The Hilde Domin Scholarship Programme 2026-27, administered by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) with funding from Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, offers a unique lifeline to students and researchers worldwide who face serious risks — political, social or institutional — in their home countries. The programme aims to provide a safe academic environment in Germany where scholars can pursue or complete their studies or research degrees, free from threats, discrimination, or danger. It enables them to rebuild their academic and professional paths, gain stability, and acquire the tools to contribute meaningfully to social, economic or academic development — whether in Germany, their home country or elsewhere.

With full coverage for tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and relocation, the Hilde Domin Scholarship stands out as a beacon of hope for those whose circumstances have disrupted their educational journey. Applications are not made directly by candidates, but through a nomination by qualified German institutions committed to human rights, academic freedom or humanitarian causes.

About DAAD & Hilde Domin Scholarship Programme

The DAAD is Germany’s primary scholarship and academic exchange organisation, known globally for supporting international students, academics and researchers. It promotes academic cooperation, mobility, and equal opportunity across borders. The Hilde Domin Programme is one of DAAD’s most socially impactful initiatives, aimed specifically at supporting at-risk students and doctoral researchers — including refugees, political dissidents, marginalized minorities, or persons persecuted for identity, beliefs or activism.

By offering them access to high-quality German universities and robust financial support, the programme ensures academic continuity, personal safety, and long-term career development. Merit, resilience, and urgency of need are carefully balanced in the selection process — making this a highly meaningful and life-changing opportunity.

Overview of Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	Hilde Domin Scholarship Programme 2026–2027
Administered by	DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Target Group	Students & doctoral candidates under threat (academic, political, social, religious, ethnic)
Eligible Studies	Master’s, Doctoral, Research Degrees (all academic disciplines except some exceptions)
Funding Period	Master’s: up to 24 months • Doctoral: up to 48 months
Monthly Stipend	Master’s: €992 • Doctoral: €1,300
Extra Benefits	Health, accident & liability insurance; travel allowance; optional German language course; additional financial support if required
Nomination Deadline	15 March 2026 (nominations by institutions)
Application Window	17 March – 15 April 2026 (after nomination)
Medium of Instruction	German or English depending on chosen degree
Applicability	Worldwide — except EU/EEA/EFTA, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, UK (unless risk applies)

Who Can Apply — Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Hilde Domin Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. • They must be nominated by a German institution or organisation working in research, teaching, human rights, democracy promotion, peace, or humanitarian fields. Direct applications by individuals are not accepted.
2. • They must be students or doctoral candidates whose educational rights — or broader personal rights — are at risk in their country of origin or current residence (due to ethnic, religious, political, gender, or civic engagement issues).
3. • They must hold educational credentials qualifying them for the intended degree in Germany, as per the DAAD / anabin database.
4. • They should not already reside in Germany or another EU/EFTA country at the time of nomination.
5. • They must have adequate German or English language proficiency (at least B2 level), sufficient to follow courses.
6. • For certain fields (visual arts, design, performance, architecture, music), additional confirmation from the nominating German university may be required to ensure suitability and admission capacity.
7. • Applicants must commit to compliance with scholarship rules and cannot simultaneously hold another German-government scholarship.

What the Scholarship Covers

Recipients of the Hilde Domin Scholarship receive a comprehensive support package designed to help them concentrate fully on their studies or research:

• Monthly stipend: €992 (Master’s) or €1,300 (PhD / doctoral)
• Full health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
• Travel allowance: economy-class travel from country of origin to Germany and (if applicable) return
• If required: a preparatory German language course (2–6 months) before degree start
• Possible additional financial support depending on needs
• Access to partner university facilities, academic networks, and integration support — providing a stable and secure academic environment

This level of support ensures scholars can focus on rebuilding their academic and professional trajectories without financial stress or uncertainty.

