PhDMonthly payments for doctoral candidates during the stay in Germany: 1,400 euros. (No scholarship payments during stays at the home university). Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance cover. Travel allowances for up to three outward and return journeys. A research allowance of € 460. Travel and accommodation expenses for supervising university teachers for one trip of up to 10 days. **Under certain circumstances, for uninterrupted stays of over 6 months:** Monthly rent subsidy. Monthly allowance for accompanying members of family. Subsidy for justified additional costs incurred due to disability or chronic illness. **German Language Learning Support:** Payment of course fees for an online language course. Potential funding for a 2, 4, or 6-month language course before the research stay (DAAD decides based on language skills and project). Allowance for a personally chosen German language course during the funding period. Reimbursement of the fee for a TestDaF or DSH test. **Note:** Benefits from third parties are partially credited towards the DAAD scholarship.

Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle

This program offers the opportunity to do a bi-national doctoral degree at your home university and at a university in Germany. There are two options: a) Doctorate with bi-national supervision (sandwich model) and b) Doctorate following the Cotutelle procedure. The scholarship funds research stays in Germany as part of a doctoral program and provides monthly payments, insurance, travel allowances, and language support. Eligibility requires specific academic qualifications and limits on prior residence in Germany. Applications are submitted online, and selection is based on academic achievement, research project quality, and applicant potential. Funding must begin in 2026.

Provider: DAAD EPOS
Host country: Germany
Deadline: The application deadlines are updated annually in the second quarter. In most cases, they are in the same period as the previous year. Funding must begin in 2026. The DAAD portal closes at 24:00 hrs. (CET or CEST) on the last application day. Specific dates are not provided in the current document, applicants should consult the official DAAD website for current deadlines.

Official source

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle is open to African students applying to study in Germany at the PhD level, with monthly payments for doctoral candidates during the stay in germany: 1,400 euros. (no scholarship payments during stays at the home university). payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance cover. travel allowances for up to three outward and return journeys. a research allowance of € 460. travel and accommodation expenses for supervising university teachers for one trip of up to 10 days. **under certain circumstances, for uninterrupted stays of over 6 months:** monthly rent subsidy. monthly allowance for accompanying members of family. subsidy for justified additional costs incurred due to disability or chronic illness. **german language learning support:** payment of course fees for an online language course. potential funding for a 2, 4, or 6-month language course before the research stay (daad decides based on language skills and project). allowance for a personally chosen german language course during the funding period. reimbursement of the fee for a testdaf or dsh test. **note:** benefits from third parties are partially credited towards the daad scholarship. funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: PhD · applicants for Germany
Funding: Monthly payments for doctoral candidates during the stay in Germany: 1,400 euros. (No scholarship payments during stays at the home university). Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance cover. Travel allowances for up to three outward and return journeys. A research allowance of € 460. Travel and accommodation expenses for supervising university teachers for one trip of up to 10 days. **Under certain circumstances, for uninterrupted stays of over 6 months:** Monthly rent subsidy. Monthly allowance for accompanying members of family. Subsidy for justified additional costs incurred due to disability or chronic illness. **German Language Learning Support:** Payment of course fees for an online language course. Potential funding for a 2, 4, or 6-month language course before the research stay (DAAD decides based on language skills and project). Allowance for a personally chosen German language course during the funding period. Reimbursement of the fee for a TestDaF or DSH test. **Note:** Benefits from third parties are partially credited towards the DAAD scholarship.
Study level: PhD
Deadline: The application deadlines are updated annually in the second quarter. In most cases, they are in the same period as the previous year. Funding must begin in 2026. The DAAD portal closes at 24:00 hrs. (CET or CEST) on the last application day. Specific dates are not provided in the current document, applicants should consult the official DAAD website for current deadlines.

Key eligibility criteria

* **General Eligibility:**
* Applicants should not have graduated longer than six years before the application deadline.
* If already pursuing a doctorate, the start of the doctorate should not be longer than three years ago.
* Applicants must not have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline.

