The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarships target graduates, doctoral students, and postdocs to study in German universities especially in the field of research. Germany provides one of the best study and research opportunities for international students. Annually, the scholarship awards over 100,000 German and international students with scholarships all around the world.
There are a lot of DAAD scholarships to choose from under this program. One of the objectives of the scholarship is to help students assume global responsibility and contribute to the development of their home country. Germany is a great place for you to study and do a research visit for an affordable price. Compared to other European countries, Germany is less expensive.
DAAD scholarship benefits
The stipend depends on the program and the qualification of the scholars. Scholars for the master’s program receive €861 and €1,200 for doctoral and postdocs monthly. Tuition fees are not generally charged in universities but it is not always free. It is important to inquire in advance if your chosen program charges tuition fees because DAAD does not pay for tuition fees. State universities at Baden Württemberg for instance charge €1,500 per semester to international students.
DAAD also pays for travel expenses. For some reason, DAAD may offer an allowance for the spouses and children of the scholar as well as insurance benefits. If the funding period does not exceed six months, there will be no family benefits.
The scholarship will also cover health, accident, and personal liability insurance from the first day of stay in Germany. For persons with disabilities or chronic illness, you can apply for additional benefits in addition to the provisions of the DAAD scholarship.
You may read the overview of other benefits in the scholarship database as it may vary depending on your chosen scholarship.
You can download this flyer to find out which scholarship is most suitable for you.
DAAD scholarship requirements
One of the frequently asked questions is the age limit for the DAAD scholarship. The answer for this would be none. There is no age limit but some programs specify that there must be a certain length of time elapsed since the last degree was finished.
For some instances like pregnancy and childbirth, care of children up to the age of 12, prolonged illness, compulsory military service, care of care-dependent relatives, and other circumstances, an application after much time had elapsed is still permissible. DAAD may request supporting documents like proof of disabilities or illnesses.
If you have not yet acquired your university degree, you may submit an application provided that you apply in your last year at the university. Before the funding period, the certificate of your university degree must be submitted.
If you are s already in Germany at the time of application, you may still apply as long as you have not exceeded 15 months of stay in Germany before the deadline of applications.
A candidate is required to live in the country of origin at the time of the application. If you wish to stay in Germany for more than six months, you must receive your last degree from the country of origin.
You must provide proof of proficiency in the language instruction of the study program you wish to apply to. This may be in German or English. Not all programs will require a minimum language level, but some may still do depending on the country of origin and the program. The German language skills can be assessed for free at Deutsche Welle or Goethe Institut. For English, the British Council offers a free test. If your German language skills are not sufficient, you may take online courses in your home country. DAAD will pay for the Deutsche-Uni Online (DUO) module if your scholarship will last for more than six months.
Scholars of another German organization are no longer eligible for the DAAD scholarship.
DAAD scholarship application procedure
There is no general rule in the application process for the DAAD scholarship. You must visit the scholarship database and read the application procedure for your chosen scholarship program. You may contact authorized persons available in your area. A list of contact details is available here.
For programs that require application through the DAAD portal, you must first register to the DAAD portal. Select the program of your choice in the scholarship database and submit your application.
In the call for applications section, the needed documents are listed. These are to be submitted to the DAAD portal. After submission, wait for an e-mail confirming the receipt of your online application.
For scientific subjects, a reference from a university teacher may be required. It must be written by a university teacher with a doctoral degree. It should contain academic achievements, academic and personal qualities, and the significance of the scholarship for your academic and professional career.
If a positive conclusion has been made, DAAD may request certified documents. The selection of scholars will primarily be based on the quality of the project and academic achievements.
DAAD scholarship application deadline
Application for the winter semester which begins around September or October starts in early May and ends on July 15 yearly.
The summer semester starts in March or April. They accept applications from early December to January 15 of the following year.
Other deadlines may be set by private universities also.
Acceptance letters from a university or the “Trust for admission to higher education” are issued to successful applicants in August or September and in February of March. Letters of rejection will also be sent but a little later.
These deadlines are not definite for all scholarships. Visit the scholarship database. Under the call of applications, the deadlines are posted in the area for “Application procedure”.
