Daad Bi-Nationally Supervised Doctoral Degree Cotutelle Scholarship 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Some doctoral candidates do not want to leave their home university entirely behind, and DAAD’s bi-national supervision programme is built exactly for them, funding time in Germany while keeping a candidate formally enrolled at home.
About the Scholarship
This programme supports two related models. Under the sandwich model, a candidate completes most of their doctorate at their home university while spending funded research periods in Germany under joint supervision. Under the cotutelle model, the candidate is formally admitted to a doctoral programme and works toward a jointly awarded degree, often resulting in recognition from both the home university and the German partner institution.
Funding only applies during the periods a candidate is physically in Germany, since the programme is designed to support the research stay itself rather than the candidate’s home-based enrollment.
Scholarship Benefits
- A monthly payment of around 1,400 euros during research stays in Germany
- Health, accident, and liability insurance while in Germany
- Research cost allowances
- Travel assistance between the home country and Germany
- Possible extensions of up to 24 months total, depending on academic progress
- The eventual possibility of a jointly recognized doctoral degree under the cotutelle model
Eligibility Criteria
- A master’s degree, Diplom, or in exceptional cases a bachelor’s degree, completed by the start of the funding period for the sandwich model
- Admission to a doctoral programme by the start of the funding period for the cotutelle model
- A confirmed bi-national supervision arrangement between a home university supervisor and a German university supervisor
- Continued enrollment at the home university throughout the arrangement
- Sufficient language skills, English or German, for the research environment in Germany
Fields of Study Covered
The programme is open to all academic disciplines, since funding decisions depend on the strength of the bi-national research arrangement and project rather than a fixed subject list.
Required Documents
- DAAD online application form
- A research proposal describing the doctoral project and the role of the German research stay within it
- Confirmation of joint supervision from both the home university and German university supervisors
- Proof of current enrollment or admission to a doctoral programme
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Two academic reference letters
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Identify a German university supervisor willing to co-supervise your doctoral research alongside your home university supervisor
- Agree on a bi-national supervision arrangement, specifying which model, sandwich or cotutelle, fits your situation
- Develop a research proposal explaining the role of the German research stay in your overall doctoral project
- Gather confirmation letters from both supervisors along with your CV and transcripts
- Submit the complete DAAD application before the relevant deadline
- Plan your research stay logistics once the grant is confirmed
Selection Process
DAAD reviews applications for the strength and feasibility of the bi-national research plan, the quality of the supervision arrangement on both sides, and the applicant’s academic record. A genuine, well-documented working relationship between both supervisors is central to a successful application.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Secure firm commitments from both supervisors in writing before submitting the application, rather than informal verbal agreements
- Be clear about which model, sandwich or cotutelle, applies to your situation, since the two have different documentation requirements
- Keep the research proposal focused on what the German research stay specifically contributes to the overall doctorate
- Plan realistic research stay periods that match your actual project timeline
- If your plans involve staying in Germany for the entire doctorate rather than splitting time between countries, consider the Max Planck International Max Planck Research School Doctoral Fellowship instead
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to leave my home university to use this scholarship?
No, this programme is specifically designed for candidates who remain enrolled at their home university while completing part of their research in Germany.
What is the difference between the sandwich and cotutelle models?
The sandwich model supports research stays within an existing home doctorate, while the cotutelle model works toward a jointly awarded degree recognized by both universities.
Is funding paid during time spent at my home university?
No, funding is only paid during the periods a candidate is physically in Germany for the agreed research stay.
How long can the funded research stay last?
Funding can extend up to 24 months in total, depending on the agreed project and academic progress.
Do I need a German supervisor lined up before applying?
Yes, a confirmed bi-national supervision arrangement with a German university supervisor is a core requirement.
Can this lead to a doctoral degree recognized in two countries?
Yes, under the cotutelle model specifically, the resulting degree can be jointly recognized by both the home and German universities.
Is this programme open to all academic fields?
Yes, it is open across disciplines, with funding depending on the strength of the bi-national research plan rather than a fixed subject list.
What happens if my German supervisor changes institutions during the project?
Any major change to the supervision arrangement generally needs to be reported and approved, since the funding is tied to the specific agreed arrangement.