DAAD Hilde Domin Programme Scholarship for At-Risk Students & Researchers
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DAAD Hilde Domin Programme 2026 | Fully Funded Scholarship for At-Risk Students & Researchers
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Apply for the DAAD Hilde Domin Programme a fully funded scholarship in Germany for threatened students and doctoral candidates denied educational rights. Funding covers stipend, insurance, travel, and language support. DAAD Hilde Domin Programme 2026, DAAD scholarship at-risk students, DAAD research scholarship 2026, study in Germany at-risk scholarship, DAAD PhD fellowship Hilde Domin
What Is the Hilde Domin Programme?
The Hilde Domin Programme is a protection and scholarship initiative by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), supported by the German Federal Foreign Office. It aims to support students and doctoral candidates worldwide who are at risk due to identity, political, or civic reasons and may be denied educational rights in their home countries.
The programme offers a safe academic refuge in Germany: successful candidates can begin or complete their master’s or doctoral studies at a recognized German higher-education institution, irrespective of ongoing hardship or persecution at home.
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Who Is Eligible / How It Works
🔹 Eligibility Criteria
- Students or doctoral candidates from countries outside the EU/EEA/EFTA (i.e. non-EU) who face risk to personal freedom or educational rights due to ethnic, religious, gender, sexual identity or civic/political engagement.
- Possess a recognized bachelor’s degree (for master’s track) or master’s degree (for doctoral track), accepted per the German equivalency database (e.g. Anabin).
- Must be nominated by a German-based institution or organization active in higher education, human rights, democracy, research, or civic engagement direct applications by individuals are not permitted.
⚠️ Ineligible Fields
The scholarship excludes certain fields of study, including human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and law (or state-regulated courses).
What the Scholarship Covers & Duration
Depending on your chosen degree:
| Degree Type | Duration | Monthly Stipend* | Additional Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s | Up to 24 months | ~ €992 | Health & liability insurance, travel allowance, optional German course, support services |
| Doctoral | Up to 48 months | ~ €1,300 | Same as above (insurance, travel, potential language course, support) |
* Amounts may vary depending on regulations at the time of award.
Scholarship holders may also participate in interdisciplinary training programmes, designed to support professional development, social integration, and future impact equipping beneficiaries to contribute positively to their home countries or globally upon graduation.
Nomination & Application Process
- Direct application is NOT possible. Only recognised German institutions or organisations may nominate at-risk students or researchers.
- The nominating body must submit a nomination form and a “risk description” assessment to DAAD.
- After DAAD reviews the nomination and confirms eligibility, shortlisted candidates will be formally invited to apply using the official online application portal.
- Final selection is carried out by an independent committee based on both risk situation and academic merit.
This pathway is purposely restrictive to ensure protection, confidentiality, and suitability of candidates.
Why the Hilde Domin Programme Matters
- Safe academic refuge: Offers troubled students and researchers a chance to continue their studies or research in a secure, supportive environment in Germany.
- Diverse academic fields: Scholarship supports a wide range of disciplines (except some regulated ones), giving flexibility to nominees in many fields.
- Full support: Covers living costs, insurance, travel, optionally language training allowing students to focus on their studies or research without financial burden.
- Empowerment & impact: Equips scholarship holders to contribute meaningfully to their societies, democracy, human rights, or academia potentially creating long-term positive change.
How to Express Interest or Get Nominated
If you believe you qualify and need nomination:
- Reach out to German universities, research institutes, human-rights organisations, or NGOs in your intended host country that are eligible to nominate.
- Provide a clear statement of your risk situation (political, social, identity-based, or security-related).
- Present academic credentials (transcripts, degree certificates) for verification via German equivalency tools (anabin database).
- Demonstrate language proficiency (German or English, typically B2 level) unless waived by host institution.
- Await nomination once your nominating body submits you, DAAD will review and invite formal application if you’re selected.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
If you are a student or early-career researcher facing risk in your home country due to identity, politics, or civic engagement the DAAD Hilde Domin Programme may offer a lifeline to continue your academic or research journey in safe, supportive surroundings in Germany.
Encourage trusted institutions to nominate you, gather required documentation, and stay informed about DAAD announcement cycles.
For more global scholarship alerts, study-abroad resources, and tips on securing academic funding, check out Kotokiven.com your gateway to international education and opportunities.