DAAD Scholarship 2027-2028

Overview

The German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, or DAAD) is the world's largest funding organization for international academic exchange. Founded in 1925 and re-established in 1950, the DAAD funds more than 100,000 German and international students, researchers, and academics every year with a total annual budget exceeding EUR 600 million. DAAD scholarships support study, research, and internship opportunities at German universities and research institutions across all academic disciplines and degree levels.

DAAD offers a wide range of scholarship programs. The most popular among international students are the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS), the Study Scholarships for Graduates, and the Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates. The EPOS program targets professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries who want to pursue master's degrees in fields relevant to their country's development. These programs are fully funded, covering tuition (already free or minimal at most German public universities), a generous monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel costs.

Germany's tuition-free public university system, strong research infrastructure, and deep industry connections make DAAD scholarships very attractive. With over 400 universities and a growing number of English-taught programs, Germany has become the most popular non-English-speaking study destination worldwide. DAAD scholarships have acceptance rates of 10-15%, and selection emphasizes academic excellence, professional motivation, and potential to contribute to home-country development.

Key Facts at a Glance

Detail	Information
Funding Body	German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), funded by the German Federal Government
Host Country	Germany
Degree Levels	Master's, PhD, Postdoctoral
Value	Monthly stipend (€992 for graduates, €1,400 for PhD), travel allowance, health insurance, tuition (if applicable)
Deadline	October–December
Duration	12–24 months for master's programs, up to 42 months for PhD programs
Eligible Nationalities	All nationalities (specific programs may target developing countries)
Official Website	https://www.daad.de

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (for master's programs) or a master's degree (for PhD programs) in a relevant field. Degrees should not be older than six years at the time of application. Strong academic records are expected, typically in the top third of the graduating class.

Nationality Requirements

Most DAAD programs are open to applicants from all countries. The EPOS program targets professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee.

Language Requirements

English-taught programs require IELTS 6.0-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80-90. German-taught programs require TestDaF Level 4 in all sections or DSH-2. Some programs offer German language courses as part of the scholarship.

Work Experience

The EPOS program requires at least two years of professional experience after the first degree. Other DAAD programs may not have a strict work experience requirement but value relevant professional background.

Other Requirements

Applicants must show a clear connection between their professional goals and their chosen study program. A strong motivation for returning to their home country to apply their knowledge is expected, especially for EPOS scholarships.

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly stipend of €992 for graduate students or €1,400 for doctoral candidates
• Travel allowance (flat-rate contribution to international travel costs, unless covered by the home country or another funder)
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
• Tuition fee subsidy (if applicable; most German public universities charge no tuition)
• One-off research allowance for books, materials, and equipment
• Monthly rent subsidy where applicable
• Family allowance for married scholars with accompanying dependents
• German language course funding (2-6 months) before the academic program starts
• Study and research visits to other German institutions during the scholarship period

How to Apply

1. Search the DAAD Scholarship Database: Visit the DAAD scholarship database (funding-guide.de) and filter by your country of origin, degree level, and field of study. Find the specific scholarship program that matches your profile, since each program has its own eligibility criteria and deadlines.
2. Select a German university and study program: Choose a master's or doctoral program at a German university that is eligible under your selected DAAD scholarship. For EPOS scholarships, only specific development-related programs qualify. Verify program requirements and admission criteria directly with the university.
3. Prepare your application documents: Gather all required documents: a DAAD application form, a hand-signed CV in Europass format, a hand-signed motivation letter, academic transcripts and degree certificates, recommendation letters, and language proficiency certificates. All documents should be translated into English or German.
4. Submit your application through the DAAD Portal: Create an account on the DAAD portal and upload your application materials. Some programs require you to first apply to the German university and then submit a separate DAAD scholarship application. Follow the specific instructions for your chosen program.
5. Attend a selection interview if shortlisted: For some DAAD programs, shortlisted candidates attend an interview with a DAAD selection committee. Interviews may be held in your home country or online. Be ready to discuss your academic background, career plans, and motivation in detail.
6. Receive your award and prepare for departure: Successful candidates receive notification between March and May. Complete the university enrollment process, apply for a German student visa, and arrange accommodation. DAAD provides guidance and support for pre-departure preparations.

