The allocation of funds is based on a formalized application process, described in detail below. Upon the announcement of the respective call, interested institutions must submit – by using a standardised form – by the given deadline(s) proposals that explain the intended activity, outline the contribution provided by the requesting institution(s) – be it organisational and/or financial – and contain a finance plan. Kindly note that COSIMENA support can also be requested for partial funding of relevant activities, for instance, the coverage of travel costs for certain participants from abroad (From Germany or the MENA region), in accordance with the German Federal Travel Expenses Act (BRKG), or the funding of a specific part of a bigger event (for details see below). In case of high demand, COSIMENA may limit its support to such partial funding, especially for costs incurred in hard currency.

Who can apply for the COSIMENA funding scheme?

Applicants can be German and/or Egyptian universities and research institutions/associations. Partnerships with institutions from the MENA region are possible; however, applications submitted directly from the MENA region are not eligible for funding.

Location of the Events

The activities must take place in Egypt starting April 2025 at the earliest. The costs that might be covered – if eligible – will be explained in the outlines of the different event formats below.

Selection Process for the Funding Scheme

The selection will be done by an academic selection committee. Beside feasibility, scientific value, expected impact and contribution(s) of the host institution(s), special emphasis will be given to activities aimed at young academics as well as a gender-sensitive approach and efforts to include disadvantaged and peripheral groups.

These are the event formats which can be supported:

(Please note that for the amounts covered the regulations of the German ‘Federal Travel Expenses Act (BRKG)’ apply.)

Evening Lectures and shorter Panel Discussions

• One speaker from abroad (i.e. Germany or the MENA region); round trip (economy), visa costs, transportation costs from/to the airport, and two nights at a hotel on Bed and breakfast basis (flights, transportation and accommodation will be booked by the DAAD).
• Networking reception: costs for catering and rent for event space if premises of the DAAD in Cairo are not suitable or available and no Egyptian host institution is involved. Please note that full board lodging and per diems are not included.

Workshops and Symposia of one or two full days

All travel expenses (flight tickets, visa and transportation) and accommodation for speakers from abroad (flights and accommodation will be booked by the DAAD); refreshments and meals during the event, rent for event space if the premises of the DAAD in Cairo are not suitable or available and no Egyptian host institution is involved. Please note that full board lodging and per diems are not available for this format.

• For one-day workshops: travel expenses and two nights of accommodation for up to two speakers from abroad (i.e. Germany or the MENA region).
• For two-day workshops and symposia: maximum of four speakers from abroad (i.e. Germany or the MENA region) with three nights of accommodation.

Summer and Winter Schools

Cooperation between at least one German and one Egyptian university is mandatory. Considerable participation in the organization by the requesting institution(s) is expected, above all the organization and transportation during the event

The DAAD will book all travel services (flight tickets, visas, and transport) as well as accommodation for experts and selected international candidates from Germany and the MENA region. However, per diems are not provided.

Please check the criteria for the target group of COSIMENA funded summer/winter schools.

• Guidelines_COSIMENA Summer-Winter Schools

International Conferences

Funding for events larger than those described above – e.g. international conferences – is only possible for parts of such activities, i.e. workshops, panels, and training courses, if these have a clear DAAD/COSIMENA branding and are distinguishable as such within the overall activity. The DAAD’s sponsorship of these segments must be mentioned in the event’s agenda and other documentation. For such activities, the criteria and rules for panel discussions, workshops and symposia mentioned above apply.

Budget Management and Documentation

The DAAD Regional Office Cairo is responsible for the overall management of the budget. Prior approval of the eligibility of the requested amounts, of the service providers to be used (only from the formal sector) and of the required documents specified by the DAAD Regional Office Cairo is essential. In order to facilitate payments, it is also necessary that the complete documentation (request for services, offers/quotations and electronic invoices) is received by the DAAD Regional Office Cairo by the date specified by the DAAD.

The allocated funds require applicants to provide thorough administrative documentation during project preparation, implementation, and follow-up, as required by German law. Failure to provide the DAAD with the requested information and documents may result in the costs being declared ineligible.

Please note that the COSIMENA Funding Program is governed by the rules and regulations of the DAAD organization, which differ from those of other funding bodies. By applying to the COSIMENA Funding Program, you agree to adhere to the DAAD’s funding rules and regulations, which are mentioned above.

Role Allocation

The cooperation partner is responsible for the preparation and organisation of the event, which must be carried out after consultation with the DAAD at every stage. The cooperation partner is also responsible for communicating with all relevant partners, speakers and service providers.

After the execution of the event and completion of the documentation, the project partner must submit a final report summarising the outcome and impact of the event.

Application Process

Deadline for applications 31 January 2025 (00:00 Cairo Local Time)

For filling out the application form, please click here:  https://www.daad.de/surveys/568342?lang=en

Results will be announced by the end of February 2025 via email.

Implementation of projects could start in April at the earliest.

Questions & Contact

For queries, please contact: cosimena@daadcairo.org (Subject: “Inquiry_COSIMENA Funding 2025”).

Please note that no further information or assistance can be provided (there is no hotline). If you encounter technical problems when uploading your documents and cannot reach anyone at the above e-mail address, please document your attempts to contact the DAAD (by saving your e-mail) and the technical problem you encountered by making a screenshot of the reply you received and send this immediately to the above-mentioned email address.

We strongly advise you not to wait until the last day to submit your application. We strongly advise you not to submit your application last minute.