Overview of DAAD Conference Travel Scholarship 2026
The DAAD Conference Travel Scholarship Program 2026, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, provides doctoral researchers and PhD students with an excellent opportunity to participate in international scientific conferences. Moreover, this prestigious DAAD scholarship for PhD students supports both in-person and online participation, thereby enabling scholars to present their research, strengthen academic collaborations, and increase global visibility.
The program is open to all academic disciplines. In addition, it aims to strengthen bilateral scientific relations while also promoting Germany as an internationally attractive research location and academic destination. Consequently, the initiative not only benefits individual researchers but also contributes to long-term international academic exchange.
Program Objectives
- The DAAD Conference Travel Grant is designed to:
- Encourage active participation in internationally recognized conferences
- Support doctoral students and researchers in Germany
- Provide a platform to present research at international events
- Encourage scholars to network and collaborate internationally.
Note: Category 4 applications are temporarily closed due to high demand as of September 10, 2025. Categories 1-3 remain open.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- Students pursuing a PhD and doctoral researchers enrolled in German universities
- Researchers at German higher education institutions or non-university research institutes with main place of residence in Germany
- Scholars abroad who are funded by a German funding organization, unless conference participation is otherwise funded
- Must show evidence of active conference participation (presentation, poster, or panel)
Eligible Nationalities: Open to all nationalities
Degree Level
- PhD / Doctoral research
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Available Subjects
- Open to all academic disciplines
Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD Conference Travel Scholarship 2026 provides financial assistance through four funding categories, which depend on the type of participation and the travel distance.
1. Online Participation (Category 1)
This category supports researchers who attend virtually. In addition, it covers registration and membership fees for up to one year. Moreover, the abstract fee for one submission is reimbursed. Furthermore, funding under this category can be awarded up to three times per year.
2. In-Person Short-Distance Travel (Category 2)
This option applies to travel distances of up to 600 km (excluding the UK). To promote sustainability, travel must be done using environmentally friendly modes such as train or bus. Therefore, flights are not permitted for this category.
Includes:
- Travel allowance
- Daily subsistence allowance
- €300 material cost allowance
- Green Mobility Top-Up (minimum of €50 each way)
3. Medium-Distance Travel In Person (Category 3)
- Travel distance: 601-3,700 km
Covers:
- Travel allowance
- Daily subsistence allowance
- €300 material cost allowance
- Optional Green Mobility Top-Up
- Reimbursement of 50% of CO₂ offset costs for flights
4. In-Person Long-Distance Travel-Category 4
- Travel distance: more than 3,700 km
- Same benefits as Category 3
- Limited to 40% of the annual DAAD budget
- Optional 50% reimbursement for CO₂ offsets
Note: Category 4 is suspended temporarily until February 2026.
Application Procedure
Application Deadlines
- Attachments K1-K4: submit at least 4 months (120 days) prior to event
- Attachments K5-K7: submit no later than 1 month (30 days) before the event
- Applications received after the deadline or incomplete will not be considered.
Required Documents
- Application Form DAAD via Online-Portal
- Congress Questionnaire (K1) – online or in-person version
- Curriculum Vitae (K2) – without photo, with publication list
- Abstract (K3)
- Academic transcript or PhD certificate (K4)
- Conference details and screenshots (K5)
- Proof of acceptance for presentation (K6)
- K7 Optional supporting documentation includes awards, travel waivers, or scholarships:
Applications should be submitted in either English or German. Non-English/German documents require a free translation.
Processing Time
- Applications are considered upon receipt.
- Since DAAD does not give out interim notifications, applicants must plan accordingly.
Sustainability Focus
The DAAD Conference Travel Scholarship supports environmentally-friendly travel by:
- Green Mobility Top-Up for train or bus travel
- Partial reimbursement of CO₂ offsets for flights
This initiative is in line with Germany’s commitment to sustainable academic travel and responsible research mobility.
Why Apply?
The DAAD Travel Grant for Researchers enables participants to achieve several important goals. First, it allows them to showcase their research on a global platform. Additionally, it helps them connect with international experts, which can lead to valuable collaborations. Moreover, researchers can significantly improve their academic profile. Finally, they gain access to fully funded support that makes attending international conferences much more feasible.
Overall, this is an excellent opportunity for PhD students and researchers in Germany to enhance their international presence in the academic and research community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the DAAD Conference Travel Scholarship?
Doctoral students and researchers at universities or research institutions in Germany. Scholars from abroad may also apply, as long as they are financed by a German institution.
2. Can international students studying in Germany apply? Yes, students of all nationalities in Germany are eligible.
3. How many times can I receive DAAD conference travel funding?
Online participation (Category 1) can be funded up to three times per year. In-person travel is funded once per event, based on DAAD’s evaluation.
4. What does DAAD pay for?
Among these are the registration fee, travel allowance, daily subsistence, material costs, and optional eco-friendly travel incentives such as CO₂ offset reimbursement.
5. How and when should I apply?
Applications are submitted via the DAAD portal. Attachments K1-K4 are due 4 months before the event, and K5-K7 are due 1 month before the event. Late applications are not accepted.
