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Dear DAAD Friends and Alumni!🎓
Welcome to the Autumn edition of the DAAD Australia Newsletter!
In this issue, we bring you a selection of updates, opportunities, and developments from the German–Australian academic community, including news from DAAD, current funding opportunities, and insights into research and higher education in Germany.
We are also pleased to advertise a job opportunity at the DAAD Information Centre Sydney for those interested in supporting academic exchange between Germany and Australia.
Key topics in this issue include:
- DAAD Australia Job Opportunity
- DAAD IC Sydney at Upcoming Learning Abroad Fairs 2026
- Number of international students in Germany well over 400,000
- DAAD suspends work in Russia
- Research in Germany Newsletter: Spotlight- Biotechnology
- SAGSE Scholarships for Australian-German Student Exchange
- DAAD Scholarships, Grants and Programmes
- University Advertisements
We hope you enjoy this edition!
With kind regards,
Silke Schoppe and Michael Rieke
Photo: IC Sydney
| | DAAD Australia Information Centre Sydney Contact Details | | |
The Information Centre will be closed:
from 1 May to 15 May 2026.
For enquiries and information, please contact the DAAD Information Centre in Sydney:
Telephone: +61272088119
Email: info@daad-australia.org
Teleconferencing: please contact us via email, and our friendly staff will arrange an appointment and provide you with an access link.
Photo: IC Sydney
| | DAAD Australia Job Opportunity | | |
Head of the DAAD Information Centre in Sydney (Full-Time)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) invites applications for the position of Head of the DAAD Information Centre in Sydney.
As the world’s largest funding organisation for international academic cooperation, the DAAD promotes Germany as a leading destination for study and research. The Information Centre in Sydney supports students, researchers, and universities by providing guidance on academic opportunities in Germany, advising on funding programmes, and fostering alumni connections.
In this capacity, you will work closely with a small, experienced team, represent the DAAD within the Australian higher education landscape, shaping strategic partnerships, and further strengthening sustainable academic exchange between Germany and Australia.
Apply by 31 March 2026.
The full job advertisement in English and German is available here.
For any enquiries or to submit your application, please contact the DAAD at bewerbung.ic@daad.de
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DAAD IC Sydney at Upcoming
Learning Abroad Fairs 2026
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The National Learning Abroad Fair Circuit 2026
Think Global Fair at UTS Sydney,
26 March 2026
Come along to the Think Global Fair. The 2026 UTS Think Global Fair is the event that will get you inspired to take part in a variety of global opportunities.
DAAD Australia will have an information booth for students who would like to find out about study and or exchange options in Germany.
Further information can be found here.
UNSW Sydney Exchange Expo 30 March 2026
Bringing the world to campus: Join us for the 2026 UNSW Exchange Expo! UNSW Sydney is showcasing international exchange and short course opportunities.
Studying abroad is about more than just your degree – it’s about opening doors to forging new friendships, encountering new and diverse experiences and cultivating valuable skills.
DAAD Australia will have an information booth for students who would like to find out about study and or exchange options in Germany.
Further information can be found here.
There will also be a DAAD information booth displaying Study in Germany materials at the University of Sydney’s Sydney Abroad Fair on 26 March 2026, as well as at the University of Newcastle’s Global Experience Expo on 25 March 2026.
Photo: IC Sydney
| Number of international students in Germany well over 400,000 | |
The number of international students at German universities has risen again in the current winter semester.
According to a snapshot survey DAAD, around 420,000 international students and doctoral candidates are currently enrolled at German universities. According to the survey, many universities are also noticing increased interest from abroad in Germany as a place to study and conduct research, particularly from the United States. In addition, almost half of the universities surveyed expect to further expand their English-language courses in the coming year. A total of 212 universities from all over Germany took part in the survey.

"Germany and its universities are proven to be an attractive destination for students and doctoral candidates from all over the world. We are able to attract talented individuals, particularly in the highly sought-after STEM subjects, and offer them excellent study and research conditions," said DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee.
Read the press release here
Photo: DAAD/Jordan
| DAAD suspends work in Russia | | |
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is suspending its work in the Russian Federation. On 10 February, the Russian Ministry of Justice declared the DAAD an "undesirable organisation". As a result of this decision, the DAAD office in Moscow and the "German Centre for Research and Innovation (DWIH)" in Moscow, which is managed by the DAAD, will be closed.

