The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is running the Fundamental Academic Values Award 2026, a research prize recognising early-career scientists whose academic publications contribute to the protection and promotion of fundamental academic values within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

The award is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and is open to researchers:

from all academic disciplines and all nationalities.

Three researchers will receive cash prizes worth:

€7,000 — first prize
€6,000 — second prize
€5,000 — third prize

The winners will also be invited to present their research at a public conference expected at the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027, with travel and accommodation costs covered by DAAD for that event.

However, applicants should note that the 2026 application period has already closed.

Applications were accepted until:

June 22, 2026 at midnight CEST.

DAAD currently states that the:

selection process is ongoing

and results are expected in:

autumn 2026.

DAAD Fundamental Academic Values Award 2026 Overview

Detail	Information
Award	Fundamental Academic Values Award 2026
Organisation	German Academic Exchange Service — DAAD
Funding Body	German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space
Target Group	Early-career scientists
Nationality	All nationalities
Academic Fields	All fields
First Prize	€7,000
Second Prize	€6,000
Third Prize	€5,000
Number of Winners	3
Degree Requirement	Master’s or Doctoral degree
Degree Completion	Normally 2021 or later
Publication Requirement	Yes
Relevant Publication Date	2021 or later
Geographic Research Focus	European Higher Education Area
Deadline	June 22, 2026
Current Status	Selection ongoing
Results	Autumn 2026 / applicants informed in October 2026
Winner Presentation	End of 2026 or beginning of 2027
Conference Travel	Covered by DAAD
Conference Accommodation	Covered by DAAD

What Is the DAAD Fundamental Academic Values Award?

The Fundamental Academic Values Award is designed to recognise early-career researchers who have made an outstanding scholarly contribution to research concerning:

fundamental academic values in the European Higher Education Area.

DAAD introduced the prize within its Bologna Hub activities and says the award is intended to promote research, encourage public discussion and strengthen advocacy around academic values.

This was the third edition of the award following earlier calls in:

2022 and 2024.

Is This a DAAD Scholarship?

Not in the conventional sense.

The Fundamental Academic Values Award is:

a research prize

rather than funding for a university degree.

Successful applicants receive prize money based on their ranking.

Opportunities Feed Clarification

Do not describe this opportunity as:

“DAAD Scholarship to Study in Germany.”

The official call does not offer:

Bachelor’s tuition
Master’s tuition
PhD tuition
Monthly study stipend
General living allowance
Degree admission to a German university

Instead, it rewards an existing or near-completed research publication dealing with fundamental academic values.

How Much Is the Award Worth?

The three successful researchers receive:

First Place

€7,000

Second Place

€6,000

Third Place

€5,000

These are prize-money amounts rather than monthly scholarships.

Who Can Apply?

The official 2026 call targeted:

early-career scientists.

Eligible candidates were graduates holding either a:

Master’s degree, or
Doctoral degree

with the qualification normally completed:

in 2021 or later.

Are All Nationalities Eligible?

Yes.

The official call states that the competition is open to researchers of:

all nationalities.

Opportunities Feed Insight

This is an important distinction from many DAAD programmes that may have country-specific eligibility rules.

A researcher does not have to be German simply to qualify under the nationality rule.

However, the research itself must clearly connect to fundamental academic values in the European Higher Education Area.

Are All Academic Fields Eligible?

Yes.

DAAD says applicants can come from:

all academic fields.

This potentially includes researchers from areas such as:

Education
Political science
Sociology
Law
Public policy
Higher education studies
Economics
Philosophy
Governance
Social sciences
Data and quantitative policy research

provided the submitted research clearly addresses the required academic-values theme.

What Are the Six Fundamental Academic Values?

The European Higher Education Area identifies six central academic values:

Academic freedom
Academic integrity
Institutional autonomy
Participation of students and staff in higher education governance
Public responsibility for higher education
Public responsibility of higher education

What Kind of Research Is Eligible?

Applications had to be based on an academic publication with a clear connection to:

fundamental values in higher education.

DAAD explicitly states that research involving fundamental rights in unrelated fields is not enough.

There must also be a clear connection with:

the European Higher Education Area

or the research must provide a clearly identifiable contribution to the debate on academic values within the EHEA.

Opportunities Feed Insight

This requirement is crucial.

A publication about freedom of expression in general, for example, would not automatically qualify.

The applicant would need to demonstrate how the work contributes specifically to debates about:

academic freedom, governance, institutional autonomy, academic integrity or related higher-education values.

What Types of Publications Were Accepted?

DAAD stated that several types of academic publications could be submitted, including:

Journal articles
Conference proceedings
Book chapters
Contributions to edited volumes
Full theses
Books

The scientific standing of the publication format, including publication in a peer-reviewed journal, could be considered during evaluation.

When Must the Publication Have Been Published?

The relevant publication should normally have been published:

in 2021 or later.

Could Unpublished Research Be Submitted?

Normally, the publication needed to be published by the time of application.

However, DAAD allowed limited case-by-case consideration where a work was already at the final stage of publication, such as where:

peer-review approval had been received but formal publication was still pending.

