DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Opportunity for Students & Researchers

Step Into a World of Opportunity! Education can be a powerful catalyst for change, and the DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026 opens doors for students and doctoral candidates who face barriers to education in their home countries. If you’ve ever felt restricted by political, social, or economic circumstances, this scholarship provides a safe and supportive pathway to pursue your higher education or research in Germany.

Studying abroad is more than earning a degree; it’s about growth, resilience, and contribution. The Hilde Domin Programme ensures you can complete your studies in a secure environment, equipping you to return and make meaningful changes in your communities—or even contribute to global research and policy development.

Why the Hilde Domin Scholarship is a Life-Changing Opportunity

The DAAD Hilde Domin Programme is designed specifically for students and doctoral candidates who are at risk of being denied educational or personal rights in their country of origin. This could be due to ethnic, gender, sexual, or religious identity, or political and civic engagement. By providing full funding, mentorship, and a welcoming academic environment, the programme ensures that talented minds are not held back by circumstances beyond their control.

As Hilde Domin famously said:

“You have to be able to walk away and still be like a tree. As if the root remained in the ground, as if the landscape moved and we stood firm…”

This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of the scholarship: resilience, stability, and growth even in challenging conditions.

About Hilde Domin

Hilde Domin, born Hildegard Dina Löwenstein in Cologne on July 27, 1909, was a celebrated German poet and essayist. A Jewish exile, she fled Germany in 1932 due to rising political oppression, eventually spending over 20 years in countries including the Dominican Republic, which inspired her chosen pen name. Upon returning to Germany, she became known as the “poet of return,” earning numerous honours for her literary work, including the Carl Zuckmayer Medal, the Nelly Sachs Prize, and the Grand Federal Cross of Merit. Hilde Domin passed away in Heidelberg on February 22, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of courage, creativity, and inspiration.

Scholarship Overview

Who Can Apply?

The DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship targets students and doctoral candidates:

• From all academic disciplines except human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and law
• Who are at risk in their home country due to political, social, ethnic, or religious circumstances
• Who have valid educational certificates to qualify for higher education as per the Anabin database
• Who are not currently residing in Germany or the EU

Students in creative fields like visual arts, music, performing arts, and design must be nominated by accredited higher education institutions with proof of academic ability.

Key Benefits of the Hilde Domin Scholarship

The programme offers comprehensive support to ensure that you can fully focus on your studies:

1. Monthly Scholarship Payment
   • Master’s: 992 EUR
   • Doctoral: 1,400 EUR
2. Health, Accident, and Liability Insurance – full coverage throughout your stay in Germany
3. Travel Allowance – based on your country of origin or current residence
4. Preparatory German Courses – if required, for 2–6 months depending on your proficiency
5. Additional Financial Benefits – as needed to support your study/research
6. Secure Academic Environment – focus entirely on learning and research without external threats

Nomination & Application Process

How Candidates Are Selected

• Candidates cannot apply directly. They must be nominated by an accredited German institution or organisation involved in:
  • Science, research, or teaching
  • Human rights, peace, democracy, or the rule of law promotion
• Nominating institutions submit an online nomination form with a risk assessment questionnaire.
• DAAD conducts an initial plausibility check before inviting candidates to submit a formal application.
• The final selection is performed by an independent DAAD committee based on both risk status and academic merit.

Only one nomination per candidate is required. Multiple nominations provide no advantage.

Application Deadlines

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for nomination, students must:

• Demonstrate credible risk to personal well-being (e.g., physical threat, arrest, denial of rights)
• Possess valid educational certificates for higher education admission
• Show good academic prospects and potential for positive societal impact
• Have sufficient language proficiency in English or German (B2 level recommended)

Candidates already residing in Germany or EU countries are not eligible.

Fields of Study

Eligible disciplines span all academic areas except:

• Human medicine
• Dentistry
• Veterinary medicine
• Pharmacy
• Law

Creative disciplines like music, arts, design, and architecture require proof of institutional admission capability.

Motivational Note for Students

If you’ve ever faced barriers that made you doubt your academic future, the Hilde Domin Scholarship is your chance to reclaim control and thrive. Imagine walking into a world-class university in Germany, fully funded, with the freedom to focus solely on your studies and research.

This scholarship is not just financial support—it’s a vote of confidence in your talent, resilience, and vision. By securing this opportunity, you join a network of global scholars committed to positive social change and academic excellence.

Remember, your circumstances do not define your potential. DAAD believes in your ability to rise, contribute, and create impact.

How to Apply

1. Secure Nomination – Contact an accredited German institution or organization for nomination.
2. Complete Risk Assessment – Submit all required documentation via the nominating body.
3. Receive Invitation – DAAD will invite you to apply online after initial checks.
4. Submit Application – Complete DAAD’s online application portal with academic transcripts, CV, and language proof.
5. Wait for Selection – Candidates are assessed by an independent selection committee.

Applying for this scholarship does not automatically enroll you in a degree program. You must separately apply to the university of your choice.

Contact Information

For programme-related questions:

• Nina Knops, DAAD, Section ST35, Bonn – [email protected]
• Arua Husaini-Siam, DAAD, Section ST35, Bonn – [email protected]

For administrative queries:

• Vera Palagina – [email protected]
• Deborah Wißkirchen – [email protected]
• Maya Helget – [email protected]

For full details, visit the official scholarship webpage: DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship

Final Thoughts

The DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026 is more than funding—it’s a lifeline for talented students and researchers facing adversity. By providing financial security, academic guidance, and a safe learning environment, the programme empowers you to transform your potential into impact.

Take the first step today. Secure a nomination, prepare your documents, and envision a future where your studies are not limited by circumstances but defined by your ambition, perseverance, and passion.

Your journey of resilience, growth, and excellence begins with DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026.