The selection of events is based on a formalized application process described in detail below. Upon the announcement of the respective call, interested German institutions can together with Egyptian partner institutions submit – proposals by using a standardised form – 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. The application has to be submitted by the given deadline.

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.

1. Who can apply?

• Applications can be prepared in cooperation with partners in Egypt (with or without a regional partner). They have to be submitted by the German university or research institution in cooperation with a partner in Egypt.
• Partnerships with institutions from the MENA region are possible; however, direct applications submitted from institutions in the MENA region are not eligible for funding.
• Other institutions, such as museums, industrial partners, or non-governmental institutions, are not eligible to apply. However, they may be cooperation partners.

2. Location of the Events

• The activities must take place in Egypt starting March 2026 at the earliest.
• Hybrid or digital components are in general possible, particularly for summer/winter schools, the combination of formats is recommended.
• Events organized by/or in partnership with Egyptian Universities are encouraged to be hosted by the Egyptian University.

3. COSIMENA Objectives

Supported events should fulfil one or several of the following goals:

1. Establish a connection to German universities and research Centres/institutions by linking them with an Egyptian Partner.
2. Strengthen access for German research to the Arab and (North) African context by forming multilateral and interdisciplinary networks in which global issues and their local manifestations/impacts are worked on across borders.
3. Contribute to the COSIMENA clusters and network by bringing forth new bilateral/multilateral projects/project ideas, but also through individual networking within the framework of the major events listed.
4. Strengthen the innovative capacity of Egypt, Sudan and other countries in the MENA region in the named cluster areas of water, energy, urban planning, health, economics, agriculture and cultural heritage and education,
5. Engage different target groups: stakeholders, policymakers, young scientists, researchers, academic public
6. Synergy effects through the clustering of existing bilateral and national research projects as well as Germany alumni to form more effective innovation networks in terms of joint follow-up applications, regional presence and networking in Northeast Africa as well as interdisciplinary results.

4. Selection Criteria

The selection process is divided into two phases and is based on both formal and qualitative criteria.

The formal criteria include: a complete application and supporting documents. For further information please check the list below in the application section.

Applications fulfilling the formal criteria will be reviewed by an academic selection committee. Qualitative Selection is based on:

• Quality of the Proposal and its long-term expected impact
• Relevance and Impact of the topic within the national and/or regional context
• Alignment with the DAAD strategy and the above-mentioned objectives of the DAAD project COSIMENA
• Contribution(s) of the host institution(s) (organizational and/or financial)
• Inclusion of young academics
• Efforts to include disadvantaged and peripheral groups: f. ex. Gender-sensitive approach.

5. Eligible Event Formats

5.1. Evening/Public Lectures

This format is intended to enable experts of the different clusters to participate as keynote speakers to bridge German academia and research in Egypt. Scientists will be given the opportunity to give individual presentations in Egypt followed by a networking reception with experts and interested audience in the topic presented.

• Up to two funded speakers from Germany and/or the MENA region (representing one German institution at least).
• Covered Expenses: economy flights, visa costs, airport transfers and two hotel nights (on Bed & Breakfast basis). Please note that full board lodging and per diems are not included.
• Networking reception: finger food catering provided.

5.2. Workshops, Roundtables and Symposia (up to two days)

The goal is to form small expert groups of the existing clusters, including representatives from academia, decision-makers from politics and business, and multipliers from society. These formats should offer an opportunity for a German-Arab and/or also a German-Arab-African exchange of experts and for a knowledge transfer that is unique in the region. Optimally this format is used to bring stakeholders together from the clusters who are interested in preparing a joint application for a DAAD or an EU project funding opportunity.

• All travel expenses (economy flight tickets, visa and transportation) and accommodation (on Bed & breakfast basis) for up to four academic speakers from Germany and the region will be covered (flights and accommodation will be booked by the DAAD). Please note that full board lodging and per diems are not part of this format.
• Refreshments and meals during the event will be planned by the DAAD.
• Rent for event space if the premises of the DAAD in Cairo are not suitable or available and no Egyptian host institution is involved. Egyptian institutions involved are highly encouraged to host the event or at least provide a field visit to the experts from abroad as part of their stay (à Security Clearances!).

5.3. Summer and Winter Schools (up to 40.000 Euros)

COSIMENA funds one Summer or Winter School yearly with the aim of bringing together up to 25 Master Students/Master Graduates/PhD Candidates from Germany and the MENA region on an SDG related theme. The school will be taught by experts from German higher education and research institutions as well as experts from Egypt and the region.

The school should be hosted by an Egyptian university who is able to provide its own facilities/resources and partners for the lodging, catering, classes and trainers.

