DAAD Scholarships

Overview

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world's largest scholarship organization, funding well over 100,000 students and researchers each year. It runs many separate programmes — for master's, PhD, and research stays in Germany — searchable through its central scholarship database, with monthly stipends and health/travel benefits.

Funding

Monthly stipend (approx. €934 for Master's, €1,300 for PhD), health insurance subsidy, travel allowance, and in many programmes a tuition contribution

Eligibility

• Hold (or be completing) a relevant degree for the programme level you're applying to
• Specific programme requirements vary widely (some target developing/emerging countries, others are open globally)
• Apply directly through the specific programme's call for applications in the DAAD database
• Meet German or English language requirements depending on the programme
• Some in-country/in-region programmes require nomination by a partner institution

Application Deadline

Most calls open around August-September with deadlines between October and December each year for programmes starting the following autumn (varies by specific DAAD programme) Always confirm exact dates on the official site before planning your application, since deadlines shift year to year.

How to Apply

1. Search the DAAD Scholarship Database (funding-guide.de) to find a specific programme matching your background
2. Register an account at meindaad.de and access the DAAD-Portal
3. Read the 'Application procedure' section of that programme's Call for Applications carefully, as it varies by scholarship
4. Submit required documents (CV, letter of motivation, transcripts, language certificates, references) through the DAAD portal or partner institution
5. Await review, which typically takes 3-4 months after the deadline