Deadline: 30-Jan-2026
The DAAD is seeking applications for its Project Funding Program to initiate or intensify binational collaborative research activities between a German and a foreign university or research institution in order to strengthen scientific relations.
The programme objectives are young researchers have gained international research experience and have further developed international qualifications. Bi-national research collaborations are strengthened and serve as foundation for further collaborations.
The program funds mobility and short-term stays for the exchange of project participants from the participating partner institutions, especially young researchers, for research activities in all disciplines, with some exceptions noted under “Country-Specific Conditions.”
Travel expenses for funded persons are covered through a mobility allowance, which includes costs for flights, visas, vaccinations, excess baggage, and baggage insurance. Accommodation and living costs are covered through a lump-sum accommodation allowance, which also includes health, accident, and liability insurance.
Graduates, doctoral students, those with doctorates, habilitations, and university lecturers are eligible for funding unless otherwise agreed with the foreign partner. Public and state-recognized German universities, as well as non-profit and independent research institutions based in Germany, are eligible to apply.
The programme promotes project-based collaboration between German and international research teams, enabling them to work together as equal partners while complementing each other’s expertise. Eligible measures include research stays at the partner organisation abroad.
Selection criteria focus primarily on the technical and content-related quality of the project, particularly the participation of early career researchers and the contribution to strengthening international cooperation. Quality and rigor of project planning and consideration of diversity are also assessed.
Projects that do not include mobility for early career researchers or fewer than two persons for research visits will be excluded. Project investigators of approved applications are expected to be available for expert evaluation during the funding period.
Applications must be submitted in complete form via the DAAD portal before the deadline. Required documents include the project description, research profiles or CVs of principal investigators, lists of project-relevant publications, brief CVs of other project participants, and confirmation from project assistants if applicable. One application per project investigator, per country line, is allowed, and amendments or subsequent submissions after the deadline will not be considered.
The deadline for applications is 30 January 2026.
For more information, visit DAAD.