If you want to study in Germany with financial support, the DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027 is an excellent opportunity. This fully funded scholarship supports international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees at leading German universities. Recipients receive monthly payments of €992 for Master’s graduates and €1,400 for doctoral candidates.
DAAD fosters well-trained professionals who are connected with global partners and contribute significantly to the sustainable development of their home countries. These experts help create a future with reduced poverty, improved education, and better health. Through its development-oriented postgraduate programs, DAAD supports specialists from developed and newly industrialized countries.
This scholarship allows foreign graduates from all academic disciplines to pursue advanced degrees — Master’s or, in exceptional cases, doctoral programs — at state or state-recognized universities in Germany, ultimately earning prestigious university qualifications.
DAAD Scholarship 2026 Overview
- Level of Study: Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) programs
- Funding Institution: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Study Location: Germany
- Available Courses:
- 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
- Program Duration: Typically between 12 and 36 months, depending on the specific study program chosen. Doctoral programs may extend up to 42 months in some cases.
- DAAD Scholarship Deadline:
- Deadlines vary by program and university, commonly between December and January for studies starting in March/April, or mid-year deadlines for autumn intake.
- Check specific program deadlines on the official DAAD scholarship database for accurate and updated dates.
This structured overview provides clear and concise details about the DAAD Scholarship level, fields of study, duration, and where to find crucial deadline information for 2026 applications.
DAAD Scholarship Coverage
The DAAD Scholarships for 2026 provide recipients with the following benefits for master’s and PhD programs in Germany:
- Monthly Stipend: Supports living costs with €992 for Master’s students, €1,300-1,400 for PhD candidates.
- Health, Accident, and Liability Insurance: Full coverage ensures students are protected during their stay.
- Study Allowance: One-time payment to help with academic materials, books, and research supplies
- Travel Allowances: Includes airfare and travel costs related to study unless covered elsewhere.
- Visa and Study Materials: Covers administrative costs related to visa processing and study-related purchases.
- Monthly Rent Subsidy: Offered in some cases to help cover accommodation expenses.
- Family Allowance: Support for accompanying family members during the scholarship period.
- Language Course Funding: Covers fees for preparatory and ongoing language courses to aid integration.
- Research Funding: Additional support for thesis research and academic project expenses
Also read: Yale University Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)
DAAD Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD scholarship offers many benefits beyond just financial support. It provides access to high-quality education, valuable career experience, and a vibrant international community. Scholarship recipients strengthen their applications for future jobs and highlight their achievements in a global setting. The eight main benefits are:
- Rent Subsidy: Monthly housing allowance for scholarship holders facing high accommodation costs in German cities
- Family Allowance: Monthly financial support for accompanying family members when applicable and approved
- Academic Excellence: Access to Germany’s top-ranked universities and cutting-edge research facilities
- Professional Network: Connection with the international alumni network spanning over 2 million DAAD program participants
- Career Development: Enhanced job prospects through German education credentials recognized worldwide
- Language Skills: Opportunity to learn the German language alongside English-taught programs for global competitiveness
- Cultural Exchange: Immersive experience in European culture while building international perspectives
- Research Opportunities: Access to advanced laboratories, libraries, and academic resources at German institutions
Also, check other scholarships in Germany: Scholarships in Germany
Eligibility Criteria for DAAD Scholarship
To apply for the DAAD scholarship, candidates must meet specific requirements. You need to meet the eligibility criteria to strengthen your application and secure funding for your education. The three main criteria are:
- Academic Qualification: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 4-year program) or Master’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized institution
- Professional Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience after completing an undergraduate degree
- Geographic Eligibility: Citizenship from eligible developing or newly industrialized countries as defined by DAAD criteria
- Language Proficiency: English (IELTS/TOEFL) for international programs or German (DSH/TestDaF) for German-taught courses
- Motivation Requirement: Clear demonstration of development-related goals and commitment to social responsibility
- Leadership Potential: Evidence of ability to initiate positive changes in professional and personal environments
- Academic Performance: Strong academic record with potential for successful program completion in Germany
