HAW International Scholarship 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded)

HAW International Scholarship 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded), Germany is globally known for its strong education system, innovative research culture, and support for international collaboration. Among its many funding opportunities, the HAW International Scholarship 2026 stands out as a unique program that specifically supports doctoral candidates at German Universities of Applied Sciences (HAWs).

Unlike traditional scholarships aimed solely at tuition, this funding scheme focuses on research stays abroad. Its purpose is to strengthen international cooperation, provide doctoral researchers with access to foreign research facilities, and help them gain hands-on experience in the field of applied sciences.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about the HAW International Scholarship 2026:

• Key features of the scholarship

• Eligibility requirements

• Funding benefits

• Application process and required documents

• Visa procedures for international research stays

• Tips for a successful application

By the end of this blog, you will be fully equipped with the knowledge you need to plan, prepare, and submit a strong scholarship application.

Overview of the HAW International Scholarship

The HAW International Scholarship is part of an initiative to strengthen the internationalization of Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany. Unlike traditional universities, HAWs focus more on practice-oriented and applied research, often bridging the gap between academia and industry.

The scholarship allows doctoral candidates to spend 1–6 months abroad, conducting research that is directly tied to their doctoral project. This could include:

• Archival research

• Fieldwork in a specialized location

• Laboratory experiments at a foreign institution

• Collaborative work with a host university or research center

• Industry-related research in partnership with international organizations

The scholarship is typically offered in cycles, with deadlines announced well in advance, giving candidates enough time to prepare.

Key Points of the HAW International Scholarship 2026

To quickly understand what the program entails, here are its main highlights:

• Target Group: Doctoral researchers at German Universities of Applied Sciences (HAWs).

• Focus: Funding short-term international research stays.

• Duration: 1 to 6 months per grant.

• Maximum Funding: Up to 12 months total during the doctoral phase, split into two separate grants if needed.

• Funding Coverage: Monthly stipend, travel allowance, insurance, and a research allowance.

• Host Options: International universities, archives, libraries, research institutions, or industry labs.

• Application Route: Usually through the DAAD-supported HAW International program, coordinated via your home university’s International Office.

• Selection Criteria: Quality of project plan, relevance to doctoral research, host cooperation, and overall impact.

Eligibility Requirements for HAW International Scholarship 2026

To be considered, applicants must meet certain eligibility conditions. These requirements ensure that the scholarship remains focused on its core mission — supporting practice-oriented doctoral research.

1. Doctoral Enrollment

Applicants must be officially enrolled as doctoral candidates at a German HAW or be part of a cooperative doctoral program in which a HAW is actively involved.

2. Project Relevance

The research stay must be an essential component of the doctoral project. For example:

• Collecting primary data from archives or libraries

• Conducting experiments that require specialized facilities

• Fieldwork in a location relevant to the study

• Collaborations with foreign industry partners

3. Timing of Stay

The proposed research stay should fall within the active doctoral phase and align with the overall research timeline.

4. Nationality

The scholarship is open to all nationalities. Both German and international doctoral candidates at HAWs can apply.

5. Funding Conditions

Applicants must not already be receiving equivalent funding from another program for the same research stay. If partial funding is received from elsewhere, it must be declared.

6. Host Institution Support

Applicants must present a formal invitation or acceptance letter from the foreign host institution. This ensures the host is prepared to provide access, facilities, and supervision.

Benefits of the HAW International Scholarship 2026

The scholarship is designed to provide comprehensive financial and institutional support. Here’s what successful candidates can expect:

1. Monthly Stipend

A living allowance is provided to cover accommodation, meals, and daily expenses in the host country. The exact amount depends on the cost of living in the destination country.

2. Travel Allowance

A one-time travel grant is included to cover return airfare or travel costs to and from the host country.

3. Insurance Coverage

Health, accident, and liability insurance are usually included to ensure candidates are covered throughout their research stay.

4. Research and Conference Allowance

An additional monthly allowance may be provided to cover research expenses, conference fees, or small project-related costs.

5. Repeat Funding Opportunity

Doctoral candidates may apply for two separate grants, provided the total funded duration does not exceed 12 months.

Application Process for HAW International Scholarship 2026

The application process is structured to ensure that only well-prepared and feasible projects are selected. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Initial Preparation

• Discuss your plans with your doctoral supervisor.

• Identify a suitable host institution abroad.

• Draft a preliminary research plan.

Step 2: Secure Host Acceptance

Obtain a formal invitation letter from the host university, institute, or organization confirming acceptance and support for your research stay.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Typical documents required include:

• Application form

• CV (academic format)

• Research proposal (1–3 pages)

• Timeline of activities abroad

• Budget estimate

• Proof of doctoral enrollment

• Letter of recommendation from home supervisor

• Host institution’s confirmation letter

Step 4: Submit Application

Applications are usually submitted through your HAW’s International Office, which may pre-select candidates before forwarding to the scholarship committee.

Step 5: Review and Selection

Applications are reviewed based on:

• Quality and relevance of the research proposal

• Feasibility and timeline

• Institutional support from host and home supervisors

• Candidate’s academic profile

Step 6: Notification

Successful candidates receive an official award letter with details of the grant, funding amounts, and reporting requirements.

Visa Application Process for Research Stays Abroad

Depending on the host country and the duration of your research stay, you may need a visa. Below is a general guideline:

1. Check Visa Requirements

Different countries have different rules. Some allow short research stays without a visa, while others require a specific research or study visa.

2. Required Documents for Visa

• Passport valid for at least 6 months

• Invitation letter from host institution

• Scholarship award letter (proof of funding)

• Health insurance documents

• Proof of accommodation (if required)

• Completed visa application form

3. Application Timing

Apply at least 3–4 months in advance to avoid delays.

4. Registration Abroad

Some host countries require local registration with city or municipal authorities after arrival.

Duration and Reporting Requirements

• Duration: Each grant lasts 1–6 months. The maximum total across multiple grants is 12 months.

• Reporting: At the end of the stay, scholars must submit a final report, a financial summary, and sometimes a dissemination product such as a presentation or short article.

Timeline for HAW International Scholarship 2026

Here’s a suggested planning schedule:

• 12 months before stay: Identify host institution and discuss with supervisor.

• 9 months before stay: Secure host confirmation and start drafting research proposal.

• 6 months before stay: Collect required documents and apply through your HAW.

• 3 months before stay: Apply for visa and finalize travel plans.

• During stay: Conduct research, submit interim updates if required.

• After stay: Submit final report and financial documentation.

Tips for a Successful Application

1. Start early — Many applicants fail due to last-minute preparation.

2. Strong host support — A detailed invitation letter significantly strengthens your application.

3. Clear research plan — Demonstrate why the stay abroad is essential.

4. Budget wisely — Justify all costs clearly.

5. Highlight impact — Show how your stay will benefit your doctoral project and broader research community.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete applications

• Ignoring internal deadlines at your HAW

• Weakly defined research objectives

• Overlapping funding without clear explanation

• Late visa applications

Conclusion

The HAW International Scholarship 2026 offers a powerful opportunity for doctoral candidates at German Universities of Applied Sciences to gain international experience, conduct vital research abroad, and expand their academic networks.

By carefully preparing your application, securing strong institutional support, and planning early, you can maximize your chances of success.

Whether you plan to visit archives in another country, conduct fieldwork, or collaborate with a foreign laboratory, this scholarship provides the resources you need to make your research project impactful and globally connected.