The DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship 2026/2027 offers a lifeline to students and doctoral candidates worldwide who face persecution, violence, or denial of educational rights in their home countries. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA) and administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this prestigious programme provides fully funded opportunities to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at German universities in a safe and secure environment.
Named after the renowned German-Jewish poet Hilde Domin (1909-2006), who spent over two decades in exile after fleeing Nazi persecution, this scholarship embodies the spirit of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education. Since its launch in April 2021, the programme has supported over 160 scholars at more than 60 German higher education institutions. Learn more about the Hilde Domin Programme and discover how you can access this life-changing opportunity.
DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship: Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
| Scholarship Name | DAAD Hilde Domin Programme |
| Funder | German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) |
| Administrator | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
| Host Country | Germany |
| Study Levels | Master’s Degree and Doctoral/PhD |
| Funding Duration | Up to 24 months (Master’s) / Up to 48 months (PhD) |
| Monthly Stipend | EUR 992 (Master’s) / EUR 1,300 (PhD) |
| Additional Benefits | Health insurance, travel allowance, language course |
| Target Group | At-risk students and doctoral candidates worldwide |
| Application Method | By nomination only (cannot apply directly) |
| Nomination Deadline | March 15, 2026 (for Summer Semester 2027) |
| Application Period | March 17 – April 15, 2026 |
| Official Website | daad.de/hilde-domin-programme |
Who Was Hilde Domin? The Poet Behind the Programme
Hilde Domin (born Hildegard Dina Löwenstein, July 27, 1909 – February 22, 2006) was a celebrated German writer, poet, and essayist of Jewish faith. Her remarkable life story of displacement, resilience, and eventual return to Germany serves as the inspiration for this scholarship programme.
Recognizing the dangerous political developments in Germany at an early stage, Domin fled to Italy in 1932. When the Italian racial laws of 1938 made Europe unsafe, she and her husband escaped via the United Kingdom and Canada to the Dominican Republic, which became her self-chosen namesake (‘Domin’). She spent over 20 years in exile before returning to Germany in 1954, aided in part by a DAAD scholarship for her husband.
“You have to be able to walk away and still be like a tree. As if the root remained in the ground, as if the landscape moved and we stood firm.” – Hilde Domin
Known as the ‘poet of return,’ Domin’s poetry reflects themes of exile, displacement, and resilience. She received numerous honours including the Carl Zuckmayer Medal, the Nelly Sachs Prize, and the Grand Federal Cross of Merit. Her legacy now lives on through this scholarship programme that provides safety and educational opportunities to students facing similar challenges today.
About the DAAD Hilde Domin Programme
Launched in April 2021 with an initial investment of EUR 8.6 million until 2027, the Hilde Domin Programme serves as an ‘academic shelter’ for students and researchers who face threats or persecution. The programme enables at-risk individuals to begin or complete their studies at any of Germany’s world-class higher education institutions.
Programme Objectives
- Protection: Shield students and researchers facing political persecution, violence, arrest, or denial of civil/educational rights
- Education: Provide access to world-class German higher education in a secure environment
- Development: Enable beneficiaries to contribute to political, economic, and social development upon completion
- Capacity Building: Strengthen academic and professional capacity through interdisciplinary training
- Freedom: Support academic freedom at a time when it is declining worldwide
According to the latest Academic Freedom Index, academic freedom is declining globally. Germany remains a safe haven for students and doctoral candidates who are prevented from freely continuing their studies. The programme continues to see demand that far exceeds available funding, with approximately 20 nominations received for each available scholarship.
Scholarship Benefits and Funding
The DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to cover all necessary costs during your study or research stay in Germany:
- Monthly Stipend: EUR 992 for Master’s students or EUR 1,300 for doctoral candidates
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
- Travel Allowance: Based on your country of origin or current residence
- German Language Course: 2, 4, or 6-month preparatory course if required for your programme
- Additional Financial Benefits: Various supplementary allowances as applicable
- Family Allowance: Marital and child allowances available if family resides in Germany
- Family Insurance: Spouse and children can be insured through DAAD if needed
- Interdisciplinary Training: Additional academic and professional development programmes
Funding Duration
- Master’s Degree: Up to 24 months of funding
- Doctoral/PhD: Up to 48 months (4 years) of funding
Post-Study Opportunities: After completing your studies, you are not required to leave Germany immediately. You can apply for a residence permit to search for employment (18 months) or for direct employment if you have secured a job related to your degree.