See full eligibility criteria ↓

What the monthly payments for doctoral candidates during the stay in germany: 1,400 euros. (no scholarship payments during stays at the home university). payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance cover. travel allowances for up to three outward and return journeys. a research allowance of € 460. travel and accommodation expenses for supervising university teachers for one trip of up to 10 days. under certain circumstances, for uninterrupted stays of over 6 months: monthly rent subsidy. monthly allowance for accompanying members of family. subsidy for justified additional costs incurred due to disability or chronic illness. german language learning support: payment of course fees for an online language course. potential funding for a 2, 4, or 6-month language course before the research stay (daad decides based on language skills and project). allowance for a personally chosen german language course during the funding period. reimbursement of the fee for a testdaf or dsh test. note: benefits from third parties are partially credited towards the daad scholarship. award covers

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Research/thesis support
Language preparation

About the Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle (2026)

# DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle Scholarship Brief This brief provides comprehensive information for prospective applicants of the DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle scholarship program. It is designed to assist you in understanding the scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, application process, and key selection criteria. ## Overview The DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle program offers a unique opportunity for doctoral candidates to pursue their PhD studies under joint supervision between their home university and a university in Germany. The program aims to foster international academic collaboration and provide a rich research experience in Germany. Two distinct options are available: Option a) Doctorate with bi-national supervision (sandwich model) and Option b) Doctorate following the Cotutelle procedure. Both options fund research stays in Germany as part of a doctoral program. The program specifically targets individuals who wish to engage in cutting-edge research while benefiting from the academic expertise and resources of both their home institution and a German university, ultimately leading to a doctoral degree. ## Benefits Successful applicants receive substantial financial and academic support to facilitate their research stays in Germany. The scholarship provides monthly payments for doctoral candidates during their stay in Germany, amounting to 1,400 euros. It is important to note that no scholarship payments are made during stays at the home university. In addition to direct financial support, the scholarship covers payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance. Travel allowances for up to three outward and return journeys are provided, unless these expenses are covered by another source. A research allowance of €460 is also included. Furthermore, travel and accommodation expenses are covered for the supervising university teachers for one trip to either Germany or the home university to monitor progress or take part in final examinations. For uninterrupted stays of over 6 months in Germany, additional benefits may be available, such as a monthly rent subsidy and a monthly allowance for accompanying family members. In cases of disability or chronic illness, a subsidy may be provided for justified additional costs. To aid in integration and academic success, DAAD offers support for German language learning, including course fees for online language courses, potential funding for intensive language courses before the research stay, an allowance for a personally chosen German language course during the funding period, and reimbursement of fees for TestDaF or DSH tests. ## Eligibility To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet specific academic and residency criteria. Generally, applicants should not have graduated longer than six years before the application deadline. If already enrolled in a doctoral program, the start of the doctorate should not be longer than three years ago. A crucial condition is that applicants must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of the application deadline. The specific requirements also vary slightly depending on the chosen doctoral model. For Option a) Bi-national supervision based on the 'sandwich model', applicants must have earned a Master’s degree or Diplom (or, in exceptional cases, a Bachelor’s degree) at the latest at the start of the funding period. For Option b) Cotutelle model, applicants must have been admitted to a doctoral program at the latest at the start of the funding period. Different regulations may apply to applicants from the fields of human medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry. ## Required Documents Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive set of documents thought the DAAD portal. All documents should be uploaded to the portal after completing the online application. Non-certified scans of certificates, proof of credits, and translations are initially acceptable, but DAAD reserves the right to request certified copies. If documents are in a national language, German or English translations must be included. The mandatory documents include a full curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages, tabular form), a list of published publications (if applicable, max. 10 pages), and a letter of motivation (1-2 pages) describing academic and personal reasons for the project in Germany. A research proposal (max. 10 pages) is essential, to be prepared by the applicant and discussed with the German academic adviser. An informal schedule for the planned research work for the entire funding period, including possible extensions, is also required. Other critical documents include a declaration from the scientific supervisor in Germany regarding safety-relevant and ethical aspects, and proof of admission to/enrolment for doctoral studies at the home university (if applicable). Depending on the chosen option, applicants must provide either a written confirmation agreed and signed by both academic advisers (for bi-national supervision) or an individual cooperation contract (Cotutelle contract) or a confirmation from the German academic adviser if the contract is not yet available. Finally, one recent, supporting letter of recommendation from a university teacher is crucial. ## How to Apply The application process is conducted entirely online through the DAAD portal. Applicants must first register on the DAAD portal. After registration, the online application form needs to be completed in full. All required documents, as listed above, must be uploaded to the "Attachments" section of the DAAD portal. The application period generally runs from June until the stated application deadline. It is highly recommended to complete and submit the application well before the final deadline to avoid any potential technical issues that may arise on the last day. The DAAD portal closes at 24:00 hrs. (CET or CEST) on the last application day. