DAAD Scholarships

DAAD Scholarships are among the most important fully funded scholarships in Germany for international Master's, PhD and research students. They are offered by the German Academic Exchange Service and cover many fields, including engineering, sciences, social sciences, arts, public policy, development studies and more. DAAD requirements vary by programme, but DAAD's official guidance explains that applicants must follow the specific conditions in each scholarship announcement.

Required documents

• Completed DAAD online application form.
• Valid passport or national identity document.
• Academic transcripts from previous studies.
• Degree certificate or certificate of expected graduation.
• Curriculum vitae, usually in Europass or tabular format.
• Motivation letter explaining why Germany, why this programme and why the applicant deserves funding.
• Study plan or research proposal, especially for PhD and research scholarships.
• Admission letter or proof of contact with a German university, if required by the specific DAAD programme.
• Recommendation letters from professors or employers.
• Language certificate:
• IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent for English-taught programmes.
• TestDaF, DSH or Goethe certificate for German-taught programmes.
• Employment certificates, if the programme requires professional experience.
• Portfolio for architecture, design, music or arts programmes, if applicable.
• Certified translations of documents not issued in English or German.

Eligible nationalities

• Many DAAD scholarships are open to international students from a wide range of countries.
• Some DAAD programmes are country-specific or region-specific.
• Development-related postgraduate scholarships often target applicants from developing and emerging countries.
• Applicants must check their country in the DAAD scholarship database before applying.
• German citizens are usually not the main target for international DAAD funding.
• Dual nationals should check whether they apply as German, EU or foreign applicants.

How to apply

• Search the DAAD scholarship database.
• Select the exact scholarship programme, not just "DAAD" in general.
• Check the eligible countries, degree level, deadline and documents.
• Apply through the DAAD portal or through the university, depending on the scholarship.
• Upload all documents before the deadline.
• Some programmes require sending documents directly to the university as well.
• Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interview or further document checks.

Usual timeline

• Start preparing: 10 to 12 months before the intended start of studies.
• Best time to research programmes: May to August.
• Application period: commonly August to November for studies starting the following academic year.
• Selection period: usually winter to spring.
• Results: often between March and June.
• Visa and enrolment: June to September.
• Scholarship start: usually around September or October, depending on the German academic calendar.
• Payment: usually after arrival, enrolment and completion of administrative steps in Germany.