Applications are now open for the DAAD–Procope Scholarship Program 2026, a bilateral research collaboration initiative jointly supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The programme promotes scientific cooperation between Germany and France by enabling academic teams to build structured research partnerships through short-term mobility and collaborative project development.

Unlike traditional degree scholarships, this initiative focuses on research exchange and institutional collaboration, providing targeted funding that helps scholars work together across borders without long-term relocation.

Programme Purpose

The Procope Programme operates within the Franco-German research partnership framework, encouraging universities and research institutions to:

• Strengthen bilateral scientific cooperation
• Facilitate mobility between research teams
• Support early-career researchers in international collaboration
• Develop projects that may evolve into larger European research grants

Since its establishment in 1986, the programme has served as a strategic tool for enhancing academic integration between both countries.

Programme Structure

• Programme Type: Research mobility grant
• Project Duration: 2 years
• Funding Start: January 2027
• Application Deadline: 1 July 2026
• Application Model: Joint submission by French and German research teams

Projects are implemented through short research visits, collaborative meetings, and shared scientific activities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications must meet institutional collaboration requirements:

• Applicants must be affiliated with a university or recognized research institution
• Proposals must be submitted jointly by one German and one French research team
• Participation of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers is strongly encouraged
• Industry partners may join only through academic collaboration

Competitive Application Factors

Strong proposals typically demonstrate:

• Clear scientific objectives and innovation potential
• Complementary expertise between partner institutions
• Active involvement of early-career researchers
• Potential expansion into EU-level or bilateral research programmes

Projects that simply continue earlier collaborations without new research dimensions are less likely to succeed.

Why the Programme Matters

The Procope Programme supports international cooperation at a time when collaborative research increasingly shapes global innovation.

For researchers, it offers:

• International exposure without long-term relocation
• Structured academic networking opportunities
• Preparation for major European funding frameworks such as multinational research initiatives

Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: 1 July 2026
• Project Implementation Begins: January 2027

Applicants are encouraged to establish partnerships early and prepare joint proposals with collaborating institutions