The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has opened applications for the 2026 cycle of its GROW programme — Global Research Opportunities for the South. This fully funded research initiative supports early career and established academics from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia, offering research stays at German universities and institutions for up to six months. German DAAD GROW Scholarship 2026 (Fully funded), The programme is backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and prioritizes research aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Strengthening South–North Research Collaboration
The GROW programme represents Germany’s strategic investment in academic talent from the Global South. It aligns with two major trends:
- International Research Mobility: Germany aims to attract skilled researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia amid global competition for talent from Europe, North America, China, and the Gulf states.
- Development-Relevant Research: DAAD emphasizes research that produces tangible outcomes in public health, climate resilience, governance, and other SDG-aligned areas.
By targeting countries on the OECD DAC list and linking evaluation to SDGs, GROW goes beyond conventional scholarships. It is a capacity-building programme that strengthens research ecosystems in resource-limited countries while enhancing Germany’s partnerships globally.
Scholarship Benefits: Monthly Stipends, Insurance, and Travel
GROW provides competitive financial support tailored to career stage:
- Doctoral Candidates & Postdoctoral Researchers: €1,400/month
- Assistant Professors & Lecturers: €2,000/month
- Full Professors: €2,150/month
Additional benefits include:
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance for trips to and from Germany
- Supplementary funding for applicants with disabilities or chronic illnesses
The programme offers two funding lines:
- Programme Line 1: Preparatory and cooperation visits (1–2 months)
- Programme Line 2: Research stays (2–6 months)
All funded activities must begin in 2026 and conclude by 31 January 2027. Note that tuition is not covered, as GROW is a research-focused programme.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Criteria
The GROW programme is open to:
- Doctoral candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers (PhD completed ≤4 years prior)
- University teachers and established academics
Geographic focus:
- Primary: Sub-Saharan Africa
- Additional: Latin America and Asia
Key requirements:
- Must hold a position at a home university or research institution
- Not eligible if currently based in Germany or conducting the full doctoral/postdoctoral research in Germany
- Women, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply
Application Process: Documents and Selection
Applicants should prepare:
- Research or cooperation proposal
- Curriculum Vitae documenting relevant achievements
- Evidence of contact with a potential German host supervisor or institution
For research stays under Programme Line 2, applicants must demonstrate how the project integrates into their broader doctoral or research work. A transfer concept detailing how results will benefit the home country is mandatory.
Selection criteria:
- Academic qualifications and track record
- Quality, originality, and development relevance of the proposal
- Potential for sustainable impact in home country
- Feasibility of host institution collaboration
- Societal engagement and broader contributions
Applications are evaluated by an independent committee of specialist scientists. Final funding duration is determined based on proposed work schedules. All awards are contingent on BMZ budget approval.
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Why Apply to GROW?
For researchers from the Global South tackling pressing development challenges, GROW is more than a travel grant. It offers:
- Access to German research infrastructure and global networks
- Mentorship and collaboration opportunities with leading scholars
- A platform to implement development-focused research with lasting impact
Scholars who maximize the programme arrive with a clear plan, conduct high-impact research, and return with partnerships that endure beyond the funding period.
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