Eligible Fields of Study
The Hilde Domin Programme is open to students and doctoral candidates from all academic disciplines currently offered at German higher education institutions, with the following exceptions:
Excluded Disciplines
- Human Medicine
- Dentistry
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Law
Special Requirements for Arts Disciplines
Candidates in the following fields can only be nominated by accredited higher education institutions and require a letter confirming academic ability and willingness to enroll:
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts
- Design
- Visual Communication
- Music
- Film
- Architecture
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship, candidates must meet specific criteria related to their risk status and academic qualifications.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Students (aiming for a Master’s degree) and doctoral candidates worldwide who are at risk of being formally or de facto denied educational rights in their country of origin due to:
- Ethnic Identity – persecution based on ethnicity or national origin
- Sexual Identity – persecution based on sexual orientation
- Gender Identity – persecution based on gender or gender expression
- Religious Identity – persecution based on religious beliefs or practices
- Political/Civic Engagement – participation in groups or individual actions based on liberal democratic principles aspiring to contribute to positive social change
Academic Requirements
- Educational Certificates: Must possess certificates enabling entrance to a German higher education institution (verified via anabin database)
- Language Proficiency: B2 level in German or English by nomination deadline
- Demonstrable Risk: Must prove or credibly demonstrate threat to personal well-being or safety
- Good Academic Prospects: Must show strong potential for successful study in Germany
- Recent Academic Activity: Last academic qualification or enrollment not more than 6 years old
Residency Restrictions
Important: Candidates must NOT already be residing in Germany or the European Union at the time of nomination.
Excluded Countries: Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: EU/EEA/EFTA countries, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the United Kingdom.
Exception: The residency requirement is not applicable to students who are displaced by war.
Who Can Nominate Candidates?
Critical: Candidates CANNOT apply directly for the Hilde Domin Programme. All candidates must be nominated by an eligible institution or organization based in Germany.
Nominations can be made by the management (presidiums/rectorates) of institutions or organizations that are legal entities domiciled in Germany and carry out activities in:
- Science, Research, and Teaching – German universities, research institutions, academic organizations
- Human Rights Protection – Organizations working to protect and promote human rights
- Democracy Promotion – Organizations supporting democratic principles and governance
- Rule of Law – Organizations working to strengthen legal systems and justice
- Peace Promotion – Organizations dedicated to peacebuilding and conflict resolution
Note: Multiple nominations by different institutions do NOT provide any advantage. One nomination per candidate is sufficient. Nominating institutions may nominate as many candidates as they deem eligible.
Required Documents
For Nomination (submitted by nominating institution)
- Official Nomination Form – Completed online via DAAD portal
- Risk Description Form – Detailed questionnaire on candidate’s risk situation
For Application (submitted by candidate after DAAD invitation)
- DAAD Online Application – Complete application via DAAD portal
- Educational Certificates – Copies of degrees, transcripts (German/English translations if needed)
- Language Certificate – Proof of German or English proficiency (B2 level minimum)
- Risk Documentation – Evidence of threat: written reports, official documents, witness statements, asylum status confirmation
- Academic Transcripts – Current grades if still enrolled
- University Admission Letter – Required for arts disciplines; recommended for others
Important: Certified copies may be requested. Documents in languages other than German or English require certified translations. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Application Timeline 2026/2027
| Stage | Deadline/Period |
| Nominations Open | Ongoing (submit anytime) |
| Nomination Deadline (Summer Semester 2027) | March 15, 2026 |
| DAAD Plausibility Check | Following nomination deadline |
| DAAD Invites Candidates to Apply | March 17, 2026 |
| Application Period | March 17 – April 15, 2026 |
| Selection by Independent Committee | Following application deadline |
| Programme Start | Summer Semester 2027 |
Note: Two selection rounds occur per year (Summer and Winter semesters). If no application is received within the application period, the candidate must be nominated again at the next deadline.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Since candidates cannot apply directly, the process requires coordination with a nominating institution.
