HAW International Scholarship 2026 in Germany

Germany’s Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW/FH) are renowned for their hands-on, practice-oriented education. The HAW International Scholarships offer funding opportunities to help students participate in study abroad programs, write theses abroad, or conduct research stays. These programs are particularly supportive of those in HAW institutions and are often funded through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

 

Scholarship Summary

• Programme Name: HAW.International (DAAD-supported)
• Study Level: Doctoral
• Scholarship Benefit: Fully funded
• Deadline: Opens now

 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet several requirements to be eligible:

• Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Diploma program at a German University of Applied Sciences (HAW / FH).
  
• The abroad stay or thesis work must be part of your study programme (i.e. integrated, supervised, or required in curriculum).
  
• Cannot receive double funding for the same activity (e.g. you cannot be funded by both Erasmus / PROMOS and HAW.International for the same stay).
  
• For some institutions, you must have completed a minimum number of semesters (e.g. at least in the second semester or halfway through first year for Bachelor’s) before being eligible.
  
• Must provide required documents such as proof of enrolment, transcripts, motivation statement, often language certificate, and any host/invitation details or thesis project plan.
• Non-German citizens can also apply. Check the scholarship requirement page  under Section A, Point 1.

 

Benefits

Depending on the specific HAW / DAAD scholarship scheme and institution, these are typical benefits:

• A monthly stipend or allowance to help cover living expenses while abroad or during thesis / research stays. The stipend often varies by host country.
  
• A travel allowance to cover the cost of getting to the destination.
  
• Insurance coverage (health, accident, liability) for the duration of the stay abroad.
  
• Sometimes a contribution or subsidy toward a language course if needed for the destination or host institution.
  
• Support toward research costs: depending on the scheme, small funds might be available for materials, fieldwork, or attending conferences. (This is less commonly explicitly stated, so check the exact scheme.)
  
• Additional support in some cases: if you have dependents or family accompanying you, or specific needs (disability, etc.), there may be extra allowances.

 

How to Apply

To apply for the HAW.International Scholarship, follow these steps (based on practices seen across HAW/FH institutions):

• Visit the official scholarship website, click on “To apply” to check whether your status and destination country are available.
• Prepare required documents (Check the scholarship website for required documents)
• Submit the application, often through the DAAD portal, following all requirements.
• Wait for the decision, which may take a few weeks to a few months depending on the institution and scheme.
• If approved, complete any additional formalities: insurance, visa (if needed), accommodation etc.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the HAW.International Scholarship?

The HAW.International Scholarship is a funding program by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It supports students enrolled in German Universities of Applied Sciences (Hochschulen für Angewandte Wissenschaften – HAW / Fachhochschulen – FH) who want to complete part of their studies, research projects, or final thesis abroad. The program aims to promote international academic experience and global collaboration in applied sciences.

2. Can international students studying in Germany apply for this scholarship?

Yes. Both German and international students who are officially enrolled at a German HAW/FH are eligible. However, the stay abroad must be outside Germany, and it must be relevant to your study program.

3. What types of activities does the scholarship support?

The scholarship funds a wide range of academic mobility activities, such as:

• Study semesters abroad at a partner or foreign university.
• Research or thesis projects abroad (for Bachelor’s or Master’s final thesis).
• Internships abroad that are officially recognized as part of your study program.
• In some cases, short research visits or project collaborations under your HAW’s international partnerships.

4. How much financial support does the scholarship provide?

The scholarship provides several forms of funding, which may include:

• A monthly stipend that varies depending on the destination country (based on DAAD country rates).
• A travel allowance to cover flight and transportation costs.
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance during your stay abroad.
• Tuition fee subsidies, if your host institution charges fees.
• In some cases, additional support for family members or students with disabilities.

The exact amounts are published annually by DAAD and depend on the host country and project duration.

5. How long can the funding last?

The funding duration depends on your academic activity abroad:

• Study semesters abroad: 3 to 6 months.
• Final thesis or research projects: 1 to 6 months.
• Internships abroad: typically up to 6 months, if recognized by your institution.

6. What documents are required for the HAW.International application?

You will need to prepare and submit the following:

• Completed application form (available on the DAAD website).
• Letter of motivation explaining your study or research goals abroad.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in tabular form.
• Current transcript of records or academic performance report.
• Proof of enrollment at your HAW/FH.
• Letter of invitation or confirmation from the host university or organization (if applicable).
• Language proficiency proof (English or language of host country).
• Project plan for thesis or research-based stays.

7. When is the application deadline for HAW.International 2026?

The DAAD usually has two application rounds each year.
Typical deadlines are:

• Early March for stays starting in the second half of the year (July–December).
• Early September for stays beginning in the first half of the following year (January–June).

8. How are candidates selected?

Applications are reviewed by an academic selection committee appointed by DAAD. Selection is based on:

• Academic performance and achievements.
• Quality and feasibility of the proposed project or stay abroad.
• Motivation and relevance of the stay to your academic goals.
• Language skills and preparation for the host country.

9. Can I combine this scholarship with other funding programs?

No. Double funding is not allowed. That means you cannot receive the HAW.International scholarship at the same time as Erasmus+, PROMOS, or other DAAD mobility grants for the same stay.

10. Can Master’s and PhD students apply?

Yes. The scholarship is mainly designed for Bachelor’s and Master’s students, but PhD students at HAW/FH institutions conducting research abroad that is integral to their degree can also be considered under certain conditions.

11. What happens after I’m selected?

Successful applicants will receive an official DAAD award letter, which includes funding details, start date, and further instructions. You will also receive guidance on insurance coverage, reporting requirements, and post-return documentation.

12. Who should I contact for help?

You can reach out to:

• Your university’s International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) for internal nomination procedures.
• The DAAD Information Center in your region for queries about the online application process.
• The official DAAD website