DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Application deadline
Check the official page
Overview
The DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme is run jointly by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It lets talented students and researchers from outside Germany do research at a DLR institute. Research fields are aeronautics, space, energy and transportation. Important: you can only apply for a DLR institute, not for a university or any other institution.
There are five types. Type A is for graduate students already enrolled in a Master's programme (9 months). Type B is for doctoral students (36 months). Type C is for postdoctoral researchers (7 to 24 months). Type D is for senior scientists (1 to 3 months). Type E is for visiting researchers at PhD or postdoc level (1 to 6 months).
The monthly instalment is 992 euros for Type A, 1,760 euros for Type B, 2,400 euros for Type C, 2,760 euros for Type D, and 1,760 or 2,400 euros for Type E depending on level. Depending on the type, you may also get a flat-rate travel allowance, rent subsidy, health insurance and family allowances.
Each fellowship is advertised as a separate offer with its own requirements. Pick an offer from the DLR-DAAD current offers list, then register and apply online through the DAAD portal. You need excellent English; German helps. Selection follows a first-come, first-served principle, so apply early.
At a glance
| Who can apply | PG, PhD |
|---|---|
| Streams | Aeronautics, Space, Energy, Transportation |
| Category | All |
| Age | — |
| Income limit | — |
| Gender | — |
| States | All India |
| Benefit / amount | Monthly instalment depends on the fellowship type: Type A (Graduate Students) 992 euros; Type B (Doctoral Students) 1,760 euros; Type C (Postdoctoral Researchers) 2,400 euros; Type D (Senior Scientists) 2,760 euros; Type E (Visiting Researchers) 1,760 euros at PhD level and 2,400 euros at postdoc level. Depending on the type, extra benefits may include a flat-rate travel allowance, rent subsidy, health insurance and family allowances. |
| Duration | Type A – Graduate Students: 9 months; Type B – Doctoral Students: 36 months; Type C – Postdoctoral Researchers: 7 to 24 months; Type D – Senior Scientists: 1 to 3 months; Type E – Visiting Researchers (PhD/Postdoc level): 1 to 6 months |
| Renewable | — |
| Last date | See official page |
| Opened | — |
Documents you'll need
- Online application form
- Cover page
- Statement of the reasons for applying for a certain fellowship (Appendix)
- Complete curriculum vitae
- Abstract of the final Bachelor / Master / PhD thesis (as applicable to your type)
- Degree certificate showing final grade(s)
- All university certificates on annual examinations with individual grades, including an explanation of the grading system
- Proof of enrolment in a Master's programme (Type A)
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL iBT min. 79, IELTS min. 6.5 for Types B and C)
- German or English translation of documents issued in another language
- List of publications, if applicable
- One letter of recommendation (Type A) or two letters of recommendation (Types B and C)
How you're selected
Fellowships are advertised as individual offers by DLR institutes. You apply for a specific offer through the DAAD portal. The official page states: "The DLR-DAAD scholarships are awarded with the principle 'first come first serve', therefore fellowship offers may sometimes be allocated to other applicants while your application is still processed." Only complete applications are accepted.
FAQs
Who can apply? At the time of applying you must not be a German national, or you must be able to prove that your main place of residence has been outside Germany for at least six years. You must show outstanding study or research achievements in the research field of the fellowship offer. Type A needs a first degree plus current enrolment in a Master's programme. Type B needs a university degree completed not more than six years ago. Type C needs a doctorate/PhD completed not more than two years ago. Type D is for academics working in higher education or a research institute, usually with a doctorate.
How much money do I get? A monthly instalment of 992 euros (Type A), 1,760 euros (Type B), 2,400 euros (Type C), 2,760 euros (Type D), and 1,760 euros for PhD level or 2,400 euros for postdoc level (Type E). Depending on the type, extra benefits may include a flat-rate travel allowance, rent subsidy, health insurance and family allowances. Applicants with a disability or chronic illness may get a subsidy for extra costs not covered by other funders.
What is the last date to apply? There is no single date for the whole programme. DAAD says: "If an application deadline exists, it is mentioned in the current offers." So open the specific fellowship offer PDF on the DLR-DAAD current offers page and check the last date there. Because selection is first come, first served, do not wait.
How do I apply? First choose a fellowship offer from the DLR-DAAD current offers list. Then register on the DAAD portal, generate the recommendation form there and send it to your referee, and finally fill in the online application. Scan all documents as PDF and upload them. Reference letters can be sent by post to DAAD, Section ST43/DLR, Kennedyallee 50, 53175 Bonn, Germany, or submitted digitally by your referee through the DAAD reference database.
Do I need to know German? No. You need an excellent knowledge of English. Knowledge of German is an advantage but not required.
Is the fellowship renewable? The official page does not state a renewal rule. Each offer has a fixed funding period for its type. Check the specific fellowship offer and the official notification for details.