"We regret this decision by the Russian government. In recent years, there has continued to be local interest in DAAD scholarships for study or research stays in Germany. At the same time, on the day of the Russian attack on Ukraine, we agreed with the other German scientific organisations that there would be no more political and institutional contacts with Russia and no more scholarships for study in Russia," said DAAD President Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee. "Nevertheless, around 10,500 Russian students are still enrolled at German universities, and Russians can continue to apply for DAAD scholarships, for example from third countries."
Read the press release here
| | Research in Germany - Newsletter March 2026 | |
Spotlight on Biotechnology
With advanced technological capabilities come new opportunities to better understand and treat diseases. This mission lies at the heart of the research conducted at Helmholtz Munich. As a leading hub for environmental health, it comprises six research centres dedicated to developing breakthrough solutions for improving human health – including centres for bioengineering and computational health, as well as the Institute for Intelligent Biotechnologies.
Taking an interdisciplinary and international approach, Helmholtz Munich develops and applies new biotechnological tools and methods, working closely with partners to translate research into real-world applications – from 3D imaging to AI-powered diagnostics.
If you want to learn more about biotechnology in life sciences and work at Helmholtz Munich, visit the website and discover opportunities for international researchers, here.
Photo: Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres/Ali Ertürk
| | SAGSE Scholarships for Australian-German Student Exchange | | |
Scholarships for Australian-German Student Exchange (SAGSE) awards scholarships to Australian students each year to travel to Germany for 10 weeks during their summer holidays.
The exchange program aims to give students an insight into a foreign culture and build friendships between the youth of these two countries. Each year approximately 30 students in years 11 and 12 from NSW, Western Australia and Victoria are selected by SAGSE to participate in the program.
Scholarships for Australian-German Student Exchange (SAGSE) is seeking host families in Victoria for German exchange students for 10 weeks in June, July and August this year.
It is looking for families:
- With a child in year 10, 11 or 12.
- Where English is the main language spoken at home.
- Which are able to accommodate and treat as a member of their family a German student for 10 weeks.
Further details are contained in the attachment.
If you are interested, please respond to: hosting@gassaustralia.org.au
Further information about SAGSE can be found here.
| | Scholarships, Grants and Programmes | | |
Call for Applications
DAAD Research Grants in Germany for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs
Doctoral students interested in pursuing a research project in Germany are invited to apply for funding for a period of between 2 and 12 months. Similarly, postdoctoral researchers who have already obtained a PhD are eligible to apply for funding periods of between 2 and 6 months.
Application deadline: 3 April 2026
(Start of funding in July 2026)
Funded by the DAAD with funds from the German Federal Foreign Ministry.
Further information is available here.

Photo: Canva
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Call for Applications
DAAD Alumni - Re-invitation Programme
for former Scholarship Holders
This funding programme invites previous holders of scholarships and grants to return to Germany for research and working projects. DAAD Alumni in Australia can establish new contacts, promote cooperation and extend their network in Germany for up to 3 months.
Application deadline: 3 April 2026
(Start of funding in July 2026)
Funded by the DAAD with funds from the German Federal Foreign Ministry.
Further information is available here.
Photo: Canva
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Call for Applications
DAAD Study Visits for Academics: Artists and Architects
This Study Visit Programme for Artists and Architects promotes artistic cooperation between Australia and Germany. Academic teachers of Architecture, Fine Art, Design, Visual Communications, Performing Arts and Music are invited to work on a research project in cooperation with a German host institution. The artistic cooperation stay is funded for a period up to 3 months.
Application deadline: 3 April 2026
(Start of funding in July 2026)
Funded by the DAAD with funds from the German Federal Foreign Ministry.
Further information is available here.
Photo: Canva
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Call for Applications
Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme
Exciting opportunity for Early Career Researchers in Australia and Germany! Join the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme 2026, an initiative by Universities Australia and DAAD that fosters high-quality research collaboration. This scheme supports researchers from member universities to exchange and collaborate at partner institutions in Germany and Australia.
Applications for the 2026 round are open from 1 April to 12 June 2026, with funding commencing in 2027.
Learn more about past projects and how to apply here.
Photo: Canva
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Call for Applications
DAAD VORsprung - A digital head start for Engineering and Science studies in Germany
Applications are now open for VORsprung, a free 6–8 month online programme by the DAAD that prepares international students for STEM studies in Germany. Participants can focus on two STEM subjects (physics, math, chemistry, or IT) while also improving their German language skills.
Application deadline: 30 June 2026
(German intensive course begins: August 2026, Regular study programme starts: September 2026)
Funded by the DAAD with funds from the German Federal Foreign Ministry.
Further information is available here.
Photo: Canva
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