The Hilde Domin Programme 2027 is a scholarship offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with funding from the Federal Foreign Office (AA). It aims to support students and doctoral candidates worldwide who face risks that may limit their educational or personal rights in their home countries. This scholarship allows them to pursue or complete a study or research degree at a German higher education institution. The programme provides a safe environment for study and research, enabling recipients to develop skills to contribute to political, social, and economic progress in their home countries or elsewhere.
Overview
Key facts about the Hilde Domin Programme 2027:
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Provider: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
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Level of Study: Master’s degree, Doctoral degree
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Eligible Countries: Worldwide
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Host Institutions: Higher education institutions in Germany
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Fields of Study: All academic disciplines except human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and law. Fields in visual arts, performing arts, design, visual communication, music, film, and architecture require nomination from accredited higher education institutions.
Scholarship Benefits
The Hilde Domin Programme 2027 provides:
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Monthly scholarship payment: €992 for master’s students; €1,300 for doctoral candidates
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Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
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Travel allowance from country of origin or current residence
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Participation in a preparatory German language course (2, 4, or 6 months), if needed
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Additional financial benefits as necessary to support study or research
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all the following conditions:
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Target Group: Students pursuing a master’s degree and doctoral candidates who are at risk of being denied educational or personal rights due to ethnic, sexual, gender, religious identity, or political/civic engagement
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Nomination: Candidates cannot apply directly; they must be nominated by a German-based institution or organization active in research, teaching, human rights, peace, democracy, or rule of law
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Academic Qualifications: Possess educational certificates enabling entry to a higher education institution, verified via the anabin database
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Language Skills: Sufficient German or English proficiency (minimum B2) by nomination deadline
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Residency: Must not already be residing in Germany or the EU at the time of nomination
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Fields Restricted: Human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, law
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Special Arts Fields: For visual arts, performing arts, design, visual communication, music, film, and architecture, nominations must include a letter from the accredited institution confirming academic ability and willingness to enrol the candidate
Required Documents
Applicants must submit:
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Completed nomination form by the nominating institution
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Questionnaire describing the nominee’s risk situation
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Application documents via DAAD online portal (after DAAD contacts suitable candidates)
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Language certificates (if required)
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Additional documents as specified during the DAAD online application process
Application Timeline
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Planned start of studies: Summer semester 2027
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Nominations by institutions: Until 15th March 2026
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Application period: 17th March to 15th April 2026
How to Apply
Step-by-step instructions:
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Nomination:
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Eligible candidates must be nominated by a German institution or organization.
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Institutions fill in the online nomination form and submit a risk description questionnaire.
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Only one nomination per candidate is necessary; multiple nominations do not offer an advantage.
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Initial Review:
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DAAD performs a plausibility check of nominations.
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Suitable candidates are contacted and invited to apply via the DAAD online portal.
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Application Submission:
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Candidates upload required documents via the DAAD online application portal.
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DAAD verifies completeness and formal correctness of documents.
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Selection Process:
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An independent DAAD-appointed committee assesses risk status and academic performance.
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Selected candidates are awarded the scholarship.
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Additional Notes:
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Only nominations from eligible institutions are considered.
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Nominations through email, post, or fax are not accepted.
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Scholarship places are limited, so institutions should nominate candidates with strong academic prospects and verified language skills.
Official Website
For full details and official instructions: https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships-database/
FAQs
1. Who can be nominated for the Hilde Domin Programme 2027?
Students aiming for a master’s degree and doctoral candidates worldwide at risk of losing educational or personal rights in their home country.
2. Can candidates apply directly?
No, candidates must be nominated by eligible German institutions or organizations.
3. What disciplines are excluded from the scholarship?
Human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and law. Certain arts fields require a nomination from accredited institutions.
4. How long is the scholarship awarded?
Up to 24 months for master’s students and up to 48 months for doctoral candidates.
5. What are the language requirements?
Applicants must have sufficient knowledge of German or English (minimum B2) to complete their study or research programme.
Conclusion
The Hilde Domin Programme 2027 offers a unique opportunity for students and doctoral candidates facing risks in their home countries to pursue higher education safely in Germany. Applicants should work closely with eligible institutions for nomination, prepare all required documents carefully, and submit applications within the official deadlines to increase their chances of receiving this scholarship.
