DAAD Scholarships 2026-27: Fully Funded Study in Germany (Master’s & PhD)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD — Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the world’s largest funding organization for international academic exchange. 100,000+ scholarships awarded annually.

Fully funded Master’s and PhD programs at German universities. Monthly payment €992-€1,400 + health insurance + travel. Open to all countries.

If you want fully-funded graduate study in Germany, DAAD is your primary target.

—

Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship	DAAD Scholarships (multiple programs)
Funded by	German Federal Ministry of Education and Research + Foreign Office
Level	Master’s, PhD, Research
Monthly Payment	€992 (graduates), €1,400 (doctoral)
Coverage	Monthly payment + health insurance + travel allowance
Awards	10,000+ per year (varies by program)
Eligibility	All countries (program-dependent)
Deadlines	August-November 2026 (varies by program)
Website	daad.de/en/scholarships

—

Types of DAAD Scholarships (Key Programs)

DAAD offers 200+ scholarship programs. Here are the main ones for international students:

1. DAAD Study Scholarships (Master’s)

For: International graduates to pursue Master’s degrees at German universities
Duration: 1-2 years (depending on program length; typically extendable by 1 semester)
Monthly payment: €992
Additional coverage:

• Health insurance (€100/month approx)

• Travel allowance (varies by country)

• In most cases: tuition waiver (most German public universities charge little to no tuition)

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) completed within last 6 years

• Strong academic record (top 30% of class minimum, though preference for top 10%)

• German or English language proficiency (depends on program language)

• 2+ years of academic/professional experience preferred but not always required

Deadline: Varies by your country (typically August-November 2026)

—

2. DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates

For: International PhD students / doctoral researchers
Duration: 1-4 years (depending on research project; typically 3 years)
Monthly payment: €1,400
Additional coverage:

• Health insurance

• Travel allowance

• Research costs allowance

• Family allowance (if applicable)

Eligibility:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) completed

• Research proposal aligned with a German university or institute

• Contact with a German academic supervisor (informal agreement to supervise your research)

• Strong academic record

Deadline: Varies by program (typically September-November 2026)

—

3. EPOS Scholarships (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses)

For: International Master’s students from developing countries (Africa, Asia, Latin America)
Fields: Development-related programs only (public health, renewable energy, agriculture, governance, engineering for development, etc.)
Duration: 1-2 years (full Master’s degree)
Coverage:

• Full tuition (covered by DAAD)

• Monthly payment €992

• Health insurance

• Travel allowance

Eligibility:

• From a developing country (DAAD maintains a list)

• Bachelor’s degree completed

• At least 2 years of professional experience (required)

• Applying to a development-related Master’s program at a participating German university

Deadline: Varies by program (typically September-December 2026)
List of EPOS programs: daad.de/epos

—

4. Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Master’s in Public Policy and Governance)

For: Future leaders from developing countries pursuing Master’s in Public Policy, Governance, or related fields
Duration: 2-3 years (includes German language course + Master’s)
Coverage:

• Full tuition

• Monthly payment €992

• Travel allowance

• Health insurance

• German language course (6 months before Master’s begins)

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree

• At least 2 years of professional experience

• From a developing country (DAAD list)

• Commitment to return home and work in public service/civil society

Deadline: Typically August-September 2026

—

5. DAAD In-Country / In-Region Scholarships (Africa-Specific)

For: Students from Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue Master’s or PhD at African universities (not in Germany)
Why it exists: Capacity-building in Africa; study stays in Africa but funded by Germany.
Coverage:

• Full tuition at African host university

• Monthly stipend (varies by country)

• Research support

Eligibility:

• Nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries

• Applying to select African universities (partnered with DAAD)

• Strong academic record

Deadline: Typically August 15, 2026 (varies slightly by program and country)

—

General Eligibility Requirements (All Programs)

While each DAAD program has unique criteria, common requirements include:

1. Citizenship

Most programs are open to all countries. Some (like EPOS, Helmut-Schmidt) target developing countries.

2. Academic Degree

• Master’s programs: Bachelor’s degree (must be completed before scholarship starts)

• PhD programs: Master’s degree

3. Academic Excellence

• Typically require above-average grades (top 30% of class minimum; competitive applicants are often top 10%)

• DAAD uses a points-based GPA conversion (check daad.de for your country’s conversion table)

4. Language Proficiency

Depends on the program’s language of instruction:

• German-taught programs: TestDaF (minimum TDN 4) or DSH-2

• English-taught programs: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+

Many DAAD Master’s programs are fully in English (no German required).

5. Time Limit

Your last degree must have been completed within a specific timeframe (typically within the last 6 years for Master’s programs, last 3 years for PhD programs). Exceptions can be made for professional experience.

6. No Residency in Germany

You must be applying from abroad (not currently living in Germany for more than 15 months).

—

Application Process (Typical for Most Programs)

Step 1: Choose Your Program and University

1. Decide on your field of study.
2. Find German universities offering programs in your field.

• Search at daad.de/international-programmes (database of English-taught and German-taught programs)

• Filter by subject, language, degree type

3. Shortlist 2-5 programs that fit your goals.
4. Check if the program is eligible for DAAD scholarships (most are, but confirm).

