DAAD Scholarship for University Teachers 2026 – Study Visits for Academics in Germany

DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service University Teachers / Academics Germany
DAAD Scholarship for University Teachers - Study Visits for Academics

Scholarship Description

The DAAD Scholarship for University Teachers offers funding for study visits to Germany for academics and university teachers in the fields of Architecture, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and Music. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, this programme promotes artistic cooperations with German host institutions and strengthens international academic exchange.

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the world's largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers. This scholarship enables university teachers to pursue research projects, develop artistic collaborations, and gain new perspectives at state or state-recognised universities in Germany.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship funds study visits at state or state-recognised universities in Germany. A study visit can also take place at several host institutions. Funding must begin in 2027.

Scholarship Deadline

The application deadline is 31 August 2026.

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026

Selection Date: February 2027

Start of Funding: May 2027 at the earliest

Recommendation: The DAAD portal opens at least 6 weeks before the deadline. Submit your application well in advance.

Host Institution

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest German support organisation for international academic cooperation. The scholarship is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and administered through German host institutions.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: University teachers / academics (postgraduate / professional level).

Fields of study:

  • Architecture: Interior Design, Monument Conservation, Urban Planning/Urban Development, Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Planning
  • Fine Art, Film, Design, Visual Communication
  • Performing Arts: Drama, Direction, Musicals, Dance, Performance Studies, Choreography
  • Music

Target Group

The scholarship targets university teachers from all countries who teach at an institute of higher education in their home country and wish to pursue artistic cooperation with German host institutions.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: 1 to 3 months. The grant is non-renewable. Funding may only be claimed once within three years.

Monthly payments:

  • €2,000 for assistant teachers, assistant professors, and lecturers
  • €2,150 for professors

Additional benefits:

  • Travel allowance
  • Disability support: In case of a disability or chronic illness, a subsidy may be provided for justified additional costs incurred abroad that are necessary to realise the project in Germany.

📊 Summary of Scholarship:
Duration: 1–3 months
Monthly Stipend: €2,000 (assistant teachers) / €2,150 (professors)
Additional: Travel allowance + disability support (if applicable)
Funding: Once within three years

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

  • Employment: Must teach at an institute of higher education in your home country.
  • Discipline: Must be in Architecture, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Music, or related fields.
  • Coordination: The research project must be coordinated with the cooperation partner in Germany.
  • Cooperation: Must have a confirmation from the academic host in Germany that refers to your project and guarantees a workplace.
  • Previous funding: Funding may only be claimed once within three years.

Selection criteria:

  • Specialist qualification documented in the curriculum vitae
  • A convincing and well-planned research project

✅ Eligible Candidates

  • University teachers at an institute of higher education.
  • Disciplines: Architecture, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Music.
  • Project coordinated with a German host institution.
  • Confirmation from German host providing a workplace.
  • Strong specialist qualification and convincing project.

❌ Ineligible Candidates

  • Not teaching at a higher education institution.
  • Discipline outside Architecture, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Music.
  • No cooperation partner in Germany.
  • No confirmation from German host.
  • Funding claimed within the last three years.

Application Procedure

  1. Identify a host institution in Germany – Establish contact with a state or state-recognised university in Germany and coordinate your research project. Obtain a confirmation from the academic host.
  2. Visit the DAAD portal – The DAAD portal opens at least 6 weeks before the application deadline (31 August 2026). Access the portal at portal.daad.de.
  3. Register and complete the online application form – Create an account in the DAAD portal and complete the online application form.
  4. Prepare required documents – Gather the following in PDF format:
    • Online application form
    • Full curriculum vitae in tabular form (max. 3 pages)
    • Comprehensive statement about working or research project (max. 10 pages)
    • Time schedule and itinerary of planned study visit
    • Confirmation from the academic host in Germany
    • Valid identification document (passport, ID card, etc.)
  5. Upload documents – Upload all documents to the DAAD portal in PDF format. Translations should be uploaded together with the original language document.
  6. Submit by the deadline – Submit your application by 31 August 2026.
  7. Selection process – An independent selection committee reviews applications based on specialist qualification and the quality of the research project.

Important notes: Incomplete applications cannot be considered. The application portal closes at 24:00 hrs (CET or CEST) on the deadline day. The grant is non-renewable and funding may only be claimed once within three years.

Official Website & Application Links

DAAD Scholarship Database – Study Visits for Academics

DAAD Portal: portal.daad.de

Technical Portal Hotline: +49 (0) 228 882-8888 (weekdays 9-12 and 14-16 CET/CEST)

Email for technical issues: [email protected]

DAAD Information Centre Islamabad: [email protected]

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💡 Final Thoughts and Key Requirements

The DAAD Scholarship for University Teachers offers a unique opportunity for academics in Architecture, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and Music to pursue artistic collaborations in Germany. With monthly payments of up to €2,150 and a travel allowance, this scholarship supports professional development, international networking, and cultural exchange.

Key strategies for a successful application:

  • Identify a suitable German host institution and secure a confirmation from the academic host before applying.
  • Ensure your research project is well-planned and convincing — this is a key selection criterion.
  • Document your specialist qualification clearly in your curriculum vitae.
  • Submit a comprehensive statement about your working or research project (max. 10 pages).
  • Include a detailed time schedule and itinerary of your planned study visit.
  • Apply by 31 August 2026 — the DAAD portal opens at least 6 weeks before the deadline.

Important reminders: The grant is non-renewable and funding may only be claimed once within three years. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The selection committee reviews applications based on specialist qualification and the quality of the research project. Funding must begin in 2027, with the earliest start date in May 2027.

DAAD Scholarship for University Teachers 2026 – FAQ

What is the DAAD Scholarship for University Teachers?

It is a scholarship for study visits to Germany for university teachers in Architecture, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and Music, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.

What is the monthly stipend?

€2,000 for assistant teachers, assistant professors, and lecturers; €2,150 for professors.

What is the duration of the scholarship?

1 to 3 months. The grant is non-renewable and funding may only be claimed once within three years.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 31 August 2026.

What fields are eligible?

Architecture, Fine Arts, Film, Design, Visual Communication, Performing Arts, and Music.

How do I apply?

Apply online through the DAAD portal (portal.daad.de). The portal opens at least 6 weeks before the deadline.

What documents are required?

Online application form, CV, comprehensive statement of research project, time schedule, confirmation from German host, and valid identification.

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