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all necessary documents are submitted. The application documents remain with the DAAD, and personal data is saved in accordance with data protection regulations. The specific application deadlines are updated annually in the second quarter and are typically in the same period as the previous year. Access to the application portal is only available during the active application period. ## Key Dates The application deadlines for the Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle program are updated annually in the second quarter. While specific dates are not provided in the current information, it is stated that deadlines are usually in the same period as the previous year. The application period typically opens in June and extends until the stated application deadline. All funding must begin in 2026. Applicants are strongly advised to check the official DAAD website for the most up-to-date information on deadlines. The DAAD portal for applications closes precisely at 24:00 hrs. (CET or CEST) on the final application day. It is highly recommended to submit applications well in advance of this closing time to prevent any technical difficulties. ## Selection Criteria An independent selection committee, composed of specialist scientists, rigorously reviews all applications based on several key criteria. The selection criteria are broadly categorized into three areas: Qualification, Quality of Research Project, and Potential of Applicant. Qualification assesses academic achievements, including grade point average and the development of grades, academic progress, knowledge of instruction or working languages, and, if applicable, scholarly achievements such as publications, lectures, or conference papers. The Quality of Research Project criterion evaluates the originality, topicality, and relevance of the research proposal, the choice of the host institution, and initial contacts. It also considers the feasibility and consistency of the study plan and time schedule, and the project's incorporation within the overall doctorate. Finally, the Potential of Applicant criterion examines career prospects, assessing the significance of the research project and the stay in Germany for the applicant's further academic, professional, and personal development. Motivation, including academic and personal reasons for wanting to visit Germany and German language skills, is also considered, along with non-study-related activities, knowledge, skills, and civic engagement. The selection committee also prioritizes equal opportunities. ## Tips * **Start Early:** Begin preparing your application, especially your research proposal and securing supervisor confirmations, well in advance of the deadline. * **Thorough Research:** Carefully research potential German host institutions and supervisors to ensure a strong match for your research project. * **Craft a Strong Proposal:** Your research proposal is central to your application. Ensure it is original, timely, relevant, and demonstrates a clear understanding of your field. Discuss it thoroughly with your German academic adviser. * **Demonstrate Feasibility:** Present a realistic and well-structured study plan and time schedule that outlines how you intend to divide your time between Germany and your home university. * **Highlight Motivation:** Your letter of motivation should clearly articulate your academic and personal motivations for pursuing this scholarship in Germany and how it aligns with your career goals. * **Secure Strong Recommendations:** A compelling letter of recommendation from a university teacher can significantly strengthen your application. * **Proofread Meticulously:** Ensure all documents are free of errors and inconsistencies. * **Check Technical Requirements:** Familiarize yourself with the technical requirements for the DAAD portal and avoid submitting your application on mobile devices. * **Don't Wait Until the Last Minute:** Submit your application several days before the deadline to avoid any unforeseen technical issues. * **Review Important Information:** Thoroughly read the "Important Scholarship Information" on the DAAD website for additional details and clarifications on various aspects of the application and scholarship. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle scholarship, please refer to the official DAAD scholarship database: [https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=&q=&page=1&lang=en&sd=1&detail=57507783&page=1](https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=&q=&page=1&lang=en&sd=1&detail=57507783&page=1) Additional relevant DAAD websites for detailed information: * DAAD website 'Important information for DAAD scholarship applicants': [https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/important-information-for-scholarship-applicants/](https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/important-information-for-scholarship-applicants/) * DAAD website section 'Doing a PhD and Research in Germany': [https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/phd-studies-and-research/](https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/phd-studies-and-research/) * Website 'Research in Germany': [https://www.research-in-germany.org/en.html](https://www.research-in-germany.org/en.html) * Website 'GERiT – German Research Institutions': [https://www.gerit.org/en/](https://www.gerit.org/en/) This brief is based on the information provided on the official DAAD scholarship page and aims to provide an accurate summary for prospective applicants. Always consult the official source for the latest updates and detailed guidelines.

