The DAAD Scholarship is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities for international students who want to study in Germany. Every year, thousands of students from developing and developed countries benefit from this scholarship, which supports master’s and PhD programs across a wide range of disciplines.
This guide explains the complete process for applying to DAAD scholarships, including eligibility, required documents, step-by-step application, deadlines, and insider tips to increase your chances of success.
What is DAAD?
The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), also known as the German Academic Exchange Service, is the largest funding organization in the world supporting international academic exchange.
Founded in 1925, DAAD has funded over 2 million scholars, making it a global leader in higher education support. Its goal is to:
- Promote international academic cooperation.
- Support talented students and researchers worldwide.
- Strengthen Germany as a global academic hub.
Why Choose a DAAD Scholarship?
Here are the key reasons why DAAD remains the first choice for many applicants:
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage (most programs in Germany already have low or no tuition fees).
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
- Travel allowance.
- Funding for research, language courses, and conferences.
- Strong alumni network and career support.
Eligibility for DAAD Scholarships
Not every student qualifies for DAAD. The eligibility criteria vary by program, but the general requirements include:
General Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (at least second class upper) for Master’s applicants.
- Master’s degree for PhD applicants.
- Degree obtained within the last 6 years.
- At least two years of work experience (for some programs, especially development-related).
- Proof of English or German language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF/DSH for German).
Country Requirements
DAAD scholarships are targeted at applicants from developing and transition countries, but some categories are open to all international students.
Required Documents
Applicants usually need the following documents:
- Completed DAAD Application Form (downloadable from DAAD portal).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – preferably in the Europass format.
- Letter of Motivation (1–2 pages).
- Research Proposal (for PhD applicants).
- Academic transcripts and certificates.
- Proof of work experience (employment letter or reference letter).
- Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or German test).
- Recommendation letters (academic and professional).
- Copy of passport.
Important: All documents must be in PDF format and uploaded as a single file, unless otherwise specified.
Step-by-Step Process for Applying to DAAD Scholarship
1 Research Available Programs
- Visit the DAAD Scholarship Database https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
- Filter scholarships by country, subject, and degree.
- Read the program details carefully, including eligibility, deadlines, and requirements.
2 Prepare Application Documents
- Update your CV using the Europass format.
- Collect recommendation letters from professors or employers.
- Translate academic documents into English or German (if required).
3 Register on the DAAD Portal
- Go to https://portal.daad.de
- Create an account and verify your email.
- Select your scholarship program.
- Fill out the online application form.
4 Upload and Submit Documents
- Combine your documents into a single PDF (unless instructed otherwise).
- Upload via the DAAD portal.
- Double-check before submitting incomplete applications are rejected.
5 Apply to University (if required)
- Some DAAD scholarships require you to apply directly to German universities in addition to the DAAD portal.
- Always check the program guidelines to confirm.
6 Wait for Shortlisting
- There will be an interview for candidates that are shortlisted (online or in-person).
- Be prepared to explain your study plan, career goals, and motivation.
DAAD Application Deadlines
Deadlines vary depending on the program. Common timelines include:
- Between August and October – most programs open.
- December to February – deadlines for submission.
- Following summer/autumn – scholarship starts.
Always check the program-specific deadline on the DAAD website.
Popular DAAD Programs
Some of the most sought-after DAAD-funded programs include:
- Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) – for professionals in development fields.
- Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance).
- Research Grants – Doctoral Programs in Germany.
- Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees.
- Short-term research grants for PhD students and postdocs.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Success
- Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the deadline.
- Tailor your motivation letter to the specific program.
- Highlight work experience and leadership roles.
- Explain in full details how beneficial your studies will be to your home country.
- Seek professional guidance or alumni mentorship.
- Ensure all documents are clear, certified, and properly formatted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need German language skills to apply?
Not always. Many DAAD-funded programs are taught in English, but learning basic German is highly recommended.
2. Can I apply without work experience?
Some scholarships require at least 2 years of work experience, while others don’t. Check program requirements.
3. Is DAAD fully funded?
Yes, most DAAD scholarships are fully funded, covering living costs, insurance, and travel.
4. Can I apply for more than one DAAD program?
No. You are only allowed to apply for one scholarship program per cycle.
5. How competitive is DAAD?
Very competitive, with thousands of applicants yearly. Strong academic records and motivation letters are essential.
Conclusion
The DAAD Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity for students to pursue advanced education in Germany with full financial support. While the application process is competitive, careful preparation, strong motivation, and timely submission can greatly improve your chances of success. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be fully equipped to navigate the process and maximize your opportunities with DAAD.