DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle) PhD 2027 Germany (Fully Funded)

International doctoral researchers have a fantastic opportunity to finish their PhD with academic supervision from both their home university and a German university thanks to the DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle) 2027 funding. The initiative, which is supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), seeks to improve academic exchange and international research cooperation.

Through this program, PhD students can continue their studies at their native university while conducting a portion of their research in Germany. Researchers can use cutting-edge research facilities, build global academic networks, obtain useful research experience in Germany, and profit from the knowledge of instructors and researchers at both universities.

The grant helps chosen doctorate researchers pay for significant costs associated with their research stay in Germany. Additionally, it may offer the chance to collaborate with scholars from other nations and engage in an international research setting.

The Cotutelle Model and the Bi-national Supervision (Sandwich Model) are the two funding mechanisms available to applicants. Under the Sandwich Model, PhD applicants typically stay enrolled at their home university while working with supervisors from both schools to complete research periods in Germany. The home and German universities collaborate to oversee the doctoral research under the Cotutelle Model, with agreements that result in a jointly awarded or jointly supervised doctorate degree.

All things considered, the DAAD program is a great chance for PhD researchers who wish to combine the facilities and research experience of German universities with the academic resources of their native country.

Scholarship Overview

Host Country: Germany
Funded By: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Host Universities: German Universities
Degree Level: PhD
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Eligible Nationalities: International Students
Application Period: August to October 2026

Degree Level

The DAAD scholarship supports doctoral-level study and research, including:

PhD
Doctoral Research
Doctoral Research Stay in Germany

Available Subjects

The scholarship is open to applicants from all academic disciplines. Some of the major fields include

Engineering
Natural Sciences
Medical Sciences
Computer Science
Social Sciences
Humanities
Law
Economics
Agriculture
Environmental Sciences
Arts
Education
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Interdisciplinary Research

Scholarship Options: DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees PhD 2027

The DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees program offers two funding models for international PhD researchers.

Option A – Bi-national Supervision (Sandwich Model)

Under this model:

The PhD starts at the applicant’s home university.
The researcher spends part of the doctoral program conducting research in Germany.
The dissertation is supervised by academic supervisors from both universities.
The doctoral researcher remains enrolled at the home university.
The doctoral degree is awarded by the home university.

Option B – Cotutelle Model

Under the Cotutelle model:

The PhD is jointly supervised by the home university and a German university.
Both universities establish a formal cooperation agreement for the doctoral program.
The researcher carries out research at both institutions according to the agreed study plan.
The doctoral thesis is jointly supervised by academics from both universities.
After successfully completing the PhD requirements, the doctoral degree is jointly awarded by both universities.

Eligibility Criteria for DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees PhD 2027 Germany

To apply for the DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle) 2027, applicants must meet the requirements of their chosen funding model.

For the Sandwich Model

Applicants should:

Possess a master’s degree or an equivalent certification prior to the start of the grant period.
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree might also be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Be enrolled in or intend to start a PhD program at their home university.
Possess an appropriate research project that can be completed in collaboration with a German university.

For the Cotutelle Model

Applicants must:

Be accepted into a PhD program prior to the start of the grant.
Plan for cooperative doctoral supervision between a German university and their home university.
Be able to fulfill the academic standards of both participating universities.

General Requirements

In addition, applicants should:

Have a strong academic record.
Submit a solid and comprehensive research proposal.
Find an appropriate academic supervisor at a German host institution.
Showcase the academic benefits of the research partnership between the two universities.
Demonstrate how their intended research stay in Germany will significantly advance their PhD project.