What the Monthly payments for doctoral candidates during the stay in Germany: 1,400 euros. (No scholarship payments during stays at the home university). Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance cover. Travel allowances for up to three outward and return journeys. A research allowance of € 460. Travel and accommodation expenses for supervising university teachers for one trip of up to 10 days. Under certain circumstances, for uninterrupted stays of over 6 months: Monthly rent subsidy. Monthly allowance for accompanying members of family. Subsidy for justified additional costs incurred due to disability or chronic illness. German Language Learning Support: Payment of course fees for an online language course. Potential funding for a 2, 4, or 6-month language course before the research stay (DAAD decides based on language skills and project). Allowance for a personally chosen German language course during the funding period. Reimbursement of the fee for a TestDaF or DSH test. Note: Benefits from third parties are partially credited towards the DAAD scholarship. Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Research/thesis support
Language preparation

Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle eligibility for Germany applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

* **General Eligibility:**
* Applicants should not have graduated longer than six years before the application deadline.
* If already pursuing a doctorate, the start of the doctorate should not be longer than three years ago.
* Applicants must not have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline.
* Different regulations may apply to applicants from human medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry.
* **Option a) Bi-national supervision ('sandwich model'):**
* Applicants must have earned a Master’s degree or Diplom (or in exceptional cases a Bachelor’s degree) at the latest at the start of the funding period.
* **Option b) Cotutelle model:**
* Applicants must have been admitted to a doctoral program at the latest at the start of the funding period.

Documents required for the Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=&q=&page=1&lang=en&sd=1&detail=57507783&page=1 and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "* **General Eligibility:** * Applicants should not have graduated longer than six years before the application deadline. * If already pursuing a doctorate, the start of the doctorate should not be longer than three years…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many DAAD EPOS awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=&q=&page=1&lang=en&sd=1&detail=57507783&page=1, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by The application deadlines are updated annually in the second quarter. In most cases, they are in the same period as the previous year. Funding must begin in 2026. The DAAD portal closes at 24:00 hrs. (CET or CEST) on the last application day. Specific dates are not provided in the current document, applicants should consult the official DAAD website for current deadlines. (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, DAAD EPOS will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the PhD level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by DAAD EPOS, and be able to relocate to Germany for the duration of the programme.

Is the Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle fully funded?+

Funding model: Monthly payments for doctoral candidates during the stay in Germany: 1,400 euros. (No scholarship payments during stays at the home university). Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance cover. Travel allowances for up to three outward and return journeys. A research allowance of € 460. Travel and accommodation expenses for supervising university teachers for one trip of up to 10 days. **Under certain circumstances, for uninterrupted stays of over 6 months:** Monthly rent subsidy. Monthly allowance for accompanying members of family. Subsidy for justified additional costs incurred due to disability or chronic illness. **German Language Learning Support:** Payment of course fees for an online language course. Potential funding for a 2, 4, or 6-month language course before the research stay (DAAD decides based on language skills and project). Allowance for a personally chosen German language course during the funding period. Reimbursement of the fee for a TestDaF or DSH test. **Note:** Benefits from third parties are partially credited towards the DAAD scholarship.. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is The application deadlines are updated annually in the second quarter. In most cases, they are in the same period as the previous year. Funding must begin in 2026. The DAAD portal closes at 24:00 hrs. (CET or CEST) on the last application day. Specific dates are not provided in the current document, applicants should consult the official DAAD website for current deadlines.. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Sponsor guides

DAAD Scholarships — full guide
Germany · Master's, PhD, Postdoc

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.