Study Abroad with PROMOS International Scholarships 2026: The PROMOS program helps students get short-term academic experiences abroad. It does this by letting students do foreign study, research, internships, and thesis work outside of traditional exchange programs.
PROMOS is a program that lets German universities give out grants for studying abroad. It is funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This decentralized method gives universities the freedom to match their funds with their strategies for going global, and it also encourages undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in global academic activities.
As of 2026, PROMOS will still be a very important resource for German students who want to study abroad while also traveling.
Understanding the PROMOS International Scholarship Program:
The PROMOS (Program for the Mobility of Students at German Universities) was started in 2010 to promote academic exchange around the world and make it easier for German college students to move to other countries.
Students don’t apply directly to DAAD like they do to centralized grant programs. Instead, each participating university handles its own internal selection process through its central office or International Office. Scholarships are given to students based on their academic goals.
This method helps German universities build stronger global networks and gives students the chance to learn in other countries.
Benefits of PROMOS International Scholarships:
- Global Academic Exposure: PROMOS scholarships let students study, research, or do an internship abroad, which gives them world experience and helps them understand things better in school.
- Financial Support for Mobility: To help students study or do research abroad for a short time without worrying about money, the program offers partial funding in the form of monthly stipends, research support, and possibly top-up funds.
- Program Options That Are Easy to Change: Students can do a range of short-term academic activities that fit their degree programs and job goals, such as internships, thesis research, fieldwork, or study visits.
- Selection Process Run by the University: Each German university runs its own PROMOS application and selection process. This makes it possible for fair evaluation, individual help, and alignment with the university’s internationalization plans.
- Better job prospects: participating in foreign academic experiences helps students build cross-cultural skills, professional networks, and practical knowledge that make them much more employable in a global job market.
- Support for All Students: PROMOS provides extra help for students with disabilities or long-term health problems, making sure that all students have the same chances to travel around the world and increasing the diversity of the participants.
Financial Support Offered by PROMOS:
PROMOS scholarships provide partial funding for short-term international academic activities. Funding amounts vary by destination and university but typically include:
- Monthly stipend starting at approximately €350 (depending on country)
- Duration of 1 to 4 months
- Support for study visits, internships, or research stays abroad
- Additional support for students with disabilities or chronic health conditions
- Possible top-up grants depending on university resources
Since travel costs are usually not covered, students are expected to make their own plans for getting to and from school, staying there, and traveling.
Eligibility Criteria:
Eligibility is determined by each German university but generally requires:
- Enrollment in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program at a German university
- Both German and international students studying in Germany can apply
- The activity must take place outside the Erasmus+ program zone
- The activity must be academically relevant to the student’s degree program
- Students cannot study in their home country if they have lived there in the last five years
- Application through the university’s International Office
PhD candidates may be eligible for specific mobility formats, though many universities recommend alternative DAAD research funding for doctoral-level applicants.
Check Also: BTU Cottbus Scholarships for Global Students
Supported International Activities:
PROMOS scholarships fund short-term academic experiences abroad, including:
- Semester study visits of 1–4 months
- International internships outside Erasmus+ or other DAAD programs
- Thesis research stays connected to bachelor’s or master’s dissertations
- Short-term academic mobility programs at partner institutions
- Fieldwork or research projects abroad
The program emphasizes destinations not covered by other structured exchange schemes, broadening global opportunities for students.
Destination Rules and Mobility Restrictions:
PROMOS scholarships generally support mobility outside the Erasmus+ area. Key guidelines include:
- Destinations outside Erasmus+ exchange programs
- Countries without official travel warnings by Germany’s Foreign Office
- Universities or research institutions with recognized academic relevance
Some host institutions or internships may not qualify, especially if supported by other DAAD funding lines. Students should confirm eligibility with their International Office before applying.
How to Apply for Study Abroad with PROMOS International Scholarships 2026?
Since PROMOS is administered by universities, applications are handled locally. Steps include:
- Identify a suitable international activity aligned with your degree.
- Contact your university’s International Office to verify eligibility.
- Submit required documents through the internal application system, typically including:
- Transcript of records
- Letter of motivation
- Confirmation of internship or research
- Plan to study or do research
- If asked, a reference from a professor
Universities select recipients based on internal criteria and available funding.
https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships-promos/
Application Timeline for 2026:
Application deadlines vary by university. Students should check with their International Office for internal deadlines.
The broader DAAD PROMOS funding cycle for 2027 will open on June 15, 2026, allowing universities to submit funding applications via the DAAD portal. Early planning is recommended for students pursuing international mobility in the upcoming academic year.
What types of activities does PROMOS fund abroad?
PROMOS supports semester study visits, internships, thesis research, fieldwork, and other short-term mobility programs that enhance students’ academic and professional development internationally.
How much financial support does PROMOS provide students?
Funding typically includes a monthly stipend starting at €350, covering 1–4 months of mobility, with possible top-up grants from universities depending on institutional resources and specific student needs.
Do students apply directly to DAAD for PROMOS funding?
No, applications are managed internally by each German university through its International Office, allowing institutions to tailor selection criteria and award scholarships according to available PROMOS funds.
