Are you interested in studying, conducting research, or learning German in Germany and need financial support? Each year, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst provides funding to over 100,000 German and international students and researchers worldwide, making it the largest funding organisation of its kind globally.
DAAD scholarships are primarily designed for graduates, doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers. These scholarships support study and research opportunities at universities and non-university research institutions in Germany. Certain programs also extend funding to internships, offering a wide range of opportunities for academic and professional development. In this blog, we will explore everything that you need to know about DAAD scholarships when planning to study in Germany.
Study in Germany with IELTS
From choosing the university to meeting application requirements and securing visa, learn everything about studying in Germany.
DAAD scholarships in Germany for international students
The DAAD offers research grants for PhD students from nearly all countries. Full doctoral program grants in Germany are primarily targeted at applicants from developing and emerging countries.
Similarly, DAAD provides scholarships for Master’s degrees in Germany, with a focus on individuals from industrialised countries. However, specific programs, such as the "Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines" and the "Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)", are designed exclusively for students from developing and emerging nations.
For studying specifically in Germany, the number of scholarships varies annually based on program budgets and eligibility criteria. The DAAD offers scholarships through multiple programs, such as:
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines
Research Grants for doctoral studies and postdocs.
Explore more:
Different scholarships offered by DAAD
Below are the different types of scholarships offered by DAAD to support international students:
1. Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
Objective
The DAAD, through its development-oriented postgraduate study programs, aims to promote the training of specialists from developing and newly industrialised countries. These well-trained local experts, who maintain connections with international partners, play a crucial role in the sustainable development of their home countries. They are key contributors to creating a better future with reduced poverty, improved education, and enhanced healthcare.
The scholarships enable graduates from these countries, across all disciplines and with a minimum of two years of professional experience, to pursue postgraduate or Master’s degrees at state or state-recognised German universities. In exceptional cases, scholarships may also support doctoral degrees, leading to a recognised university qualification (Master’s/PhD) in Germany.
Who can apply?
Graduates with a minimum of two years of professional experience from eligible countries.
What can be funded?
Individual scholarships are available exclusively for postgraduate courses in Germany. Visit the official DAAD website for the up-to-date information.
Duration of funding
The scholarship duration ranges from 12 to 42 months, depending on the study program.
Value of the scholarship
1. Monthly stipend:
€992 for graduates.
€1,300 for doctoral candidates.
2. Insurance: Payments toward health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
3. Travel allowance: Provided unless covered by the home country or another funding source.
4. Additional benefits (if applicable):
Monthly rent subsidy.
Allowance for accompanying family members.
Selection criteria
Candidates must meet academic requirements and demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the program (e.g., above-average academic results, top one-third performance, language skills).
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree (typically a four-year program) in a relevant subject.
Candidates must have at least two years of professional experience.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong development-related motivation and be committed to taking on social responsibility. They are expected to initiate and support processes of change in their personal and professional environments after completing the scholarship.
2. Study scholarships for STEM disciplines
Objective
The scholarship program aims to enhance the qualifications and employability of young academics and future professionals from developing and emerging countries. It provides an opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, or engineering (STEM fields) in Germany, enabling participants to further their academic and professional careers in innovation-driven areas.
Who can apply?
The program is targeted at high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries who wish to pursue a Master’s degree in STEM subjects at a German university.
Applicants must have completed their studies with a first degree recognised in Germany (e.g., a Bachelor's degree) by the application deadline.
Those who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible to apply.
What can be funded?
Funding is available for a full-time, on-campus Master’s degree at a state or state-recognised German university in STEM fields (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering).
Interdisciplinary programs must have a clear STEM focus.
The Master's program must be tuition-free.
Funding cannot be granted for a Master's program that has already commenced in Germany.
Duration of the funding
The scholarship is provided for 10 to 24 months, depending on the standard duration of the chosen Master’s program.
Applicants should indicate the entire period for which they seek funding in their application (e.g., two years for a 2-year program).
Academic performance is reviewed after the first year. If satisfactory, the scholarship will continue as planned.
Scholarships typically begin on October 1st of the following year or earlier if a German language course is undertaken before the program starts.
Value of the scholarship
Monthly scholarship payments: €992.
Insurance cover: Contributions toward health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
Travel allowance: Provided.
Annual study allowance: €460.
Additional benefits (upon application):
Monthly rent subsidy.
Monthly allowance for accompanying family members.
For disabilities or chronic illnesses: Subsidies for additional justified costs.
Reimbursement of carbon offset payments for air travel.
Language support:
Payment of fees for an online German language course after receiving the Scholarship Award Letter.
German language course in Germany before the program (subject to DAAD approval).
Allowance for a self-selected German language course during the scholarship period.
Reimbursement of TestDaF or DSH test fees (in the home country or Germany).
