DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships

Overview

The DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships are a joint programme run by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and DAAD. They bring highly qualified international researchers to a DLR institute to work on aeronautics, space, transportation or energy. Unlike most DAAD scholarships, you apply for a position at a specific DLR institute rather than at a university, and the offers are tied to current research openings.

The programme is organised into types that match your career stage, from graduate students through to senior scientists, and the monthly amount rises with each level. Each fellowship also comes with travel support, health insurance and possible rent and family allowances, so the package adapts to who you are and how long you stay.

Because fellowships are linked to live institute offers, the timing works differently from the annual DAAD calendar. Positions are generally filled on a first-come, first-served basis as they appear, so you watch the current offers list and apply when a relevant opening is posted.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Requirements depend on the type you apply for. Type A is for graduate students who have completed a Bachelor's and are enrolled in a Master's. Type B is for doctoral candidates whose degree was completed within six years. Type C is for postdocs who finished a PhD within two years. Type D is for senior scientists working in higher education or research who normally hold a doctorate. Across all types you need outstanding study or research achievements.

Nationality Requirements

You must not hold German nationality, or you must show that you have lived outside Germany for six years or more. The fellowship is for international researchers coming to work at a DLR institute.

Language Requirements

You need an excellent command of English, which is the working language. Knowledge of German is an advantage but is not required.

Age & Other Requirements

There is no fixed age limit. The key constraints are the type-specific time windows since your last degree, and the rule that you can only apply for a DLR institute, not a university or any other institution.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Monthly stipend by level: EUR 992 (Type A), EUR 1,760 (Type B), EUR 2,400 (Type C) and EUR 2,760 (Type D)
• Travel allowance
• Health insurance
• Possible rent subsidy
• Possible family allowances
• Disability or chronic-illness support where applicable

How to Apply

1. Find a DLR offer: check the current fellowship offers and identify an opening that matches your field and career stage.
2. Register in the DAAD portal: create your account and request recommendation forms for your referees.
3. Prepare your documents: scan everything as PDFs, following the document list for your type.
4. Complete the online application: fill in the form, attach your cover page and motivation statement, and upload your documents.
5. Submit: send the application; because allocation is first come, first served, apply promptly once an offer is open.

Required Documents

• Completed online form and cover page
• Statement of motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcripts of records
• Degree certificate appropriate to your type
• Proof of English proficiency
• List of publications (for doctoral, postdoctoral and senior applicants)
• Thesis abstract where required
• One recommendation letter for Type A; two for Types B and C

Key Dates & Deadlines

There is no single annual deadline. Fellowships are tied to specific DLR institute offers and are generally assessed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. Check the current offers list for open positions and apply as soon as a suitable one appears, since strong openings can fill quickly.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Match your application precisely to an open DLR institute offer and its research theme
• Apply early, because allocation runs first come, first served
• Show outstanding, relevant achievements in aeronautics, space, transport or energy
• Submit a clean, complete document set for your specific type

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying to a university instead of a DLR institute, which is not allowed under this programme
• Submitting fewer recommendation letters than your type requires
• Weak English documentation when English is the working language
• Waiting too long after an offer opens

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships?

They are joint fellowships from the German Aerospace Center and DAAD that let international researchers work at a DLR institute in aeronautics, space, transportation or energy.

Who is eligible for the DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships?

Non-German researchers, or those resident outside Germany for six or more years, with outstanding achievements, applying at the graduate, doctoral, postdoctoral or senior level.

How much do the DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships pay?

The monthly amount depends on your type: EUR 992 for Type A, EUR 1,760 for Type B, EUR 2,400 for Type C and EUR 2,760 for Type D, plus travel and insurance.

Can I apply for a university position with the DLR-DAAD Fellowship?

No. You can only apply for a DLR institute, not a university or any other institution.

What research fields do the DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships cover?

Aeronautics, space, transportation and energy.

Do I need to speak German for the DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships?

No. You need excellent English, which is the working language. German is an advantage but not required.

When is the deadline for the DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships?

There is no single deadline. Applications are tied to specific DLR institute offers and are generally assessed first come, first served.

How long do the DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships last?

The duration varies by type, from a few months for senior scientists to up to around three years for doctoral candidates, depending on the offer.

How many recommendation letters do the DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships need?

Type A needs one recommendation letter, while Types B and C need two.

Do the DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships include insurance?

Yes. Health insurance is part of the package, along with a travel allowance and possible rent and family allowances.

How do I find an open DLR-DAAD Fellowship position?

Check the current fellowship offers list, find an opening that matches your field and stage, and apply through the DAAD portal.