If you’re a former DAAD scholar who dreams of returning to Germany for research or professional work, the DAAD Re-invitation Programme 2026 is tailor-made for you. Designed by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by the Federal Foreign Office, this opportunity allows former scholarship holders to re-establish academic and professional collaborations through short-term, fully funded visits.

This program supports research and working projects at top German institutions, opening doors for global alumni to maintain academic ties and contribute meaningfully to innovation and knowledge exchange between Germany and their home countries.

About DAAD

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) stands as the world’s leading funding organization dedicated to promoting international academic exchange and cooperation. With over 2 million scholars funded, DAAD fosters partnerships with universities and research institutes globally and is central to Germany’s international education strategy.

Germany remains a top research destination, with universities like LMU Munich, Heidelberg, and TU Munich ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2025. DAAD plays a pivotal role in connecting talent from across the world to these elite institutions.

DAAD Re-invitation Programme 2026 Overview 

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	DAAD Re-invitation Programme 2026
Funded by	German Federal Foreign Office
Offered by	DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Target Group	Former DAAD scholarship holders
Eligible Activity	Research or working projects
Host Country	Germany
Duration	1 to 3 months
Monthly Stipend	€2,000–€2,150
Application Deadlines	9 Sept 2025 / 16 Feb 2026
Start Dates	Feb 2026 / Aug 2026
Language Requirement	English or German (varies)
Application Mode	Online via DAAD Portal

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend of €2,000 for assistant professors, lecturers, or equivalent
• Monthly stipend of €2,150 for professors
• Custom-calculated stipend for applicants outside academia
• International travel allowance
• Disability-related additional support, if applicable
• Work space guarantee by the host institution in Germany
• Opportunity to collaborate with German institutions and alumni
• Recognition and sustained engagement with the prestigious DAAD global alumni network, fostering long-term academic and professional connections.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a former DAAD scholarship holder who received funding for more than 6 months
• Must not have resided in Germany in the past three years
• Must plan a research or working project coordinated with a German host institution
• Research can be hosted at a university, research institute, or professional institution
• Project must begin in 2026
• Only one funding visit permitted within a three-year period
• Good academic standing and clear objectives for the visit
• Clear documentation of cooperation or institutional affiliation in Germany

Application Process

• Submit your application online via the DAAD Portal
• Prepare and upload all required documents, including:
• Online application form
• Tabular CV (max. 3 pages)
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Detailed research/working plan (max. 10 pages)
• Time schedule and itinerary
• Confirmation letter from the German host institution
• Translations of documents (if required)

Application Deadlines

• First Deadline: 9 September 2025
  • Selection in December 2025
  • Start of funding: February 2026
• Second Deadline: 16 February 2026
  • Selection in May 2026
  • Start of funding: August 2026

Comparison with Similar DAAD Opportunities

Programme Name	Target Group	Duration	Funding Coverage	Application Deadline
DAAD Re-invitation Programme	Former DAAD scholarship holders	1–3 months	Full funding + stipend	Sept 2025 / Feb 2026
DAAD Research Stays for University Academics	Active researchers in academia	1–3 months	Stipend + travel	April 2025
DAAD Study Scholarships for Graduates	Recent bachelor’s graduates	1–2 years	Full tuition + living costs	Fall 2025

FAQs About DAAD Re-invitation Program 2026

1. Am I eligible if my previous DAAD scholarship was shorter than 6 months?
   No, this programme is only open to scholars previously funded by DAAD for more than six months.
2. Can I do the research at multiple German institutions?
   Yes, multi-institutional research projects are allowed.
3. Do I need to know German to apply?
   Not necessarily. However, you must ensure communication is possible in English or German at your host institution.
4. Will I get help with finding a host institution?
   No. You must establish contact and receive a formal confirmation from the host institution in Germany yourself.
5. Can I extend the duration of the funding later?
   No. The funding duration is fixed once determined by the DAAD selection committee.
6. Is this program only for academics?
   No. Professionals in administration, media, and culture sectors who were past DAAD scholars may also apply.
7. Can I apply again if I received this grant three years ago?
   Yes. Funding may be claimed once within three years.
8. Is there an age limit for DAAD Re-invitation Program 2026?
   No explicit age limit is mentioned. However, applicants must demonstrate active professional engagement.
9. Can I apply if I live in Germany now?
   No. Applicants must not have lived in Germany for at least the last 3 years.
10. How competitive is the selection of former DAAD scholarship holders?
    Very competitive. Selection is based on academic merit, project quality, and long-term cooperation potential.

If you’ve been a DAAD scholar in the past and want to rekindle your ties with Germany while advancing your research or professional goals, this programme offers an outstanding opportunity. The fully funded structure, along with access to Germany’s leading research ecosystem, makes DAAD Re-invitation Program 2026 one of the most rewarding short-term fellowships available. APPLY NOW. See further details about DAAD Re-invitation Programme Details on the official website.