Note: Tuition fees are not covered by DAAD.
Selection process
Only complete applications with all mandatory documents are considered. Incomplete applications are excluded.
Pre-selected candidates are invited to a (digital) interview with an independent selection committee of university professors.
The personal interview is crucial for assessing the authenticity, qualities, and potential of applicants.
Selection criteria
1. Academic qualification
Academic performance and achievements.
Relevance of the applicant's course of study.
Proficiency in the language of instruction or working language.
Relevant internships or work experience (if applicable).
2. Quality of the study project
Preparation quality: Preliminary research, choice of program and university, and networking efforts.
Alignment with academic career goals.
3, Applicant’s potential
Motivation: Academic and personal reasons for studying in Germany and German language skills (if applicable).
Prospects: Impact of the stay in Germany on academic, professional, and personal development.
Extracurricular activities: Social commitment and other achievements.
Equal opportunities consideration:
The selection committee takes into account "special life circumstances" such as:
Disability or chronic illness.
Parenting responsibilities.
Caregiving for relatives.
Refugee background.
Extensive employment to fund studies.
Applicants can provide information about these circumstances in their application forms.
3. Research Grants for doctoral studies and postdocs.
Objective
The research grant provides an opportunity to carry out a research project in Germany. This program supports research stays during a doctoral program or in the early postdoctoral phase.
Who can apply?
You are eligible to apply if you:
Are pursuing a doctorate at a university or research institution outside Germany, or
Have already completed your doctorate (post-docs, up to 4 years after completion).
You are not eligible to apply if you are pursuing your entire doctorate at a German university.
What can be funded?
The program funds a research project conducted at a state or state-recognised university or non-university research institute in Germany. The project must be coordinated and agreed upon with a scientific supervisor in Germany.
Duration of funding
Funding is provided for:
Doctoral students: 2 to 12 months
Postdocs: 2 to 6 months
Funding cannot be split within the funding period, nor can it support research conducted in countries outside Germany.
You should indicate your desired funding duration in your application form. The selection committee will determine the final funding period based on your work schedule. Extensions are not possible.
Value of the scholarship
The scholarship includes the following benefits:
Monthly payments: €1,300
Insurance coverage: Payments toward health, accident, and personal liability insurance (see details in "Important Information for Scholarship Applicants," Section F, Point 4).
Travel allowance
For funding periods longer than 6 months:
Research allowance: €460
Monthly rent subsidy (subject to conditions; see Section F, Point 9).
Family allowance for accompanying members of family (see Section F, Point 3).
Additional benefits include:
For disabilities or chronic illnesses: A subsidy may be provided for additional justified costs incurred abroad, subject to individual review (see Section F, Point 8).
Green Mobility Top-Up: A subsidy for climate-friendly travel or reimbursement for carbon offset payments for air travel.
For funding periods longer than 6 months, the DAAD also offers:
Online German language course fees (after receiving the Scholarship Award Letter).
If required, a German language course in Germany before the start of the research project (duration to be determined by the DAAD based on language skills and project needs).
Allowance for a personally chosen German language course during the scholarship period.
Reimbursement for the TestDaF or DSH test fee, taken either in your home country (post-award) or in Germany during the funding period.
Selection process
An independent selection committee of subject experts evaluates applications.
Selection criteria include:
1. Academic qualification
Academic achievements (GPA, grade progression).
Academic progress.
Language proficiency (language(s) of instruction or working language).
Scholarly achievements post-graduation (e.g., publications, conference papers, lectures).
2. Quality of research project
Originality, relevance, and preparation of the research proposal.
Feasibility and coherence of the study plan and schedule.
Integration of the project into the broader doctoral or academic work.
3. Applicant potential
Career prospects and the significance of the research project for academic, professional, and personal growth.
Motivation for choosing Germany, including academic and personal reasons, and German language skills (if applicable).
Non-academic activities, such as civic engagement or non-study-related skills.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score can play an important role in securing a DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) scholarship, but its significance largely depends on the specific requirements of the scholarship program and the institution you are applying to.
Explore more: Take IELTS for Germany
Why IELTS is important when applying for a DAAD scholarship?
Here’s how IELTS play a role when applying to a DAAD scholarship:
1. Language proficiency requirement:
DAAD scholarships often require proof of proficiency in either English or German, depending on the language of instruction for your program. For programs offered in English, an IELTS score is typically required to demonstrate your English language proficiency.
2. Specific program requirements:
Some DAAD-funded programs explicitly require an IELTS score as part of their eligibility criteria, especially for master's and doctoral programs that are conducted in English.
The minimum IELTS score required may vary. Typically, a score of 6.0 to 7.0 is expected for English-language programs, but it’s essential to check the exact requirements for the program you are applying to.
So, if you are planning to take an IELTS test and have questions related to the same then you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will help you clear all the doubts.