DLR DAAD Research Fellowship Programme 2026

The DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme is a joint initiative between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), designed to bring outstanding international researchers to DLR institutes across Germany for short- or long-term research visits. Unlike a typical one-cycle scholarship, DLR-DAAD works as a rolling series of individually posted fellowship positions - each tied to a specific research project, institute, and level (graduate, doctoral, postdoctoral, or senior researcher) - published continuously on DAAD's Current Offers page.

For Indian students and researchers, this is a strong option if you're already working in, or transitioning into, aerospace, energy, transport, digitalization, or security research, since it offers direct access to Germany's national aerospace research centre rather than a university placement. The practical first step is different from most scholarships: rather than submitting one general application, you browse the live list of current DLR fellowship offers, find one matching your field, career stage, and interests, and apply directly to that specific posting through the DAAD portal. Because fellowships are awarded first-come-first-served, applying as soon as a suitable opening is posted matters more here than for most scholarships — a strong application can still lose out simply from a delayed submission.

• Must not hold German nationality, or must be able to demonstrate that your main place of residence is outside Germany.
• Must show outstanding academic or research achievement relevant to the specific fellowship offer you're applying to.
• Level-specific requirements depend on the fellowship type you apply for:
  • Type A (Graduate students): Completed a Bachelor's degree and currently enrolled in a Master's programme.
  • Type B (Doctoral students): Completed a university degree no more than six years before applying.
  • Type C (Postdoctoral researchers): Completed a PhD no more than two years before applying.
  • Type D (Senior scientists): Currently employed in higher education or research, usually holding a doctorate.
  • Type E (Visiting researchers): PhD-level applicants must be currently enrolled in a doctoral programme; postdoc-level applicants must have completed their PhD no more than two years earlier.
• Excellent English is required for all types; German language ability is an advantage but not always mandatory.
• Applications are submitted online via the DAAD portal, with all required documents uploaded per that specific fellowship offer's instructions — incomplete applications are not considered.

Partial Funding , Monthly stipends + Travel/insurance allowances depending on type.