- Return Commitment: Intention to return to the home country and apply acquired knowledge for national development
How to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship 2026
Follow these clear, numbered steps to apply for the DAAD Scholarship 2026 for Master’s and PhD studies in Germany:
- Choose Your Courses:
Select up to three suitable study programs offered by German universities. List these courses in order of priority on your application form, and do not change the priority after submission. - Prepare Required Documents:
Collect the following documents, all signed and dated by you or the relevant authority:- Completed and signed the DAAD application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) using the Europass template, with no unexplained gaps
- Letter of Motivation: One letter explaining your choice for up to three courses and priorities; limit it to two pages
- Letter of Recommendation from your current employer, including official letterhead, signature, and stamp
- Employment Certificate(s): Proving at least two years of relevant work experience after your bachelor’s degree
- Proof of language proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs; DSH or TestDaF for German-taught programs
- Certified copies of academic degrees and transcripts, including grading scales
- APS Certificate (for applicants from China) if applicable
- Additional documents may be required depending on the program—check specific course details
- Submit Applications to Universities:
Send your complete application packages directly to the universities offering your chosen courses. Applications sent to DAAD instead will not be accepted. - University Selection:
Each university’s selection committee reviews applications and recommends candidates to DAAD for the scholarship. - DAAD Portal Submission:
DAAD will contact recommended candidates with a link to upload their full application documents in PDF format to the DAAD Portal. - Final Selection and Notification:
DAAD completes the selection process and notifies successful applicants.
Important Notes:
- Keep scanned copies of all application documents ready for online upload if you advance to the DAAD Portal stage.
- Prioritize course choices carefully and consistently on your forms and motivation letter.
- Applying to multiple courses requires a single, unified motivation letter explaining your priorities and course choices.
By following these steps precisely, you can strengthen your application and increase your chances of obtaining the fully funded DAAD Scholarship for 2026.
If you want detailed official instructions or to access application forms, visit the official DAAD scholarship website.
Application Deadlines
- Deadlines vary by program and university, commonly between December and January for studies starting in March/April, or mid-year deadlines for autumn intake.
- Check specific program deadlines on the official DAAD scholarship database for accurate and updated dates.
Also read: Required Scholarship Documents: 47 Must-Have Documents
Official Website
For complete program information, course listings, and application procedures, visit the official DAAD website at:
Access the comprehensive list of available postgraduate courses with specific deadlines and requirements through the official DAAD scholarship database.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the DAAD Scholarship 2026?
The DAAD Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded program for international students to pursue Master’s or PhD studies at top German universities. It covers living costs, travel, insurance, and more.
2. Who can apply for the DAAD Scholarship 2026?
Graduates with at least two years of professional experience from eligible developing and newly industrialized countries can apply. Applicants need a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree relevant to their field.
3. What expenses does the DAAD Scholarship cover?
It covers monthly living allowances (€992 for Master’s, around €1,400 for PhD), health insurance, travel costs, visa fees, study materials, and sometimes rent subsidies and family support.
4. How long does the DAAD Scholarship last?
The scholarship supports studies from 12 up to 36 months for Master’s programs, and up to 42 months for doctoral programs, depending on the course duration.
5. Can I apply for more than one course with the DAAD Scholarship?
Yes, you can apply for up to three courses. You must list them in order of priority and submit one motivation letter explaining your choices.
6. What language skills are required for the scholarship?
Applicants must prove proficiency in English (TOEFL or IELTS) for English-taught programs or German (DSH or TestDaF) for German-taught programs.
7. How do I apply for the DAAD Scholarship 2026?
Apply directly to the universities offering your chosen courses first. If recommended, DAAD will invite you to submit your full application online via their portal.
8. When are the application deadlines?
Deadlines vary by university and program, but usually fall between December and January for the winter semester. Check the DAAD official site for specific deadlines.
9. What documents are needed for the DAAD application?
Required documents include a signed DAAD form, CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, proof of work experience, language certificates, and academic transcripts.
10. Does DAAD cover tuition fees?
No, DAAD scholarships generally do not cover tuition fees, as most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition for postgraduate studies.
