The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) or German Academic Exchange Service is the largest funding organization in the world supporting international students and researchers to study and conduct research in Germany.
๐ What is the DAAD Scholarship?
The DAAD Scholarship provides full or partial funding to international students from around the world who wish to pursue graduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies in Germany. It covers tuition fees (if any), living expenses, travel, and more.
๐ฏ Who Can Apply?
DAAD scholarships are open to:
- Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree (typically completed within the last 6 years)
- Postgraduates with a Masterโs degree or those pursuing one
- Doctoral candidates or researchers
- Professionals from developing and emerging countries
- Students with 2 years of relevant professional experience (for most Masterโs-level programs)
๐ Programs Funded by DAAD
- Masterโs Degree Programs (taught in English and German)
- Doctoral Programs
- Postdoctoral Research
- Short Courses and Summer Schools
- University Partnerships
๐ฐ What Does the Scholarship Cover?
| Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly stipend (2025 rates) | ~โฌ934 for graduates, ~โฌ1,200 for PhD candidates |
| Travel allowance | Return airfare from your home country |
| Health, accident, and personal liability insurance | Fully covered |
| Tuition fees | Usually waived at public universities |
| Study & research grant | Possible depending on course/research |
| Rent subsidy / family allowance | Available in some cases |
๐ Application Timeline
| Timeline | Description |
|---|---|
| June โ October | Application window opens |
| October โ December | Deadline for most programs |
| January โ May | Evaluation and interview process |
| July โ October (following year) | Program start in Germany |
๐ Always check specific deadlines for each program on the DAAD scholarship database.
๐ Required Documents
- DAAD Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) โ in Europass format
- Letter of Motivation (1-2 pages)
- Academic Degree Certificates
- Transcripts with grades
- Proof of English or German Language Proficiency
- TOEFL / IELTS / TestDaF (as required by program)
- Recommendation Letter from university professor or employer
- Work Experience Certificate (if applicable)
- Research Proposal or Study Plan (for research applicants)
๐ ๏ธ How to Apply?
- Choose a suitable program from the DAAD Scholarship Database
- Check eligibility criteria and deadlines
- Prepare your documents (preferably in PDF)
- Register and apply via the DAAD online portal
- Submit hard copies (if required) to the German Embassy or DAAD regional office in your country
โ Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence
- Motivation and goal alignment
- Relevance of study to your home countryโs development
- Work experience (for postgraduates)
- Language proficiency
๐ฉ๐ช Popular Programs Funded by DAAD
- EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses)
- Includes programs like:
- Master in Public Policy
- Master in Renewable Energy
- MBA in International Management
- MSc in Agricultural Economics
- Includes programs like:
- Helmut Schmidt Programme (Masterโs in Public Policy & Good Governance)
- Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates
๐ Countries Eligible
Students from developing and transition countries across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East are strongly encouraged to apply.
๐ฃ๏ธ Language Requirements
- For English-taught programs:
TOEFL (min. 80) or IELTS (min. 6.5) - For German-taught programs:
TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe certificates (level B2โC1)
๐ฏ Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early โ give yourself 3โ4 months before the deadline
- Write a clear and personalized motivation letter
- Tailor your CV for academic/research programs
- Get strong recommendation letters
- Be specific about how the program aligns with your career
๐ฌ Where to Get Help?
- DAAD Website: https://www.daad.de/en
- DAAD Regional Offices (e.g., India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nepal)
- German Embassy or education consultants in your country
๐ Useful Links
- ๐ DAAD Scholarship Search: https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
- ๐ Europass CV Template: https://europa.eu/europass/en
- ๐ Sample Motivation Letter: [Available upon request]
๐ Final Thoughts
The DAAD Scholarship is highly competitive, but itโs one of the most rewarding scholarships for international students. A strong application can open doors to world-class education, networking, and career opportunities in Germany and beyond.