Required Documents

• Completed DAAD online application form
• Hand-signed curriculum vitae in Europass format
• Hand-signed motivation letter explaining academic and career goals
• Certified copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts
• Two academic or professional recommendation letters (on official letterhead)
• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL for English programs; TestDaF/DSH for German programs)
• Research proposal or study plan (for PhD applicants)
• Proof of professional work experience (for EPOS and programs requiring it)
• Passport copy
• Passport-sized photograph

Important Dates & Deadlines

Milestone	Date
Applications Open	August–September 2025 (varies by program)
Application Deadline	October–December 2025 (most EPOS programs: September–October; Study Scholarships: October–November)
Results Announced	March–May 2026
Course Start	October 2026 (winter semester) or April 2026 (summer semester, for select programs)

Tips for a Strong Application

Personal Statement Tips

• Connect your professional experience to your chosen study program and explain how the German degree will help you address specific challenges in your home country.
• Be specific about why Germany and your particular university are the right fit. Name specific professors, research groups, or industry partnerships that align with your goals.
• Show awareness of Germany's strengths in your field. DAAD reviewers appreciate candidates who understand the German academic system.
• For EPOS applicants, emphasize the development relevance of your work and how the degree will strengthen your ability to contribute to national or regional development goals.
• Keep the motivation letter structured and concise (1-2 pages). Use clear paragraphs for your background, motivation, goals, and post-study plans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying to the wrong DAAD program. The DAAD offers dozens of distinct scholarship schemes, each with different targets and requirements. Read the specific program description carefully before applying.
• Submitting unsigned documents. The DAAD requires hand signatures on the CV and motivation letter. Digital or typed signatures are not accepted.
• Missing the program-specific deadline. DAAD deadlines vary between programs and can be as early as September. Do not assume all programs share the same deadline.
• Providing vague career plans. DAAD selection committees want concrete, realistic post-study plans that show commitment to returning home and applying your knowledge.
• Not checking whether your chosen study program is eligible under the specific DAAD scholarship. Not all German programs are covered by all DAAD schemes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive are DAAD Scholarships?

Acceptance rates run 10-15% depending on the specific program. The EPOS program and Research Grants for doctoral candidates are among the most sought-after, with thousands of applications received annually.

Is tuition free in Germany for DAAD scholars?

Most German public universities charge no tuition fees for international students, regardless of scholarship status. DAAD scholars benefit from this, and the scholarship covers the small semester contribution fee (EUR 150-350 per semester) that all students pay.

What is the DAAD monthly stipend amount?

EUR 992 per month for master's students and EUR 1,400 for doctoral candidates (increased from EUR 1,300 in February 2026). These amounts are adjusted periodically and may be supplemented by allowances for rent, family, or research costs.

Can I work while on a DAAD Scholarship in Germany?

DAAD scholars on a student visa can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year, the same as other international students in Germany. The DAAD expects scholars to focus on their studies, and employment should not interfere with academic progress.

Do I need to speak German for a DAAD Scholarship?

Not necessarily. A growing number of German master's and doctoral programs are taught entirely in English. For those, English proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) is sufficient. Some basic German helps with daily life, and DAAD often funds language courses.

Can I apply for DAAD if I graduated more than six years ago?

Most DAAD programs require that your last degree not be older than six years. Exceptions may be made in certain circumstances, but check the specific program requirements or contact DAAD directly.

What is the EPOS scholarship?

EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) is a DAAD program for professionals from developing countries who want to pursue master's degrees in fields relevant to their country's development. It is fully funded and requires at least two years of professional experience.

Can I bring my family on a DAAD Scholarship?

DAAD provides a monthly family allowance for scholars who bring their spouse and/or children to Germany. The exact amount depends on the number of family members and the specific scholarship program.

How do I find DAAD-eligible programs?

Use the DAAD scholarship database at funding-guide.de to search for programs. For EPOS scholarships, a specific list of eligible postgraduate courses is published by DAAD. For other programs, search the DAAD program database (daad.de/international-programmes) for English-taught courses.

Does DAAD fund postdoctoral research?

DAAD offers several postdoctoral research grant programs, including short-term and long-term research stays at German universities and research institutions. These grants are open to researchers who completed their PhD within the last few years.

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