Has anyone here done a full PhD in the UK with DAAD funding?

Hey everyone,

I’m currently based in Germany and planning to apply for a PhD in the UK (most likely at the University of Glasgow) starting in 2026.
I’ve been reading through all the DAAD funding programs, but I’m a bit confused about what actually applies to full doctoral studies abroad (not just research visits or cotutelle programs).

I came across the “Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes in Germany and Abroad” categories, but I’m not 100% sure how this works in practice for a full PhD done at a UK university.

So I wanted to ask:

• Has anyone here successfully completed (or is currently doing) a full PhD in the UK funded by DAAD?

• Which exact DAAD program did you apply for?

• When did you apply (timeline between application and start)?

• Did you already have a supervisor or an offer from the UK university when you applied?

• How was the process — anything you wish you’d known earlier (deadlines, proposal, interviews, etc.)?

• Any advice for someone trying to combine DAAD funding with UK university fees (which are quite high — around £27k/year)?

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who used DAAD funding to do their PhD in the UK (or similar countries) — how you structured the funding, and what your experience was like.

Any insights, timelines, or general advice would be hugely appreciated. 🙏

Thanks so much in advance!