DAAD Hilde Domin Programme for Students at Risk

Applicants must be nominated by a legally eligible Germany-based institution/organisation working in education, research, human rights, peace, democracy or rule of law; demonstrate a credible risk to safety or rights; hold qualifications enabling higher education; and have German or English around B2. They must not already reside in Germany or the EU at nomination. Published exclusions include human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy and law; arts/design/music/film/architecture nominations have additional rules.

Funding includes a monthly stipend, health/accident/personal-liability insurance, travel allowance and, where applicable, a two-, four- or six-month preparatory German course plus additional benefits. Support can last up to 24 months for master's and 48 months for doctoral study. It does not automatically grant university admission; a separate university application is required.

Prepare ID/passport, degrees and transcripts, CV, study/research plan, language evidence, university correspondence if available and a careful, supported account of the risk circumstances. The eligible nominator handles the nomination and risk form. Do not disclose sensitive details to unauthorised parties or provide inaccurate information.

1) Do not start with a direct application; identify an eligible organisation in Germany that can nominate you formally. 2) Share the necessary information confidentially and accurately. 3) If nominated and the initial check is passed, DAAD may invite you to its application portal. 4) Documents are checked and an independent committee makes selections. 5) Observe separate university deadlines where relevant. The winter 2027/2028 nomination deadline was 15 September 2026; invited candidates may have until 15 October under their own invitation. NEXA is not an eligible nominator; it can only provide separately priced document support without guaranteeing selection.