Applications are now open for the DAAD-Procope Program 2026, a long-standing bilateral initiative supporting research collaboration between Germany and France.
This programme is jointly administered by the German Academic Exchange Service and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It is designed to strengthen cross-border academic partnerships through funded research mobility and collaboration.
Programme Overview
The DAAD-Procope Programme is not a traditional scholarship. Instead, it is a project-based research exchange initiative that supports collaboration between French and German academic teams.
Selected projects will run for two years (starting in 2027) and focus on facilitating short-term research visits, joint work, and scientific exchange.
What the Programme Covers
Funding under the Procope Programme is specifically targeted at mobility and collaboration costs, including:
- Travel expenses between France and Germany
- Daily allowances during research stays:
- Around €150/day for French researchers
- €89–€130/day for German researchers
- Partial reimbursement of travel costs (up to approximately €450 depending on location)
On average, each selected project receives about €6,000 per year, making this a focused grant aimed at enabling multiple short-term research visits rather than full project funding.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to:
- Researchers affiliated with universities or recognised research institutions
- Academic teams working in any scientific discipline
- PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers (as part of a team)
Important conditions:
- Applications must be submitted jointly by a French and a German research team
- Companies may participate only if partnered with an academic institution
What Makes a Strong Application?
Given its competitive nature, successful proposals typically demonstrate:
- High scientific quality and clearly defined research objectives
- Strong collaboration between French and German partners
- Complementary expertise between institutions
- Active involvement of early-career researchers
- Potential for future expansion into larger European funding programmes (e.g., EU grants)
Projects that lack innovation or simply extend existing collaborations without new direction are less likely to be selected.
Why This Programme Matters
The DAAD-Procope Programme operates under key frameworks:
- The Hubert Curien Partnership (PHC) in France
- The Project-Based Personnel Exchange (PPP) model in Germany
Since its launch in 1986, it has played a strategic role in strengthening Franco-German academic cooperation, which remains central to European research integration.
For researchers, it offers:
- International collaboration without long-term relocation
- Access to cross-border research networks
- A pathway toward larger funding opportunities such as Horizon Europe
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for:
- PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers already embedded in research teams
- Academics seeking structured international collaboration
- Researchers planning to scale their work into broader European projects
It is not suitable for:
- Undergraduate or standalone Master’s applicants
- Individuals without institutional affiliation
- Applicants without an existing partner in France or Germany
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 1 July 2026
- Project Start: January 2027
Early coordination with your partner institution is essential due to the joint application requirement.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through national platforms in both countries:
DAAD Procope Programme: https://www.daad.de/en/
Final Thoughts
The DAAD-Procope Program 2026 is a highly targeted funding opportunity designed to facilitate meaningful international research collaboration rather than support individual study.
For researchers already engaged in academic work and looking to expand their reach across Europe, this programme offers a practical and strategic way to build partnerships, strengthen research output, and position themselves for larger international grants