Applicants were required to provide clear evidence of the publication status.

Could Applicants Submit More Than One Publication?

No.

The selection process had to be based on:

one specific publication.

Researchers with several relevant publications were required to select the single work they wanted the jury to assess.

Opportunities Feed Advice

For any future cycle, candidates with several eligible publications should choose the one that most strongly demonstrates:

research quality + relevance to academic values + contribution to the EHEA debate.

Were Co-Authored Publications Eligible?

Yes.

DAAD allowed:

multi-author publications.

The applicant did not necessarily need to be listed as first author.

However, they needed to demonstrate that they made the:

principal contribution

to the submitted work and provide evidence explaining their individual role.

What About Researchers Whose Degree Was Completed Before 2021?

The standard rule required a Master’s or Doctoral degree completed in:

2021 or later.

However, DAAD allowed potential extensions in exceptional circumstances affecting an academic career.

Examples listed in the official call included:

Maternity or parental leave
Illness
Special needs
Displacement due to conflict

Relevant evidence had to be provided.

What Documents Were Required?

Applicants had to prepare several documents for the 2026 competition.

These included:

Motivation letter
Publication abstract
Original research publication
Academic CV
Publication list
Supporting evidence of voluntary or social engagement, where available

Motivation Letter

The motivation letter could be:

up to 800 words

and had to be written in:

English.

Applicants were asked to explain their academic interest in research involving fundamental academic values within the EHEA and provide concrete examples.

Publication Abstract

Applicants also needed an English-language abstract of:

up to 400 words.

The abstract needed to contain:

keywords

and provide enough information for DAAD to identify the relevant academic subject area and potential reviewers.

Original Publication

The submitted research publication needed to contain appropriate bibliographic information, including:

Author or authors
Publisher
Publication year
Exact page numbers
Table of contents, where applicable

What If the Publication Was Not in English?

Where a publication was written in a language other than English, candidates needed to submit:

a longer English summary of up to 2,000 words.

What About Publications Longer Than 20 Pages?

A longer summary was also required where the publication exceeded:

20 pages.

This included works such as:

Theses
Books
Long journal papers
Long book chapters

Opportunities Feed Clarification

The longer summary was separate from the mandatory:

400-word abstract.

CV Requirements

Applicants were required to provide a:

tabular CV without chronological gaps.

The CV needed to identify the month and duration of relevant:

Study
Research
Work periods

Publication List

A complete publication list was also required.

Applicants needed to include bibliographical information and, where available:

electronic links to publications.

Was Social or Voluntary Engagement Considered?

Yes, but only as a:

secondary criterion.

DAAD allowed applicants to submit evidence of activities such as:

Academic self-governance
Higher-education policy engagement
Civil society activities
Education and training work

Opportunities Feed Insight

The central strength of an application still rested on:

academic quality and relevance of the research publication.

Volunteer or civic engagement could strengthen a profile but would not replace a strong research contribution.

How Are Winners Selected?

Three winners are selected by:

an international jury of academics with expertise in fundamental academic values.

The jury ranks candidates for:

First place
Second place
Third place

What Are the Main Selection Criteria?

DAAD identifies two primary areas:

Quality and relevance of the submitted research publication

and

Academic achievements of the candidate

with the applicant’s career stage taken into account.

How Competitive Is the Award?

Only:

three researchers

are selected.

That makes the award highly selective.

For context, DAAD’s first competition in 2022 received:

55 applications

and selected three winners.

The number of applications for the 2026 edition has not yet been published on the official page reviewed.

What Happens After Selection?

The three winners receive their respective monetary prizes.

They are also expected to be invited to:

present their research during a public conference

planned for:

the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027.

Are Travel Costs Covered?

Yes, for the award-related conference.

DAAD states that:

travel costs will be covered.

Is Accommodation Covered?

Yes, for the conference.

DAAD also confirms coverage of:

accommodation costs.

Opportunities Feed Clarification

This travel and accommodation benefit applies to the winners’ participation in the award presentation/research conference.

It should not be interpreted as:

general international travel funding or long-term accommodation in Germany.

When Will 2026 Results Be Announced?

The main DAAD page says:

autumn 2026.

The detailed official call states that applicants are expected to be informed about the results in:

October 2026.

The names of successful researchers and summaries of their publications are expected to be published through DAAD’s websites and communications.

Is the Award Currently Open?

No.

Applications closed on:

June 22, 2026.

As of September 2026, DAAD says:

the selection process is ongoing.

Will There Be Another Award in 2028?

The award has previously been organised in:

2022
2024
2026

This shows a two-year pattern so far.

However, DAAD has not confirmed a future 2028 call on the official page reviewed.

Opportunities Feed Warning

Do not publish:

“DAAD Fundamental Academic Values Award 2028 Opens Soon.”

A future round should only be treated as confirmed after DAAD officially announces it.

Can Researchers From Africa Apply?

Yes, based on nationality.

The 2026 competition was open to:

all nationalities.

An African researcher could therefore qualify if they met the academic and publication requirements and their research had the necessary connection to fundamental academic values in the EHEA.

