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

The DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle) 2027 scholarship offers international doctoral researchers the opportunity to complete a jointly supervised PhD between their home university and a university in Germany. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the program promotes international research collaboration while providing financial support for research stays in Germany.

Applicants can choose between two funding models: the Bi-national Supervision (Sandwich Model) or the Cotutelle Model, allowing doctoral candidates to conduct research under the supervision of academics from both institutions.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Germany
• Funded By: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• Scholarship Name: Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle) 2027
• Degree Level: PhD
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Eligible Nationalities: International Students
• Funding Duration: 7 to 24 Months
• Monthly Stipend: €1,400
• Application Mode: Online
• Funding Start: 2027

Selected scholars will receive:

• Monthly stipend of €1,400 during research stays in Germany
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
• Travel allowance for up to three round trips (upon approval)
• Research allowance of €460
• Travel and accommodation support for academic supervisors
• Opportunity to conduct research at leading German universities
• Online German language course before departure
• Possible 2-, 4-, or 6-month German language course before the research stay
• Reimbursement of TestDaF or DSH examination fees
• Monthly rent subsidy (for eligible stays longer than six months)
• Family allowance for accompanying family members (if eligible)
• Additional financial support for researchers with disabilities or chronic illnesses (subject to approval)

Scholarship Options

Option A – Bi-national Supervision (Sandwich Model)

Under this model:

• The PhD begins at the applicant's home university.
• Research visits are carried out in Germany.
• The dissertation is supervised by both home and German supervisors.
• 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.
• A formal cooperation agreement is signed between both universities.
• Upon successful completion, both universities jointly award the doctoral degree.

The scholarship supports:

• PhD
• Doctoral Research

The scholarship is open to applicants from all academic disciplines, including but not limited to:

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

The scholarship is open to international students from all countries who meet the eligibility requirements.

Applicants must satisfy one of the following:

For the Sandwich Model

• Hold a Master's degree or equivalent before the funding begins.
• In exceptional cases, applicants with a Bachelor's degree may be considered.

For the Cotutelle Model

• Be admitted to a doctoral program before the scholarship starts.

In addition, applicants should:

• Have an excellent academic record.
• Present a high-quality research proposal.
• Secure supervision from a German host institution.
• Demonstrate the academic value of the research collaboration.

Required Documents

Applicants generally need to submit:

• Completed online application form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Research proposal
• Study plan and research timeline
• Proof of doctoral admission (for the Cotutelle model)
• Letter of invitation or supervision from the German host
• Language proficiency documents (if applicable)
• List of publications (if available)
• Additional documents required by DAAD

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence
• Quality and originality of the research proposal
• Feasibility of the research plan
• Academic achievements and publications
• Motivation for research in Germany
• Career potential
• Networking opportunities with German institutions
• Language skills
• Extracurricular and community engagement

Application Process

To apply for the DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees Scholarship:

1. Review the scholarship requirements on the DAAD portal.
2. Choose either the Sandwich Model or the Cotutelle Model.
3. Identify a suitable German academic supervisor.
4. Prepare the required application documents.
5. Complete the online DAAD application.
6. Upload all supporting documents.
7. Submit the application before the official deadline for your country.

Why Apply for This Scholarship?

The DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees Scholarship allows researchers to benefit from the expertise of both their home institution and a German university. It provides generous financial support, access to world-class research facilities, international networking opportunities, and the possibility of earning a jointly supervised doctoral degree that strengthens academic and professional careers.