Scholarship Benefits DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees PhD 2027 Germany

Selected scholars of the DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle) PhD 2027 Germany can receive a range of financial and academic benefits, including:

€1,400 monthly stipend while conducting research in Germany.
Insurance for personal liability, health, and accidents.
Travel reimbursement for a maximum of three round-trip visits, subject to approval.
€460 research allowance to cover research-related costs.
Academic supervisors’ travel and lodging costs, if applicable.
Opportunity to conduct research at prestigious German universities and research facilities.
Online German language course before departure.
Option to attend a German language course for two, four, or six months before the research stay.
Reimbursement for applicable TestDaF or DSH examination fees.
Monthly rent assistance for qualified research stays lasting more than six months.
Family allowance for scholars accompanied by eligible family members.
Additional funding may be available, subject to approval, for researchers with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

These benefits give PhD candidates access to Germany’s strong academic and research environment while helping them manage the expenses associated with their research stay.

Application Procedure

Required Documents

Applicants generally need to prepare and submit the following documents:

Completed DAAD online application form.
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Detailed research proposal.
Study plan and research timeline.
Proof of doctoral admission for the Cotutelle Model.
Letter of invitation or supervision from the German host university.
Language proficiency certificate, if required.
List of academic publications, if available.
Any additional documents requested by DAAD or the relevant German university.

Selection Criteria

Applications are generally assessed based on several academic and research factors, including:

Academic excellence and achievements.
Quality, originality, and relevance of the research proposal.
Feasibility of the proposed research plan.
Previous research experience and publications.
Motivation for conducting research in Germany.
Potential contribution to the applicant’s future academic or professional career.
Value of collaboration and networking with German academic institutions.
Relevant language skills.
Extracurricular activities and community engagement, where applicable.

Application Process

To apply for the DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle) PhD 2027, applicants should follow these steps:

Review the eligibility requirements and scholarship details on the DAAD application portal.
Choose the appropriate funding model: Sandwich Model or Cotutelle Model.
Identify a suitable German university and academic supervisor.
Discuss your research project and supervision arrangements with the German host.
Prepare all required application documents.
Complete the online DAAD application form.
Upload all supporting documents in the required format.
Carefully review the application before submission.
Submit the application before the official deadline applicable to your country.

Important: Application deadlines and specific document requirements can vary by country and funding model. Applicants should check the official DAAD call for their country before submitting.

DAAD Cotutelle PhD Scholarship 2027 Deadlines

Pakistan: August 31, 2026
Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka: October 21, 2026
Other Countries: Deadlines generally range from August to October 2026, depending on the local DAAD Scholarship Database regional portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees program?

It is a DAAD funding opportunity that allows international PhD researchers to conduct doctoral research through cooperation between their home university and a German university.

2. Is the DAAD Cotutelle PhD Scholarship 2027 fully funded?

The program provides financial support, including a monthly stipend, insurance, travel support, research allowance, and other eligible benefits for the research stay in Germany.

3. What is the difference between the Sandwich Model and the Cotutelle Model?

Under the Sandwich Model, the researcher remains enrolled at their home university and conducts part of the research in Germany. Under the Cotutelle Model, the PhD is jointly supervised through a formal cooperation between the home and German universities.

4. Who can apply for the DAAD Cotutelle Scholarship?

International doctoral researchers who meet the academic and program-specific requirements can apply. Requirements may differ depending on whether they choose the Sandwich or Cotutelle model.

5. How much is the monthly DAAD PhD stipend?

Selected researchers can receive a monthly stipend of €1,400 during their research stay in Germany.

6. Does the scholarship cover travel expenses?

Yes. Travel reimbursement for up to three round trips may be provided, subject to approval and the applicable funding conditions.

7. Can I apply from Pakistan?

Yes. International applicants from eligible countries can apply according to the relevant DAAD call. For Pakistan, the stated deadline is August 31, 2026.

8. Do I need a German university supervisor?

Applicants generally need to identify an appropriate German host institution and academic supervisor for their research project.

9. What documents are required?

Common documents include a DAAD application form, CV, academic records, research proposal, study plan, proof of doctoral admission where applicable, and an invitation or supervision letter from the German host university.

10. What is the application deadline for the DAAD Cotutelle Scholarship 2027?

Deadlines vary by country. For Pakistan, the deadline is August 31, 2026, while applicants from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have a stated deadline of October 21, 2026.

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