Can Researchers From Asia Apply?

Yes, under the same conditions.

Can Researchers From the United States Apply?

Yes, nationality itself was not restricted.

Do Applicants Have to Live in Germany?

The official 2026 criteria reviewed do not state that applicants need to be resident in Germany.

The key requirements concern:

career stage + degree completion + research publication + relevance to EHEA academic values.

Does the Award Fund a PhD?

No.

Holding a Doctoral degree can make someone eligible, but the prize does not provide PhD tuition or doctoral study funding.

Does It Fund Master’s Study?

No.

A Master’s degree is an eligibility route, not something the award pays for.

Is There a Monthly Stipend?

No.

The confirmed benefits are one-time prize payments of:

€7,000, €6,000 or €5,000

depending on ranking.

Is It Fully Funded?

That term is not particularly appropriate for this award.

It is a:

cash research prize

with travel and accommodation covered for the winners’ award-related conference.

There is no degree programme or monthly fellowship to “fully fund.”

Opportunities Feed Assessment

This opportunity is especially relevant to early-career researchers working at the intersection of:

higher education + academic freedom + governance + research integrity + institutional autonomy + public responsibility.

Its major advantage is that:

nationality and academic discipline are not restricted.

But the topic requirement is narrow.

A technically strong publication that has no meaningful connection to higher education or the EHEA’s fundamental academic values would not be competitive.

How Future Applicants Could Strengthen Their Application

For any future round, applicants should begin with their strongest relevant research publication.

They should then clearly establish:

research problem → academic value addressed → EHEA relevance → methodological contribution → findings → wider implications.

Choose the Right Publication

Where several publications are available, choose the work that most strongly combines:

Academic quality
Clear research contribution
Direct connection to academic values
European Higher Education Area relevance
Policy or scholarly importance

Explain Your Personal Contribution

For co-authored research, clearly document:

Your research role
Methodological contribution
Writing contribution
Data work
Analytical contribution
Intellectual leadership

because DAAD may consider co-authored research where the applicant made the principal contribution.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

Calling this a study scholarship
Saying applications are currently open
Claiming it funds Master’s or PhD tuition
Calling €7,000 a monthly stipend
Submitting research unrelated to higher education
Ignoring the EHEA connection
Submitting multiple publications
Failing to explain your contribution to co-authored work
Omitting the 400-word abstract
Exceeding the 800-word motivation letter limit
Forgetting the longer English summary where required
Assuming social engagement outweighs research quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DAAD Fundamental Academic Values Award?

It is an international research award for early-career scientists whose academic publications contribute to the preservation and promotion of fundamental academic values in the European Higher Education Area.

Is it a scholarship?

Not in the traditional sense.

It is a research publication prize.

How much is the first prize?

€7,000.

How much is the second prize?

€6,000.

How much is the third prize?

€5,000.

How many winners are selected?

Three.

Can international researchers apply?

Yes.

The 2026 call was open to:

all nationalities.

Are all academic disciplines eligible?

Yes.

What qualification was required?

Master’s or Doctoral degree

normally completed in:

2021 or later.

What year must the research publication be from?

Normally:

2021 or later.

Can a thesis be submitted?

Yes.

DAAD listed complete theses among permissible publication types.

Can a book be submitted?

Yes.

Can a co-authored publication be submitted?

Yes, provided the applicant can demonstrate a principal contribution to the work.

Does the research have to concern Europe?

It needs a clear connection to:

fundamental academic values in the European Higher Education Area.

What was the application deadline?

June 22, 2026 at midnight CEST.

Is the competition still open?

No.

What is happening now?

DAAD says:

the selection process is ongoing.

When will results be released?

DAAD’s detailed call says applicants are expected to be informed in:

October 2026.

Are winners invited to an event?

Yes.

They are expected to present their research at a public conference at the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027.

Are travel expenses covered?

Yes.

Is accommodation covered?

Yes, for the award-related conference.

Is there a monthly stipend?

No monthly stipend is advertised.

Opportunities Feed Verdict

The DAAD Fundamental Academic Values Award 2026 is a specialised international research prize for early-career scientists whose scholarly work advances understanding of academic values within the:

European Higher Education Area.

Unlike many opportunities associated with DAAD, this is not funding to study in Germany.

Instead, three researchers receive:

€7,000 + €6,000 + €5,000

based on their final ranking.

Eligibility for the 2026 competition was broad in terms of geography and discipline:

all nationalities + all academic fields

could participate, provided applicants met the career-stage requirements and submitted an appropriate research publication.

The strongest candidates needed research directly connected to one or more of the EHEA’s six fundamental values:

academic freedom + academic integrity + institutional autonomy + student and staff participation + public responsibility for higher education + public responsibility of higher education.

The 2026 application window is now closed.

Applications ended on:

June 22, 2026

and DAAD currently says the:

selection process is underway.

Results are expected in autumn 2026, with the detailed call indicating applicants will be informed in October 2026.

For Opportunities Feed, the best current positioning is therefore:

award guide + results watch + future-cycle preparation

rather than:

“Applications Open.”

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