The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Scholarship is a fully funded German government initiative to support international students from developing and newly industrialized countries to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees in Germany. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s (or Master's for PhD) degree, have at least two years of professional experience, and demonstrate a clear commitment to contributing to their home country’s development after completion of studies.

Yes, the DAAD Scholarship is fully funded. It covers:

• Monthly stipend: €992 for Master’s students, €1,400 for PhD candidates

• Travel allowance

• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance

• One-time study allowance
  Additional benefits may include a rent subsidy and family allowances.

DAAD supports a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Economics and Law

• Engineering and Natural Sciences

• Medicine and Health Sciences

• Agriculture and Forestry

• Social Sciences, Education, and Political Sciences

• Media, Art & Cultural Studies
  You can choose from a list of eligible programs listed on the official DAAD course database.

For English-taught programs, applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS (minimum 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 80 internet-based).
For German-taught programs, proof of proficiency through exams like DSH, TestDaF, or Goethe-Institut certificates is required.
Language requirements vary by program, so refer to the university’s criteria.

Yes, you can apply for up to three courses, but you must rank them by preference in your DAAD application. All courses should be relevant to your career and development goals. Only one letter of motivation should be submitted covering all chosen courses, explaining your preferences and sequence.

DAAD is highly competitive due to the global demand and fully funded nature of the scholarship. Candidates are evaluated based on academic excellence, professional experience, leadership potential, and motivation to contribute to development. Early preparation, a strong statement of purpose, and excellent references increase your chances.

Essential documents include:

• DAAD Application Form

• Europass CV (signed and dated)

• Letter of Motivation

• Recommendation Letter from employer

• Employment Certificate(s) with at least two years’ experience

• Language Proficiency Test results (IELTS/TOEFL or DSH/TestDaF)

• Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates

• APS Certificate (for Chinese applicants)
  Some programs may request additional materials.

The application process involves:

1. Selecting eligible programs (maximum 3)

2. Applying directly to the German universities offering those programs

3. Submitting all required documents to the universities

4. If shortlisted, DAAD contacts you to upload your documents to their online portal

5. Final selection is made by DAAD based on merit

There is no single deadline. Each program/university has its own deadline, usually between August and October 2025 for the 2026 intake. Applicants must check the individual course pages or the DAAD portal for accurate deadlines. Missing a deadline will result in automatic disqualification.

No, DAAD requires a minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience after your Bachelor’s degree. Internships and volunteer work may not be counted unless full-time and directly related. This requirement is crucial to assess your development-oriented commitment and career goals.