DAAD Study Scholarships 2027 — Master’s Studies in All Academic Disciplines (Germany)

The DAAD Study Scholarship for Master’s Studies is the broadest scholarship offered by the German Academic Exchange Service. It funds graduates from almost every country to complete a full master’s degree at any state-recognised German university — and it’s open to all academic disciplines.

German public universities charge no tuition fees (or very minimal ones), so the DAAD stipend essentially covers your entire cost of living. With €992 per month, you can live comfortably in most German cities — especially student-friendly ones like Leipzig, Göttingen, or Dresden.

What’s Included

• €992 monthly scholarship payment for the standard duration of your master’s (10-24 months)
• Full health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
• Travel allowance (flat-rate, apply when needed)
• €460 annual study allowance for books and materials
• Optional: preliminary German language course in Germany (if you need it, up to 6 months)
• Family supplements available for scholars with dependants

Who Can Apply

• Graduates with a completed bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) — your degree should not be older than 6 years at the time of the application deadline
• Open to almost all countries worldwide — check the DAAD scholarship database for your specific country
• You must have applied to a master’s programme at a German university starting in October 2027
• You must not have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline
• Language requirements depend on your chosen programme: German-taught programmes require TestDaF/DSH; English-taught programmes require TOEFL/IELTS

Application Timeline

• Application window: Opens 1 June, closes typically October 2026 (exact date varies by country — check the DAAD portal for your country’s deadline)
• Selection: Independent committees review applications after the deadline
• Results: Usually announced February-March 2027
• Funding begins: 1 October 2027 (earlier if you attend a language course first)

What Makes a Successful DAAD Application

The DAAD selection committees look at three main areas:

1. Academic qualifications: Strong grades in your bachelor’s degree, relevant coursework, and a clear rationale for why you chose your specific master’s programme
2. Quality of your study project: A well-written motivation letter explaining why this programme, why Germany, and how it connects to your career goals
3. Potential: Evidence that you’ll make good use of the scholarship — previous academic achievements, extracurricular engagement, and personal drive

Pro Tips

• Start researching German master’s programmes at least 6 months before the DAAD deadline. Use the DAAD course database and university websites.
• Your DAAD application and your university application are separate. You need both. Start the university application early — some have earlier deadlines than DAAD.
• Letters of recommendation carry significant weight. Choose referees who know your academic work well and can speak specifically about your research potential.
• If your programme is in German, invest in TestDaF preparation. A strong language score signals commitment.