The DAAD Regional Office Cairo supports financially through COSIMENA the following measures:

• Flight, visa and transportation for all participants/students coming from abroad
• Local Transportation for all participants within the school programme
• Flight, visa, transportation for the trainers from abroad
• Lodging/Catering fee for participants and trainers as per the university’s fees

5.4. Components of International Conferences

Through COSIMENA clusters, components of international conferences can be funded, in which mobility and accommodation are covered for the participation of German Experts in scientific conferences in Egypt.

For such activities, the criteria and rules for panel discussions, workshops and symposia mentioned above apply.

Eligible Expenses

COSIMENA finances the following components:

• Mobility of Experts from Germany and the MENA region (Visa and transportation fees within Egypt included)
• Accommodation: The ceiling for hotel accommodation in Egypt per person and night for 2026 is 120 EUR.
• Catering: meals must not exceed local standards and prices for coffee breaks and lunch. In all cases, the maximum amount per day per participant is 25 EUR or equivalent for coffee breaks and lunch per day.

Excluded expenses:

• Remuneration for experts/employees/students/staff from partner institutions
• Daily allowances
• Cultural programs
• Equipment purchases, research projects, publications
• Event-management vendors
• Catering and Accommodation for people other than the approved participant list
• Purchase of conference or research equipment
• In-house services
• Rooms and technical equipment at the partner organization
• Tips and petty cash expenses
• Travel expenses that the German Federal Travel Expense Act does not cover
• Full board for certain event formats (except for summer/winter schools!)
• Publications

Further “Financial and Administrative Guidelines” will be provided upon approval of the application/proposal.

Double Funding/Event Fees

Please note that double funding through other funding institutions (with the Federal Foreign office as their main donor) for the same event and that financing events through fees from participants while receiving funds from the DAAD are prohibited.

6. Documentation

The financial support provided 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.

By applying to the COSIMENA Funding Scheme, you agree to adhere to the DAAD’s funding rules and regulations, which are mentioned above.

7. Roles & Responsibilities

Partner institution(s):

• The cooperation partner as well as the host university are responsible for the preparation and organisation of the event, which must be carried out after consultation with the DAAD at every stage. Regular meetings are scheduled for alignment.
• After approval with the DAAD Team, the cooperation partner is also responsible for communicating with all relevant partners, speakers and service providers in advance and collecting required information/materials.
• The cooperation partner should have an in-kind contribution in the preparation of the event, such as providing the venue, organising the transportation from the hotel to the venue, providing necessary technical equipment and/or securing security clearances for foreign partners and speakers.
• 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.

DAAD Regional Office Cairo:

• Full Budget approval and management.
• Active cooperation in the concept and the organisational process.
• Booking of travel, transportation and accommodation.
• Approving marketing posts, as well as event material.

8. Communication & Visibility

• Primary communication with DAAD is via email during office hours.
• Event announcement on DAAD Egypt website & Facebook page; partners are encouraged to promote the event via their own channels. If the event is fully funded by the DAAD, a unified description of the event (used for announcements and also post-event texts) must be approved with COSIMENA.
• Use of Federal Foreign Office & COSIMENA logos is mandatory: corporate design templates will be provided.
• For funding of conference components: DAAD and COSIMENA logos are to be posted on conference material. Where DAAD’s role is described as academic supporter.
• The DAAD’s and COSIMENA’s support must be clearly visible in the programme and materials. The approval and alignment with the Corporate Design must be obtained from the DAAD for all print and digital materials.
• Declaration Consents must be collected for pictures, videos and other created projects.

9. Data Protection

• All personal data must be handled according to the European Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR).
• Sharing of personal data with unrelated third parties is prohibited.

10. Sustainability at the DAAD

The DAAD promotes the sustainability of its funding activities and reduces the environmental footprint of its activities. Partner Institutions are expected to follow sustainable approaches during the preparation and execution of the funded events.

• sustainable mobility.
• printing materials such as roll-ups, programme, conference materials … etc.
• usage of plastic items (cups, plates .. etc.)
• Catering orders

11.  Application Process

• Deadline for applications: 15 December 2025 (00:00 Cairo Local Time)
• Results will be announced by the beginning of February 2026 via email.
• Implementation of projects is possible from 1 March 2026 onwards.

Application must include:

• Description of planned activity
• Draft Agenda
• Financial Plan (please find a suggested template below)
• List & Information of the Speakers
• Contributions of host institution (including a written approval/support letter from the Rector, President or Dean of the (Egyptian) University if the event is to take place there). (please find a suggested template below).
• PR & Visibility Plan

The application form is available below as a PDF file in both English and German.

12   Questions & Contact

• FAQ available on the DAAD Egypt website. Please see below.
• Questions: cosimena@daadcairo.org (Subject: “Inquiry_COSIMENA Funding 2026”).
• An online information session will be conducted on the last week of November and will be announced on the DAAD homepage and our Facebook page.
• For filling out the application form, please click here: https://www.daad.de/surveys/767564?lang=en
• Please avoid last-minute submissions.

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.