DAAD Bilateral Exchange of Academics 2025 for Postdoctoral Researchers: Funding Opportunity
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has officially launched the 2025 Bilateral Exchange of Academics Programme, inviting postdoctoral researchers, university lecturers, and experienced scientists to apply for research stays in Germany. The initiative seeks to strengthen international academic cooperation and foster bilateral relations between German institutions and their counterparts abroad.
Funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this programme is rooted in cultural exchange agreements and bilateral partnerships established between Germany and various countries. The primary objective is to support short-term research stays that promote academic dialogue and collaboration.
Programme Overview
This exchange programme is designed to facilitate reciprocal visits between researchers in Germany and those in partner countries. It is not intended for lecture tours or conference visits, but strictly for research-focused academic exchanges at recognized institutions.
Funding Details
Eligible institutions for research stays include:
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State or state-recognized universities in Germany
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Accredited non-university research institutes
Funding Duration:
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Minimum of 14 days for most countries
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Minimum of 7 days for applicants from EU countries, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Ukraine
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Maximum stay of up to 3 months
Applicants must specify their proposed duration in the application form. The final decision on the funding period will be made during the selection process, considering the feasibility and structure of the research plan.
Monthly Stipend Amounts:
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€2,000 for assistant lecturers, assistant professors, and lecturers
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€2,150 for full professors
Travel Costs:
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Typically covered by the sending country, unless stipulated otherwise by a bilateral agreement
Additional Support for Health and Accessibility Needs:
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In cases of disability or chronic illness, additional costs not covered by other funding sources may be subsidized. See more info.
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Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. If not already covered by the applicant’s home insurance, DAAD will provide coverage and deduct the cost from the scholarship
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, applicants must:
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Hold a doctoral degree
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Be currently employed at a university or research institution in their home country
Selection is based on:
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Demonstrated academic achievement
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Documented publication history
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A clear, structured, and compelling research proposal
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted online via the DAAD portal and should include the following documents:
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Completed application form
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Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages)
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List of academic publications (max. 3 pages)
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Detailed research proposal (max. 10 pages)
(Refer to Section B, Point 2 in DAAD’s “Important information for scholarship applicants”) -
Timeline for research stay, including details of the host institution and academic supervisor
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Written confirmation from a German host institution, confirming academic cooperation and commitment to providing a workplace
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Language certificate demonstrating proficiency in the research language (German, English, or other)
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Copy and certified translation of the most recent academic degree
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German or English translations of all documents originally in another language
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by August 15, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their materials well in advance to ensure completeness and accuracy.
APPLY NOW
For more information and to begin your application, visit the official DAAD Programme Page