Step 2: Choose the Right DAAD Scholarship Program

Match your situation to a DAAD program:

• Just finished Bachelor’s → Study Scholarships (Master’s)

• From a developing country + 2 years work experience + development focus → EPOS

• Want PhD funding → Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates

• Targeting Public Policy Master’s from developing country → Helmut-Schmidt

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

Standard DAAD application components:

#### 1. DAAD Application Form

• Personal details

• Academic history

• Proposed study or research plan

• List of chosen German universities/programs

#### 2. CV (Max 3 pages)

• Education

• Work experience

• Publications (if any)

• Languages

• Skills

#### 3. Letter of Motivation (1-2 pages)

Explain:

• Why you chose your field

• Why you want to study/research in Germany

• Why the specific university/program

• Your career goals

• How this scholarship advances your goals

• How you’ll contribute to your home country afterward (if from developing country)

Strong letters:

• Specific about German program fit (“I want to work with Professor X on Y research” or “This program offers Z specialization unavailable in my country”)

• Connect German education to home country needs

• Show understanding of Germany’s strengths in your field

#### 4. Two Letters of Recommendation

• Academic referees (professors, thesis supervisors)

• Should address academic ability, research potential, character

#### 5. Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates

• Certified translations (if not in German or English)

• Grade conversion (DAAD provides conversion tables)

#### 6. Language Proficiency Certificate

• IELTS/TOEFL (for English programs)

• TestDaF/DSH (for German programs)

• Some programs accept conditional admission pending language test

#### 7. For PhD Applicants: Research Proposal (5-10 pages)

• Research question and objectives

• Methodology

• Expected outcomes

• Connection to German research strengths

• Letter of support from a German supervisor (highly recommended, sometimes required)

Step 4: Apply to German Universities (Often Parallel)

DAAD scholarships typically require you to also apply for admission to German universities.

Process:

• Apply to German universities directly (deadlines vary: typically May-July for winter semester start, Dec-Jan for summer start)

• Some universities require you to have admission before DAAD application; others allow concurrent applications

Check each university’s process.

Step 5: Submit DAAD Application

Application portal: daad.de/scholarship-database → Find your target scholarship → Apply via DAAD Portal
Deadlines: Vary by program and your home country (typically August-November 2026)

Step 6: Selection Process

October-December 2026: DAAD selection committees review applications
January-March 2027: Shortlisted candidates notified, interviews (virtual or at German embassy)
April-May 2027: Final scholarship offers
October 2027: Scholarship begins (most programs start winter semester)

—

Selection Criteria

1. Academic Excellence

Strong academic record. Top 10-20% of class competitive.

2. Quality of Study/Research Plan

Clear, specific, well-structured plan. Shows you’ve researched Germany’s offerings in your field.

3. Motivation and Goals

Clear career plan. Connection to home country development (especially for developing-country applicants).

4. Relevance to Germany

Why Germany? Show awareness of German strengths in your field (research centers, technology, approach to your discipline).

5. Potential for Future Collaboration

DAAD wants scholars who will maintain ties to Germany (future academic partnerships, professional networks, ambassadors for German education).

—

What Being a DAAD Scholar Looks Like

If selected:

• Monthly payment deposited to your German bank account (€992 or €1,400)

• Health insurance covered (mandatory in Germany)

• Integration support (German language courses, orientation events)

• Access to DAAD alumni network (60,000+ globally)

• Annual DAAD scholar meetings and events in Germany

Cost of living in Germany:

• €800-€1,200/month (smaller cities)

• €1,000-€1,500/month (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt)

The DAAD monthly payment covers basic living costs. You won’t live lavishly, but it’s sufficient for student life.

—

Common Questions

“Can I work part-time while on DAAD scholarship?”

Usually yes, but limited (typically 120 full days or 240 half days per year under German student visa rules). DAAD allows part-time work as long as it doesn’t interfere with studies.

“Do I need to learn German?”

Depends on your program. Many Master’s programs are fully in English (no German required). DAAD offers free German language courses for scholars who want to learn.

“Is there a bond/return requirement?”

No formal bond, but DAAD expects scholars (especially from developing countries) to return home and contribute to their countries’ development. Not legally enforced.

“Can I bring my family?”

Yes, but DAAD doesn’t fund dependents. You’d need to cover their costs (and prove financial capacity for visa purposes). PhD scholars with families can apply for family allowance (additional monthly payment).

—

Should You Apply?

Yes, if:

• You want to study/research in Germany

• You have a strong academic record (top 30% minimum)

• Your last degree was completed within 6 years (for Master’s) or 3 years (for PhD)

• You meet language requirements (English or German depending on program)

Maybe not if:

• You prefer other countries (apply to their scholarships instead)

• Your grades aren’t competitive (DAAD is selective)

• You graduated too long ago and haven’t been professionally active (time limits may exclude you)

—

Strategy Tips

1. Start early. German university applications and DAAD applications overlap. Begin researching in June-July 2026 for October 2026 deadline.

2. For PhD applicants: contact potential supervisors early. German professors get many requests. Email 10-15, expect 1-2 responses. A supportive supervisor letter greatly increases your chances.

3. Choose programs strategically. Don’t just pick “University of Munich because it’s famous.” Pick programs with specific strengths in your subfield.

4. If from a developing country, consider EPOS or Helmut-Schmidt. They have more slots and target your region specifically.

5. Leverage Germany’s reputation in your field. Germany is known for engineering, renewable energy, automotive, chemistry, public health, social sciences. Mention this in your motivation.

—

Next Steps

1. Visit daad.de/scholarship-database and search for scholarships matching your profile

2. Research German universities and programs (daad.de/international-programmes)

3. Take language test if needed (IELTS/TOEFL or TestDaF/DSH)

4. Draft your motivation letter (start in July-August)

5. Contact German professors (for PhD applicants)

6. Submit applications by deadlines (August-November 2026, varies by program)

DAAD is competitive, but they fund 10,000+ international students every year. Strong academic record + clear plan + good fit with German programs = real chance.

—

Related: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships · Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships · Stipendium Hungaricum