Application & Nomination Process

Because this fellowship is designed for at-risk individuals, the process is different from typical scholarships:

• Step 1 – Nomination by German Institution
  Eligible institutions (universities, human rights organisations, research institutes) must first nominate candidates via the online nomination form provided by DAAD. Each candidate requires a “Risk Description Form” outlining threats to their educational/personal safety.
• Step 2 – Plausibility Check
  DAAD reviews nominations; suitable candidates are invited to submit the full application online during the window of 17 March – 15 April 2026.
• Step 3 – Application Submission
  Applicants complete the online application, attach required documents (educational credentials, transcripts, identity papers, language certificates, etc.), and provide any additional evidence of risk or vulnerability.
• Step 4 – Selection by Independent Committee
  Applications are reviewed for both humanitarian risk and academic merit. A balance is kept to prioritise those with credible threat situations and solid academic potential.
• Step 5 – Scholarship Offer & Settlement
  Successful candidates receive offer letters, visa and admission assistance, and, if needed, a preparatory language course. Scholarship typically begins either in the winter or summer semester, depending on the academic calendar and candidate status.

Comparison with Other Refugee/At-Risk Scholarships

Feature	Hilde Domin Scholarship (Germany)	UNHCR DAFI Scholarship	Swedish Institute “SI” Refugee Scholarship
Target Group	Students/researchers under threat globally	Refugee students under UN mandate	Refugees seeking higher education
Disciplines Covered	All (except some exceptions)	All fields	All fields
Monthly Allowance	€992–€1,300 + insurance + travel	Varies by host institution	Varies
Language Support	Optional German course	Depends on host institution	Swedish/English support
Application Route	Through German institution nomination	Through UNHCR	Open application via SI
Security of Funding	High (state-funded)	Depends on UNHCR budget	National scholarship funds

FAQs About Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026

1. Can I apply directly to the Hilde Domin Scholarship?
   No — only German institutions or organisations can nominate candidates. Direct applications by individuals are not accepted.
2. Which countries does the programme exclude from eligibility?
   The programme generally excludes citizens of EU, EEA, and EFTA countries, as well as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the UK — but it includes applicants from these regions if they face risks that threaten their personal or academic rights.
3. Is there a required field of study for the scholarship?
   No. All academic disciplines are allowed — master’s and doctoral. The only exceptions are human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and law.
4. What monthly stipend will I receive?
   Master’s students: €992/month. Doctoral candidates: €1,300/month (plus additional coverage for insurance and travel).
5. Will travel costs be covered?
   Yes. The scholarship includes a travel allowance for the journey from your home country to Germany, and optionally for return if conditions apply.
6. Is there support for language courses if I don’t speak German or English fluently?
   Yes. If needed, the scholarship may fund candidates for a preparatory German language course (2–6 months) before they begin their degree.
7. Can I study in English?
   Yes — many German universities offer master’s and PhD programmes in English. You need at least B2-level English proficiency.
8. What if I was already living in Germany when nominated?
   The scholarship is for those not yet residing in Germany or the EU at the time of nomination.
9. How often can an institution nominate candidates?
   Institutions may nominate as many eligible candidates as they deem fit, but each candidate only needs one nomination. Multiple nominations do not offer advantage.
10. When does the scholarship start?
    Scholarship start date depends on admission and visa processes — usually aligned with the semester start, after application and selection in 2026–2027.

Important Notes Before Considering Application

• Ensure your nominating institution is eligible (universities or organisations with teaching/research or human rights mandate).
• Gather credible evidence of risk or threat to your academic or personal safety.
• Prepare valid documentation: educational credentials, identification, language certificates.
• Understand that the programme excludes certain medical and legal disciplines.
• Be ready for possible language courses (German or English-based curriculum).

If you are a talented student or researcher whose academic path political, social, or institutional repression disrupted, the Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026-27 gives you a rare and essential chance to continue your studies in a safe, stable, and supportive environment. Reach out to qualified German universities or NGOs, seek nomination, and seize this opportunity to rebuild your academic future. APPLY NOW.

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