DAAD Conference Travel Scholarship 2026 for Doctoral Researchers and Students
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Are you a doctoral student or researcher looking to present your work at an international conference abroad? The DAAD Conference Travel Program, funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, offers financial support for active participation in global scientific congresses and conferences. Whether presenting online or in person, this program ensures that international knowledge exchange is accessible and climate-friendly.
Program Objective
The aim of this DAAD program is to promote academic visibility and networking opportunities for doctoral students and researchers. It supports scholars who are actively participating in international conferences, defined as giving an oral presentation, poster presentation, or panel contribution. Both in-person and online participation can be funded.
Who Can Apply?
This program is open exclusively to:
- Doctoral researchers
- Doctoral students
Applicants must demonstrate that they will be presenting their own scientific contribution at the event. Detailed eligibility criteria are provided in the DAAD FAQs.
What is Funded?
Funding depends on the type of participation and the travel distance, with four distinct categories:
| Funding Category | Definition | What’s Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 – Online Participation | Attending international conferences virtually | Reimbursement of registration fee, 1-year membership fee, and abstract fees (max. 1 abstract). Up to 3 approvals per year. |
| Category 2 – In-Person Short Distance | Travel up to 600 km (excluding the UK, which falls in Category 3) | Travel allowance, daily flat-rate stay allowance, €300 material cost allowance, plus a Green Mobility Top-Up (€50+ each way) if traveling by train, bus, or coach. |
| Category 3 – In-Person Medium Distance | Travel between 601 km and 3,700 km (including the UK) | Travel allowance, daily flat-rate stay allowance, €300 material cost allowance. Extra Green Mobility Top-Up for climate-friendly transport. If flying, 50% of CO2 offset costs reimbursed. |
| Category 4 – In-Person Long Distance | Travel of 3,701 km or more | Travel allowance, daily flat-rate stay allowance, €300 material cost allowance. 50% reimbursement of CO2 offset costs (if chosen). Note: Funding in this category is limited and highly competitive. |
Important Update (as of September 10, 2025):
For travel months up to February 2026, Category 4 funding (long-distance) is no longer available due to overwhelming demand. Applications are still open for Categories 1–3.
Why Apply for the DAAD Conference Travel Program?
Participating in international conferences can be a turning point in your research journey—building collaborations, receiving global recognition, and engaging with peers across disciplines. The DAAD program not only covers financial costs but also promotes sustainable travel and academic inclusivity.
For doctoral researchers aiming to showcase their work on an international stage without financial burden, this program is a golden opportunity.
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