Founded in Heidelberg in 1925 on the initiative of a single student, the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst DAAD Scholarship supports the internationalization of German universities, promotes German studies and the German language abroad, supports countries in the Global South in building and improving their higher education systems and advises decision makers on education, foreign science and development policy.
DAAD is one of the most important funding organizations in the world for the international exchange of students and researchers. In 2023, the DAAD funded more than 140,000 German and international scholars worldwide. Its main funding bodies include the Federal Foreign Office – AA 26.1%, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research – BMBF 23.8%, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development – BMZ 6.6% and the European Commission and other international organizations like European Union – EU 40.2%.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarship program offers the opportunity to continue academic education in Germany with a postgraduate course of study. The scholarships are funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Eligibility Criteria For DAAD Scholarship
You can apply if you have completed your first degree (e.g. Bachelor’s or Diploma) at the latest by the time the funding period begins.
The program provides funding for:
A whole postgraduate or Master’s degree program completed at a state or state-recognized university in Germany
or
One year of study in Germany as part of a second or Master’s degree completed at your home university. The general condition is that the academic credits you gain in Germany are recognized by your home university. Moreover, the standard period of study at your home university should not be exceeded as a result of the study year in Germany.
However, funding for a Master’s program already started in Germany cannot be granted.
Duration of DAAD Scholarship
Depending on the length of your chosen program, the scholarship is intended for visits of between 10 and 24 months. The scholarships are awarded for the duration of the standard period of study for the chosen program (up to a maximum of 24 months). If you are planning a 2-year degree program, you must indicate two years as the desired scholarship duration in your application. After the first year of study, your academic achievements will be assessed. If this shows that you will successfully complete your program within a reasonable period of time, the scholarship will continue as planned. The scholarship usually begins on 1st October of the following year, or earlier if you take a German language course prior to the study program.
| Benefits | Details |
| Scholarship Payments | €992 per month |
| Insurance | Health, accident, and personal liability insurance |
| Travel allowance | Provided |
| Study allowance | €460 per year |
| Monthly rent subsidy | Option available |
| Monthly family allowance | Available for accompanying family members |
| Disability or chronic illness subsidy | Justified additional costs related to the disability |
| Green Mobility Top Up | Support for climate-friendly travel or reimbursement of carbon offset payments for air travel |
| Online language course fee | Option Available after receipt of the Scholarship Award Letter |
| German language course | Available depending on language skills and project; compulsory if the program is taught in German |
| TestDaF or DSH Test fee | Reimbursement possible |
| Tuition fees | Not covered by the DAAD |
Selection Criteria For The DAAD Scholarship
| Academic Qualification | Quality of the Study Project | Potential of the Applicant |
| Academic achievements | Quality of the study project and preparation | Motivation: academic and personal reasons for the stay in Germany |
| Course of studies | Preliminary information, choice of degree program, host university, and establishment of contacts | Prospects: significance of the stay in Germany for academic, professional, and personal development |
| Knowledge of the language(s) of instruction or working language(s) | Integration of the project into the academic career path | Extracurricular commitment: social commitment |
| Relevant internships or work experience (if applicable) | ||
| In addition, the selection committee will give due consideration to aspects of equal opportunities, on which you can provide information in the application form. | ||
Read more about German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarship here.
Check out the detailed FAQ of the DAAD Scholarship here
DAAD India Official Website Link
Project LLM can support students interested in applying for DAAD scholarships by offering personalized guidance throughout the application process. Project LLM helps with university selection, personal statements, resumes, reference letters, and scholarship applications. Project LLM assists students in crafting strong applications to increase their chances of securing opportunities.
FAQ
Is there an age limit for the DAAD scholarships?
There is usually no fixed age limit. However, certain program may have exceptions, particularly if requested by an international partner. Additionally, most scholarships require that only a specific amount of time has passed since obtaining the last degree.
Am I eligible to apply for the DAAD scholarship if I’m already in Germany?
Yes, you can apply if you have been in Germany for no more than 15 months by the application deadline.
What language skills are required to apply for the DAAD scholarship?
Language requirements vary depending on the scholarship programme and the country of origin. Some programmes may require specific language skills. Applicants should thoroughly review the application requirements sections to determine the language requirements for their respective programmes.
How important are grades for DAAD scholarships?
DAAD primarily supports applicants with strong academic achievements, although there is usually no minimum grade requirement. Academic performance is a crucial selection criterion, but other factors like the quality of the project, motivation, language proficiency, and extracurricular involvement also play significant roles in the selection process.
Who decides on the DAAD scholarship applications?
Scholarship decisions are made by an independent selection committee, usually consisting of local and/or German university teachers, researchers, and DAAD lecturers. Depending on the program, applicants may also have to present themselves in interviews, either in person or virtually. Selection is impartial, and DAAD staff do not vote on the final decision.
