Expanded Federal Budget 2026: The Federal Cabinet intends to extend the foundational funding for the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
German Academic Exchange Service Secures Core Funding for 2026, Further Expansion Discussed
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has received confirmation of its core funding for 2026 from the Federal Cabinet of Germany, securing the continuation of its programs. This announcement marks the beginning of discussions with other federal ministries to augment the DAAD's budget, aiming to expand international academic exchange and research opportunities in German higher education.
The basic funding approval by the Federal Cabinet secures DAAD’s core operations and scholarships for 2026, including programs for international students, researchers, and lecturers. This funding will enable DAAD to continue its mission of fostering cross-border academic exchange and international scientific cooperation.
Ongoing discussions with ministries such as the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Federal Foreign Office, and Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action are targeting increased scholarships and fellowships, expanded support for research, development (R&D), startups, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), and reduced bureaucratic barriers to attract global talent.
This coordinated funding approach aligns with Germany’s broader goals of internationalization in education and innovation. With projections of rising international student numbers (around 405,000 expected in 2024-2025), there is a clear need for sustained and increased DAAD resources.
Further discussions during the ongoing budget legislation process are expected to cover extended benefits such as fully funded scholarships including accommodation, travel reimbursements, and stipends across various DAAD fellowship and internship programs.
The DAAD President, Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, has emphasized the importance of foreign science policy, particularly in times of geopolitical shifts and global crises. He reiterates that cross-border academic exchange and international scientific cooperation are fundamental prerequisites for an orderly world based on cooperation and rule-based governance.
The DAAD's funding bodies include several public funding bodies, including the Federal Foreign Office, BMFTR, BMZ, and the European Union, as the DAAD also receives funds as the National Agency for Erasmus+ Higher Education Cooperation. The current draft budget does not fully meet the financial requirements of the DAAD, and discussions with members of the German Bundestag are expected to address these requirements.
For press inquiries, please contact [email protected]. The DAAD expects a total of around 190 million euros from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) for its exchange programs and project initiatives in 2026. The DAAD's budget from BMZ is subject to consolidation, and the current funding does not meet the increased costs and investment needs, as well as the new programs expected in the coalition agreement for German foreign science policy.
The DAAD is headquartered in Bonn and continues to play a crucial role in fostering international academic exchange and cooperation, contributing to a more interconnected and cooperative global community.
- The ongoing discussions with ministries such as the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) aim to increase scholarships and fellowships, which are important elements in business and education-and-self-development.
- The expansion of the DAAD's budget, as discussed with other federal ministries, is intended to support research, development (R&D), startups, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), thereby fostering innovation and finance in German higher education.
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