If you are looking to study in Germany with a scholarship, the DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027 is a fantastic opportunity. In this guide, we provide a detailed overview of the DAAD scholarship, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step application process.
The DAAD Scholarship is a fully funded program for international students to pursue a Master’s or PhD at top German universities. The scholarship provides monthly stipends of 992 euros for graduates or 1,400 euros for doctoral candidates, along with other allowances to cover living expenses and insurance.
The program aims to develop well-trained experts who are connected to international networks, capable of contributing to sustainable development, reducing poverty, and promoting education and health in their home countries.
With development-oriented postgraduate programs, DAAD empowers international specialists from developed and newly industrialized countries to earn a Master’s or PhD in Germany, gain high-level professional skills, and return home as agents of social and economic change.
DAAD Scholarship 2026 Summary
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
- Institution: DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
- Study in: Germany
- Courses Offered:
- Economic Sciences, Law
- Agricultural and Forest Sciences
- Art, Design
- Engineering and Natural Sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Language and Cultural Studies
- Mathematics, Natural Sciences
- Medicine, Health Sciences
- Complete Postgraduate Course List
- Program Duration: 12–36 months, depending on the course
- Application Deadline: Varies by program.
DAAD Scholarship Coverage
The DAAD Scholarship provides the following fully funded benefits:
- Monthly stipend: 992 euros (Master’s) or 1,400 euros (PhD)
- Travel allowance (unless funded by home country or other sources)
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- One-off study allowance
- Additional benefits (in certain cases):
- Monthly rent subsidy
- Monthly allowance for accompanying family members
This scholarship is ideal for students seeking fully funded study in Germany, postgraduate programs abroad, and career-enhancing international experience.
Eligibility Criteria for DAAD Scholarship 2026
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Language Requirement: English or German
- English-taught programs: submit TOEFL or IELTS certificate
- German-taught programs: submit DSH or TestDaF certificate
- Eligible Countries: Developing and newly industrialized countries (check full list)
- Academic Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (4-year course) for Master’s programs
- Master’s degree for PhD programs
- Minimum 2 years of professional experience
- Development Motivation: Applicants should demonstrate commitment to social responsibility and initiating change in their professional or personal environment
How to Apply for DAAD Scholarship 2026
Follow this step-by-step application procedure:
- Select up to three courses in Germany (maximum 3). List them in order of priority on the DAAD application form.
- Prepare required documents:
- Signed DAAD application form
- Personally signed CV (Europass recommended)
- Signed Motivation Letter (max 2 pages, explain course choice and career goals)
- Letter of Recommendation from current employer (with official letterhead and signature)
- Employment Certificates proving 2+ years of professional experience
- Proof of language skills (English: TOEFL/IELTS, German: DSH/TestDaF)
- Copies of Academic Degrees and Transcripts (certified translation if required)
- APS Certificate for applicants from China (if applicable)
- Application Submission:
- Apply to universities offering your selected courses
- Universities suggest potential candidates to DAAD
- DAAD contacts suggested candidates with instructions to upload documents to the DAAD Portal
- Final selection is communicated after the evaluation process
Important: Keep PDF copies of all documents ready for upload in the DAAD Portal.
Why Study in Germany?
1. Quality Institutions
Germany is a top destination for international students, with world-class universities such as LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, and Humboldt University of Berlin. German universities offer modern facilities, excellent research opportunities, and top-ranked programs.
2. No Tuition Fees
Studying in Germany is tuition-free, even for international students. This allows you to save on education costs and invest in accommodation, study materials, and personal development.
3. Job Opportunities
International graduates can stay up to 18 months in Germany to seek employment, with strong links between universities and companies for internships and placements. About 50% of international students remain in Germany after graduation.
4. High Quality of Life
Germany offers safe, reliable infrastructure, vibrant cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, rich culture, art, and music, and numerous opportunities for sports, history, and social activities.
5. International Environment
Germany hosts a multicultural student community, with programs taught in English attracting over 300,000 international students annually. Its central location in Europe also allows easy travel to neighboring countries. Start your study adventure in Germany today!
Official Website
For full details, application instructions, and eligibility, visit: Official DAAD Scholarship Website
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