The DAAD Sandwich PhD Scholarship: How to Research in Germany While Studying in Nigeria (Full Guide)

Doing a PhD in Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted. So when you hear about the DAAD Sandwich PhD Scholarship, you should pay close attention.

Between the struggle for reliable electricity, the lack of modern lab equipment, and the occasional ASUU strike that puts your life on hold, finishing a doctorate on time feels like a miracle.

But what if I told you there is a way to escape these hurdles for a year or two, get paid in Euros, use world-class facilities in Germany, and then come back to Nigeria to graduate as a boss?

This is why we are introducing you to the DAAD sandwich scholarship.

This isn’t your regular “Japa” scholarship. This is for the serious academic who wants to build a career here in Nigeria but needs international exposure and field work funding to make their research world-class.

If you are an academic staff member or a researcher looking for a bi-national PhD opportunity, this post is your roadmap.

Note: This scholarship guide is written specifically for Nigerian scholars. Grab a notepad, because we are about to break down how to land this prestigious doctoral grant.

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What Exactly is the DAAD Sandwich Scholarship?

The term “Sandwich” often confuses people. No, it has nothing to do with food.

In the academic world, a DAAD sandwich scholarship refers to a bi-national PhD model. Think of your PhD as a sandwich.

The “bread” is your home university in Nigeria (where you start and where you eventually defend your thesis). The “meat” in the middle is the research period you spend at a German university or research center.

This program is part of the “In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme” and is designed specifically for African researchers who want to solve local problems using global standard equipment.

Why Should You Apply? (What are the Benefits?)

Aside from the bragging rights of being a DAAD scholar, here is why you shouldn’t sleep on this:

1. Heavy Funding: You receive a monthly stipend (usually around €1,200). When you convert that to Naira at current rates, you are looking at serious money that can set you up comfortably.
2. Research in Germany: You get access to labs, libraries, and software that might not be available in FUTO, UNILAG, or ABU Zaria.
3. No “Japa” Guilt: You aren’t abandoning your country. You are gaining skills to come back and improve the Nigerian academic sector.
4. German Language Course: DAAD often pays for a mandatory German language course (up to 6 months) before your research starts. That’s a free new skill!

See Other PhD Scholarships and Opportunities for Nigerians

DAAD Scholarship Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

Before you start dusting your CV, let’s ensure you qualify. DAAD Scholarship is strict, and they don’t manage “manage it for me.”

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of a Sub-Saharan African country (Nigeria is a priority).
• Academic Status: You must hold a Master’s degree (not older than 6 years).
• PhD Enrollment: You must be registered as a PhD student at a Nigerian university OR have an offer of admission.
• Staff Preferment: Preference is often given to staff members of public or private universities (Junior Lecturers, Assistant Lecturers). They want people who will teach the next generation.
• Language: Your research will likely be in English, but you must be willing to learn basic German.

Finding a German Supervisor

This is where 80% of Nigerian applicants drop out. To get the DAAD sandwich scholarship, you must have a supervisor in Germany who agrees to mentor you during your stay.

You cannot just apply to DAAD directly without this invitation.

How to Land a German Supervisor (The Best Strategy)

1. Google is Your Friend: Search for German professors who have published papers on your specific topic.
2. The Cold Email: Write a professional email. Do not write “Dear Sir, I want scholarship.”
   • Subject: Research Collaboration Request: [Your Topic]
   • Body: Introduce yourself, mention their work (prove you read it), explain your research gap, and mention that you are applying for DAAD funding (so they know they don’t have to pay you).
3. Leverage Your Nigerian Profs: Ask your HOD or supervisor in Nigeria if they have any contacts in Germany. Academic networking is powerful.

Pro Tip: Germans value precision. Keep your proposal tight, realistic, and time-bound. Do not promise to cure malaria in 6 months.

READ ALSO: Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS): High Stipend Award

How to Apply for DAAD Sandwich PhD Scholarship

Once you have your supervisor’s acceptance letter (or email confirmation), the real work begins. You can now follow these steps to apply.

1. Prepare Your Documents

Do not wait for the portal to open. Get these ready now:

• Curriculum Vitae: Must be in Europass Format. Don’t use the standard Nigerian CV format; DAAD prefers Europass.
• PhD Research Proposal: This is the heart of your application. It must detail your timeline (what you will do in Nigeria vs. research in Germany).
• Letter of Invitation: From the German professor.
• Letter of Support: From your Nigerian supervisor confirming they support this “Sandwich” arrangement.
• Certificates: WAEC, BSc, and MSc certificates (and transcripts).
• Employment Proof: If you are a lecturer, get a letter from your university.

2. The DAAD Portal

Applications are submitted online via the DAAD portal.

• Create an account.
• Select the correct scholarship programme (Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle).
• Upload your documents in PDF format.
• Warning: The portal can be slow, especially when the deadline is close. Do not wait until the last day (you know how our network can be).

3. The Selection Process

After submission, there is a waiting game. An independent selection committee reviews applications. They look for:

• Academic merit (Your grades).
• Quality of the proposal (Is it feasible?).
• Impact (Will this research help Nigeria/Africa?).

READ ALSO: Singapore Scholarship (SINGA Award): Fully Funded PhD in Singapore

Field Work Funding and Research Timeline

One of the unique aspects of this grant is the structure. A typical schedule looks like this:

• Year 1 (Nigeria): You start your literature review and initial data gathering in Nigeria.
• Year 2 (Germany): You travel to Germany. You use their advanced labs to analyze your samples or run simulations. This is the core “meat” of the sandwich.
• Year 3 (Nigeria): You return to Nigeria to write your thesis, defend it, and graduate.

This structure ensures that you maintain your roots in the Nigerian university system while gaining international exposure.

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DISCLAIMER: Campus Hustle NG is an informational blog. We are not agents of DAAD. DAAD does NOT charge money for applications.

If anyone asks you to pay 50k for a “processing fee,” run! That is a scam. Always verify information on the official DAAD website.

Our Advice for Success:

• Start Early: The process of finding a supervisor can take 3-4 months.
• Be Authentic: In your motivation letter, talk about the challenges in Nigeria and how this scholarship solves them. Be real.
• Check Deadlines: Deadlines vary depending on the specific program call, but they usually fall around late Autumn or early Winter.

READ ALSO: Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University

FAQs About DAAD Sandwich PhD Scholarship

Can I stay in Germany after the Sandwich Scholarship?

The goal of the program is for you to return and develop Nigeria. However, DAAD alumni often get opportunities for Post-Doc positions later.

But strictly speaking, for this visa type, you are expected to return to graduate.

Is this scholarship only for Science (STEM) students?

No! While STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) is popular, African researchers in Social Sciences, Law, and Humanities are also eligible, provided they can justify the need for research in Germany.

Do I need to speak fluent German to apply?

Usually, no. If your research is in English (which is common in German universities now), you are fine. However, DAAD might sponsor a language course to help you survive day-to-day life (buying bread, taking the train).

What is the difference between Sandwich and Full PhD?

A Full PhD means you graduate from the German university. A DAAD sandwich scholarship means you graduate from your Nigerian university, but your certificate might acknowledge the research stay in Germany.

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In Summary

The DAAD sandwich scholarship is a golden ticket for Nigerian academics who want the best of both worlds.

You get to keep your job and family connection in Nigeria while accessing the kind of funding and facilities most of us only dream of.

It requires work, writing a killer proposal and finding a supervisor isn’t beans, but the payoff is a career transformation.

Don’t dull. Start looking for that German supervisor today.

Have you tried applying for a DAAD scholarship before? Or are you struggling to find a supervisor? Drop a comment below let’s rub minds!