Hilde Domin Programme Scholarship 2026–2027 (Fully Funded)
If you’re an academic forced to leave home for your safety, the Hilde Domin Programme Scholarship offers more than a degree — it offers a secure place to continue your studies in Germany with full financial backing. This scholarship is designed specifically for at-risk students and researchers who face political, civic, or human-rights threats at home.
The programme covers living costs, insurance, travel support and language prep so scholars can focus on learning and rebuilding academic life. If safety and study are your priorities, this scholarship deserves your full attention.
You May Also Like: Bath Global Excellence Scholarship 2026 — Apply Now
Description
The Hilde Domin Programme Scholarship provides refuge and funding to students and doctoral candidates who are at personal risk in their home countries. It is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and administered by the DAAD. The scheme enables scholars to pursue a master’s or PhD at any recognized German university, with additional academic and personal support during their stay.
Degree Level
Supported degrees:
Master’s degree: up to 24 months.
Doctoral/PhD: up to 48 months.
Note: Undergraduate studies are not supported.
Available Subjects
Students from most disciplines may be nominated. The Hilde Domin Programme Scholarship excludes some professional fields (for example human medicine, dentistry, veterinary, pharmacy, and law). Special rules apply for arts and design subjects; those need university confirmation of aptitude and willingness to enroll.
Benefits
Key financial and academic support included:
Monthly stipend: €992 (Master’s) and €1,300 (PhD).
Health, accident and liability insurance.
Travel allowance (based on country of origin).
Preparatory German courses (2–6 months) if required.
Participation in interdisciplinary training and ongoing academic support.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants from all non-EU/EEA/EFTA countries. Nationals of EU/EEA/EFTA countries (plus a few small states such as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the United Kingdom) are generally excluded. Check the DAAD page for precise nationality rules and any country-specific notes.
Eligibility Criteria
You can be nominated if you:
Are at personal risk — facing threats such as persecution, arrest, denial of education or civil rights, or other serious risks tied to political, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual or civic identity.
Hold qualifications that allow access to higher studies (verified via anabin or equivalent).
Are outside Germany/EU at time of nomination.
Show language ability (German or English at ~B2 level by nomination deadline).
Belong to an allowed field of study.
Application Procedure — you cannot apply directly
This programme operates by nomination only — candidates are put forward by eligible organizations, not by self-application. Nomination sources include German universities, research institutions, or Germany-based human-rights/democracy organizations. After nomination, DAAD performs a plausibility check and will invite selected nominees to complete an online application and documentation. Final selection is by an independent DAAD committee.
Step-by-step route
Find an eligible nominator (German university, research institute, or NGO).
Get nominated (one nomination per candidate is enough).
DAAD review — plausibility and risk verification.
Invitation to apply — online form, CV, motivation, language proof, risk description, and academic documents.
Selection — independent committee evaluates risk, academic fit, and suitability.
Important Dates (example timeline)
Note: DAAD deadlines can change with each call. Always confirm current cut-offs on the DAAD website or via your nominating institution.
| Item | Typical timeline (example) |
|---|---|
| Nomination deadline for summer intake | March 15, 2026 (example) |
| Application window after DAAD invite | March 17 – April 15, 2026 (example) |
| Course start | Summer semester 2027 (example) |
(Use the DAAD page for exact dates of Hilde Domin Programme Scholarship.)
Final Thoughts
The Hilde Domin Programme Scholarship offers rare, targeted support for scholars whose safety is at stake. If you qualify, a nomination can open the door to a fully supported academic stay in Germany — including living costs, insurance, language prep, and institutional support. Because you cannot apply directly, building a connection with a German university department, research group, or relevant NGO is a key first step.
FAQs
Q: Can I apply directly?
A: No — the Hilde Domin Programme Scholarship is nomination only. Approach a German university, research institute, or appropriate NGO to request nomination.
Q: What disciplines are excluded?
A: Professional medical fields and law are generally excluded; arts/design may need extra proof of aptitude. Confirm specifics with DAAD.
Q: How much is the monthly stipend?
A: Currently approximately €992 for master’s students and €1,300 for doctoral candidates.
Q: Is the Hilde Domin Programme Scholarship open to EU nationals?
A: No — EU/EEA/EFTA nationals and some small states are typically excluded. See DAAD for the definitive list.
Q: How do I improve my chance of nomination?
A: Build relationships with German departments and NGOs, prepare clear documentation of risk, and secure strong academic references.
