The Hilde Domin Programme Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious fully funded scholarships in Germany, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and administered by the DAAD. Known widely as the DAAD Hilde Domin Programme, this initiative supports at-risk international students and doctoral candidates who face political, civic, or human-rights-related threats in their home countries.
The scholarship offers a secure academic refuge at any recognized German university and provides comprehensive financial support, making it one of the most sought-after scholarships for international students in Germany.
Degree Levels Supported
The Hilde Domin Scholarship Germany provides funding for:
- Master’s Degree (up to 24 months)
- Doctoral Degree / PhD (up to 48 months)
This is a graduate scholarship in Germany, meaning undergraduate studies are not supported.
Eligible Fields of Study
The programme welcomes students from all academic disciplines except:
- Human Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Law
Fields Requiring Additional Approval
The following disciplines require university confirmation before acceptance:
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts
- Design
- Visual Communication
- Music
- Film
- Architecture
These requirements apply to all scholarships for threatened students in the arts fields.
Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD fully funded scholarship provides extensive financial and academic support, making it one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarship opportunities in Germany.
Monthly Stipend
- €992 per month for Master’s students
- €1,300 per month for Doctoral candidates
Additional Benefits
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance (country-specific)
- German language course (2-6 months), if required
- Funding for the full duration of the degree
- Participation in interdisciplinary training programmes
- Academic and personal support throughout the stay
These features make it an excellent scholarship for at-risk students and scholars needing academic refuge.
Eligible Nationalities
The scholarship is open to all nationalities worldwide except:
- EU/EEA/EFTA countries
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- United Kingdom
This makes it a global opportunity for students searching for study in Germany scholarships.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Personal Risk
- Applicants must demonstrate credible evidence of:
- Physical danger
- Persecution or arrest
- Denial of civil or educational rights
- Threats due to ethnic, religious, gender, or political identity
- Threats based on sexual orientation or civic engagement
These requirements align with the programme’s role as a humanitarian, fully funded scholarship in Germany.
2. Academic Qualifications
Applicants must hold valid certificates qualifying them for higher education, verified through the anabin database.
3. Residency Requirements
Applicants must not reside in Germany or any EU country during the nomination process.
4. Language Requirements
Applicants must show B2 level German or English proficiency by the nomination deadline.
5. Field of Study Requirements
Applicants must choose a discipline permitted by the programme.
Application Process
This is a nomination-based scholarship. No direct applications are accepted, making it one of the few scholarships without direct application in Germany.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Nomination (Mandatory)
- Eligible nominators include:
- German universities
- German research institutes
- Germany-based human rights, democracy, or peace organizations
- Multiple nominations do not increase chances.
2. DAAD Plausibility Check
The DAAD verifies personal risk and eligibility.
3. Invitation to Apply
Shortlisted candidates receive an official invitation to submit:
- Online application
- Academic documents
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Language certificate
- Risk description form
4. Final Selection
An independent selection committee evaluates:
- Documented risk
- Academic potential
- Motivation
- Successful applicants proceed with visa and enrollment.
Important Deadlines
- For Summer Semester 2027 Intake
- Nomination Deadline: 15 March 2026
- Application Period (after DAAD invitation): 17 March-15 April 2026
Nominations may be submitted any time, but only complete submissions before the deadline are reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for the Hilde Domin Programme directly?
No. This is a nomination-only scholarship, and you cannot apply yourself.
2. What types of risks must I demonstrate?
You must show credible evidence of danger, persecution, or civil/educational rights violations.
3. Can I apply if I already live in Germany or the EU?
No. You must reside outside Germany and the EU during nomination.
4. What language level do I need?
You must hold B2 level English or German language proficiency.
5. Can I choose any university in Germany?
Yes. You may study at any recognized German university.
6. Does this scholarship cover everything?
Yes. This is a fully funded scholarship in Germany, covering stipend, insurance, travel, language courses, and full degree funding.
7. Are multiple nominations helpful?
No. One valid nomination is sufficient.
8. Is this suitable for master’s and PhD students?
Yes. It supports both Master’s scholarships in Germany and PhD funding opportunities for at-risk scholars.
