DAAD Re-Invitation Program 2027 in Germany

Introduction

The DAAD Re-Invitation Program 2027 is now open, but important upfront: this is exclusively for former DAAD scholarship holders, not a general scholarship open to new applicants. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, it allows eligible DAAD alumni to spend 1 to 3 months back at a state-recognized German university, research institute, or other host institution, fully funded with a monthly stipend, travel costs, and health insurance.

About the Organization

DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, is Germany's national agency for academic exchange. The Re-Invitation Program is specifically funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and exists to bring former DAAD scholarship recipients back to Germany for renewed research, academic collaboration, or professional projects, rather than to fund students studying in Germany for the first time.

Scholarship Overview

The program runs for 1 to 3 months, hosted at state-recognized German universities and research institutes. The deadline varies by country, so applicants need to check the official DAAD website for their specific country's timeline. There are two categories: the Re-Invitation Program for Former Scholarship Holders (for DAAD scholars whose funding lasted longer than six months and was financed by the German Federal Foreign Office, or former GDR scholarship holders who studied in Germany for at least one year), and the Re-Invitation Program for Former EPOS Scholarship Holders (for those who completed postgraduate studies under DAAD's development-related EPOS program). The program supports research projects, academic collaborations, and professional stays in business, public administration, cultural institutions, or media organizations.

Eligibility Explained

• Applicants from all nationalities are eligible.
• Must be a former DAAD scholarship holder meeting the specific category requirements (standard Re-Invitation or EPOS Re-Invitation).
• Must not have lived in Germany during the last three years.
• Must obtain an invitation or acceptance from a German host institution before applying.
• Must submit all required documents through the DAAD online application portal.

Benefits Explained

• A monthly stipend.
• Round-trip travel expenses.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Support for short-term research or professional stays in Germany.

Required Documents

• Completed online application form.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Research or work plan.
• Invitation letter from the German host institution.
• Academic certificates.
• Passport copy.
• Any additional documents requested by DAAD for your specific country.

Application Process (Step by Step)

1. Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements for either the standard Re-Invitation category or the EPOS Re-Invitation category.
2. Secure an invitation or acceptance letter from a German host institution before applying, this is a mandatory prerequisite.
3. Select your country on the official DAAD website to view country-specific requirements and deadlines.
4. Prepare your CV, research or work plan, academic certificates, and passport copy.
5. Submit your complete application through the DAAD online application portal before your country's specific deadline.

How to Improve Your Chances

• Secure your host institution invitation early, since the formal application cannot proceed without it.
• Write a clear, specific research or work plan that shows genuine continuity with your original DAAD-funded studies or research.
• Check your country-specific deadline on the DAAD website as early as possible, since these vary and are easy to miss.
• Confirm you haven't lived in Germany during the past three years before investing time in the application, this is a firm eligibility requirement.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without first understanding this program is for DAAD alumni only, not open to new applicants without a prior DAAD scholarship.
• Attempting to apply without a confirmed invitation from a German host institution.
• Overlooking the three-year non-residency requirement in Germany.
• Assuming a single universal deadline applies, deadlines vary by country and must be checked individually.

FAQs

Can anyone apply, or only past DAAD scholars? Only former DAAD scholarship holders meeting the specific category requirements can apply.

How long is the program? 1 to 3 months.

Is there an application fee? No, there is no application fee.

Do I need a host institution invitation before applying? Yes, this is a mandatory prerequisite before submitting your formal application.

Final Advice

For former DAAD scholarship holders looking to reconnect with Germany's research and academic community, whether through renewed research, professional collaboration, or continued academic work, the Re-Invitation Program offers a fully funded, flexible route back. Secure your host institution invitation first, and check your country's specific deadline on the DAAD website early, since timelines vary considerably by country.

Key Details at a Glance

• Host Country: Germany
• Funded By: German Federal Foreign Office
• Host Institutions: State-recognized German Universities and Research Institutes
• Program Duration: 1 to 3 Months
• Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
• Deadline: Varies by country
• Eligible Applicants: Former DAAD scholarship holders and DAAD EPOS alumni only

Disclaimer: Program details, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change by DAAD and the German Federal Foreign Office. Applicants should verify all current information directly on the official DAAD website before applying.