The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), with backing from the German Federal Foreign Office, has opened applications for the 2026/27 cycle of the Hilde Domin Scholarship a fully funded programme designed to offer safe and stable academic opportunities to students and doctoral candidates whose access to education has been blocked or severely compromised in their home countries.
Who Qualifies and Why It Matters
The Hilde Domin Programme specifically targets individuals from non-EU countries whose right to education has been threatened or denied whether due to political activism, civic engagement, or because of their ethnic, religious, gender or sexual identity, or other social vulnerabilities. The initiative is geared toward those whose prospects for pursuing higher education or research are precarious within their home environments. Importantly, applicants cannot apply independently: they must be nominated by eligible German higher-education institutions or recognized organizations working in fields such as human rights, democracy, peacebuilding or research.
Through this mechanism, the programme intends to reach people fairly assessed as “at-risk,” giving them a chance to continue their academic journey under secure conditions.
What the Scholarship Offers
For the 2026/27 intake, successful Hilde Domin fellows will receive a comprehensive support package:
- Master’s students will receive a monthly stipend.
- Doctoral candidates will receive a higher monthly stipend.
- Health, accident, and personal-liability insurance are covered.
- Travel allowance is provided, depending on the scholar’s country of origin or residence.
- If needed, a preparatory German-language course (lasting two to six months) is offered to help scholars meet language requirements for their degree programmes.
- Additional allowances may also apply, depending on individual circumstances.
The funding generally covers the full duration of the degree up to 24 months for master’s programmes, or up to 48 months for doctoral research depending on the academic subject and individual case.
Application Process and Restrictions
Candidates must first be nominated by eligible German universities or organizations involved in research, teaching, human rights advocacy, democracy or rule-of-law work. These nominating bodies are required to submit a risk-assessment outlining why the candidate is considered vulnerable.
Once nominated, DAAD reviews the submission for plausibility. Suitable candidates are then invited to submit a formal application through the DAAD portal. An independent selection committee evaluates both the applicant’s risk situation and academic potential before final decisions are made.
Some fields are excluded or have restrictions: programmes in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and law are generally not eligible. For arts, music, design, architecture or other creative fields, additional documentation — such as proof of admission — may be required.
Broader Impact A Growing Lifeline for Scholars Worldwide
Since its launch in 2021, the Hilde Domin Programme has evolved into a such a lifeline for threatened students and researchers globally. In previous years, many recipients came from regions affected by political turmoil or social repression.
Beyond financial aid, the programme offers academic and social support, including language courses, integration assistance, and networking opportunities. This holistic support aims not just to help scholars survive displacement or oppression, but to thrive academically and rebuild their personal and professional trajectories.
Why the 2026/27 Cycle Is Especially Significant
The 2026/27 intake of the Hilde Domin Programme is particularly meaningful in light of ongoing global socio-political unrest. By renewing this call for applications, DAAD underscores its continued commitment to protecting educational rights and offering safe academic opportunities to those whose paths have been disrupted by conflict, discrimination, or persecution.
For prospective candidates from regions facing instability including many countries of the Global South this scholarship represents far more than financial aid. It offers hope, security, dignity, and a legitimate pathway to continue their education under supportive conditions.
