On 1 October 2025, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) opened applications for its new funding programme “Academic Horizons – Attracting Global Minds.” The initiative, financed by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) with a total budget of EUR 15 million, aims to attract international students and young researchers to Germany. According to Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, President of the DAAD, the programme represents a contribution to the German Government’s High-Tech Strategy and the Global Minds Initiative. 

The programme focuses on international master’s and doctoral candidates in key technological fields, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and technologies for climate-neutral mobility. In total, 20 higher education institutions across Germany will participate. Each institution will receive up to EUR 750,000 in funding until 2029 to develop sustainable recruitment strategies and establish support structures that facilitate the entry of international talent into study and research in Germany. The first programmes at participating institutions are scheduled to begin in May 2026. 

The launch of Academic Horizons builds on the High-Tech Agenda Germany, officially introduced by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space on 29 October 2025. The High-Tech Agenda aims to strengthen Germany’s position as a global leader in innovation and technological development. It focuses on six key technologies: artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, microelectronics, biotechnology, fusion and climate-neutral energy generation, and technologies for climate-neutral mobility. 

By fostering cooperation between science, industry, and policy, the High-Tech Agenda seeks to accelerate research transfer, support start-ups, and enhance Germany’s technological sovereignty.