- Identify Your Risk Situation: Gather documentation proving threats to your well-being or denial of educational rights (written reports, official documents, witness statements, asylum status)
- Find a Nominating Institution: Contact German universities, human rights organizations, or other eligible institutions based in Germany
- Prepare Academic Documents: Collect certificates, transcripts, and translations. Verify recognition via the anabin database
- Demonstrate Language Proficiency: Obtain B2-level certificate in German or English (TestDaF, DSH, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
- Institution Submits Nomination: The nominating institution completes the online nomination form and risk description questionnaire
- DAAD Conducts Plausibility Check: DAAD reviews the nomination and risk situation documentation
- Receive DAAD Invitation: If eligible, DAAD contacts you to submit your full application via the online portal
- Submit Complete Application: Upload all required documents within the application period
- Selection Committee Review: An independent DAAD committee evaluates both risk status and academic performance
- Receive Decision and Prepare: If selected, proceed with visa application and university enrollment (your responsibility)
Tips for a Successful Application
- Document Your Risk Thoroughly: Provide comprehensive evidence of threats: personal accounts, official documents, social media evidence, witness statements
- Start Early: Contact nominating institutions well before the deadline; building relationships takes time
- Verify Academic Recognition: Check the anabin database to confirm your qualifications are recognized in Germany
- Prepare Language Certificates: Obtain your B2 certificate early; language courses may be needed before the programme
- Research Study Programmes: Use DAAD’s database to find suitable programmes at German universities
- Apply to Universities Separately: The scholarship does not guarantee university admission; apply to multiple institutions
- Be Honest and Accurate: Ensure all information is truthful and documentation is authentic
- Prepare for Visa Process: Research visa requirements early; DAAD provides funding documents but visa arrangement is your responsibility
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply directly for the Hilde Domin Scholarship?
No. You must be nominated by an eligible German institution or organization. Direct applications are not accepted.
Can I be nominated if I’m already in the EU?
No. Candidates must not be residing in Germany or any EU country at the time of nomination. The exception is for students displaced by war.
What does ‘at-risk’ mean for this programme?
Risk status means you face threats to your personal well-being, particularly your right to education and safety, due to your identity (ethnic, sexual, gender, religious) or political/civic engagement based on liberal democratic principles.
How can I prove my risk status?
Evidence includes personal written accounts, official documents, social media posts documenting threats, letters detailing specific incidents, witness statements, and official confirmation of refugee status or asylum eligibility.
Can I bring my family to Germany?
Yes. You can bring your spouse and children. If they reside in Germany, you may apply for family allowances (marital and child allowances). Family members can also be insured through DAAD if needed.
Do I need to leave Germany after completing my studies?
No. After graduation, you can apply for a residence permit to search for employment (18 months) or for direct employment if you have secured a job related to your degree.
Does a scholarship guarantee university admission?
No. A successful scholarship application does not automatically provide a university place. You must apply separately to German universities.
What if I don’t have sufficient German language skills?
The scholarship can fund a preparatory German language course of 2, 4, or 6 months depending on your current level and programme requirements. You need at least B2 level in German or English by the nomination deadline.
Need Help Finding a Nominating Institution?
Navigating the nomination process for the Hilde Domin Programme can be challenging, especially when seeking a German institution to support your case. ScholyHub Consultants provides expert guidance to help at-risk students connect with nominating institutions, prepare compelling documentation, and navigate the application process successfully.
Take the first step toward safety and education. Learn more about the DAAD Hilde Domin Programme and explore how German higher education can transform your future.
Related Programmes for At-Risk Scholars
- Philipp Schwartz Initiative: Humboldt Foundation programme for threatened researchers
- Martin Roth Initiative: Support for at-risk artists and cultural professionals
- Elisabeth-Selbert-Initiative: ifa programme for at-risk human rights defenders
For more scholarship opportunities, visit ScholyHub – your trusted resource for international education funding.