an outstanding opportunity to work with leading institutions in Germany.
About the DAAD GROW Programme
The GROW – Global Research Opportunities for the South programme supports international scientific cooperation between researchers from eligible developing countries and German higher education or research institutions.
Participants are expected to strengthen their subject knowledge, analytical skills, and international research networks while conducting projects that generate practical development outcomes for their home regions.
The programme also promotes institutional partnerships, research capacity building, and long-term academic collaboration between Germany and partner countries.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support development-oriented research aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Strengthen international research cooperation between Germany and developing countries.
- Enhance scientific capacity and research excellence.
- Promote knowledge transfer and institutional development.
- Expand international academic networks.
- Increase the visibility of researchers from developing regions.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to researchers employed at universities or research institutes in eligible countries.
Eligible applicants include:
- Doctoral candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- University lecturers
- Established academics and scientists
Applicants must come from countries listed on the OECD DAC List, primarily:
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Latin America
- Asia
Women, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, and applicants from underrepresented regions or groups are particularly encouraged to apply.
Who Is Not Eligible?
You are not eligible if:
- You are already residing in Germany when applying.
- You are completing your entire doctoral or postdoctoral research at a German higher education institution.
Programme Lines
The DAAD GROW programme offers two funding pathways.
Programme Line 1: Preparatory and Cooperation Visits
This option supports short visits to Germany for researchers wishing to establish or strengthen international research partnerships.
Activities may include:
- Identifying joint research topics.
- Developing collaborative research projects.
- Preparing joint publications.
- Developing proposals for external funding.
- Establishing long-term academic cooperation.
Duration
- 1–2 months
Programme Line 2: Research Stays
Researchers may undertake an independent research project at a public or state-recognised university or research institution in Germany.
Projects must:
- Demonstrate high development relevance.
- Include a clear knowledge transfer strategy.
- Be conducted under the guidance of a German academic host.
Research stays may also include preparatory collaboration activities where appropriate.
Duration
- 2–6 months
Research Areas
Projects should contribute to one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address development-related challenges.
Relevant fields include:
- Health
- Education
- Climate change
- Governance
- Social inclusion
- Innovation systems
- Sustainable development
- Public policy
- Environmental sustainability
- Economic development
Conference attendance or presentation travel is not funded under the programme.
Funding Benefits
Successful applicants receive generous financial support, including:
Monthly Scholarship
Funding depends on academic level:
- €1,400 per month – Doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers
- €2,000 per month – Assistant professors and lecturers
- €2,150 per month – Full professors
Additional Benefits
Participants also receive:
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Accident insurance
- Personal liability insurance
Additional Financial Support
Applicants with disabilities or chronic illnesses may apply for financial assistance covering necessary additional costs related to their stay in Germany, subject to individual assessment.
Funding Period
Successful projects must:
- Begin during 2026 (July or August depending on programme region).
- Finish no later than 31 January 2027.
The funding period:
- Cannot be split into multiple visits.
- Cannot be extended beyond 31 January 2027.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated by an independent academic selection committee.
Academic Qualifications
Reviewers assess:
- Academic achievements
- Educational background
- Research publications
- Scientific presentations
- Professional experience
Quality of the Research Proposal
Strong applications should demonstrate:
- Originality
- Scientific quality
- Development relevance
- Clear alignment with one or more SDGs
- Appropriate German host institution
- Prior academic contact with the host
- Realistic work plan
- Feasibility of the proposed research
Development Impact
Applicants should explain how the research will:
- Benefit their home institution.
- Address development challenges.
- Strengthen institutional capacity.
- Promote knowledge transfer.
- Generate long-term academic collaboration.
Applicant Potential
The committee also considers:
- Career development potential
- Motivation
- Institutional impact
- Leadership qualities
- Community engagement
- Extracurricular activities
Equal opportunity considerations are incorporated throughout the selection process.
Why Apply?
The DAAD GROW programme offers researchers an exceptional opportunity to:
- Conduct research in Germany.
- Access world-class universities and research institutions.
- Collaborate with internationally recognised academics.
- Strengthen international scientific partnerships.
- Gain new research methodologies and analytical skills.
- Expand publication opportunities.
- Contribute to sustainable development through research.
- Build long-term institutional collaborations between Germany and developing countries.
About DAAD
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the world’s largest funding organisations supporting international academic cooperation. Through scholarships, research grants, and institutional partnerships, DAAD promotes global knowledge exchange and strengthens higher education and research worldwide.
The GROW programme reflects DAAD’s commitment to supporting development-oriented research while advancing international collaboration between Germany and researchers from developing countries.
Final Thoughts
The DAAD GROW – Global Research Opportunities for the South 2026 programme is an outstanding opportunity for researchers seeking international collaboration and impactful development research. With funding of up to €2,150 per month, travel support, comprehensive insurance, and access to Germany’s leading research institutions, the programme enables participants to advance their careers while contributing meaningful solutions to global development challenges.
Researchers from eligible countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Latin America are encouraged to prepare strong research proposals demonstrating academic excellence, development impact, and long-term knowledge transfer.
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