The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst — German Academic Exchange Service) is Germany's largest and most important scholarship organisation — funding over 100,000 students and researchers globally every year. DAAD scholarships are among the most valuable available to international students wanting to study in Germany. This guide covers every major DAAD programme, requirements, and how to apply.
What Is the DAAD?
The DAAD is a publicly funded German organisation that promotes academic exchange through:
- Scholarships for international students to study in Germany
- Scholarships for German students to study abroad
- Institutional partnerships between German and international universities
- Research funding and academic collaboration programmes
Annual funding volume: Over €600 million per year Students and researchers funded annually: Over 100,000 worldwide
Types of DAAD Scholarships
DAAD offers over 50 different scholarship programmes — but these are the most relevant for international students wanting to study in Germany:
1. DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Young Researchers
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | €934/month (doctoral) + monthly allowance; €1,200/month (postdoc) |
| Duration | 7–24 months |
| Level | PhD (doctoral research) and postdoctoral research |
| Countries | Global |
| Deadline | October / November each year |
| Language requirement | German or English (depending on research environment) |
This is the most widely used DAAD scholarship for international PhD students and postdocs who want to conduct research at German universities or research institutions.
2. DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme — Master's in Public Policy
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | Full tuition + €750/month + travel + health insurance |
| Duration | 12–24 months |
| Level | Master's in Public Policy / Governance |
| Target | Young professionals from developing countries (2–6 years work experience) |
| Partner universities | Hertie School, Willy Brandt School, others |
| Deadline | Typically January–February |
The Helmut Schmidt Programme specifically funds professionals from developing countries to pursue master's degrees in public policy and administration at leading German institutions. It is fully funded and highly competitive.
3. DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | Full tuition + €850/month living allowance + travel + insurance |
| Duration | 12–24 months |
| Level | Master's degrees (specific programmes) |
| Countries | Developing countries (IDA-eligible) |
| Eligible programmes | Specifically listed DAAD-EPOS partner programmes in Germany |
| Deadline | Programme-specific |
EPOS specifically targets students from developing countries wanting to study master's programmes in Germany with direct relevance to development challenges. The programme list includes over 200 specific German master's programmes in areas like water management, agriculture, urban development, health, and engineering.
4. DAAD Scholarships for Foreign Students and Graduates (Short-Term Research)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | €750/month (graduates) – €1,200/month (postdoc) |
| Duration | 1–6 months |
| Level | Graduate and postdoctoral short-term research stays |
| Countries | Global |
| Deadline | Rolling (varies) |
For students wanting to spend a research semester or short stay in Germany without committing to a full degree programme.
5. DAAD Regional Programmes — Country-Specific Scholarships
DAAD has bilateral scholarship programmes with many countries. These are often the most accessible because competition is limited to applicants from a specific country:
| Country | Programme Notes |
|---|---|
| India | DAAD–India Research Grant; specific India-Germany research programmes |
| China | DAAD–China exchange; very active programme |
| Brazil | DAAD–Brazil research awards |
| Indonesia | DAAD–Indonesia scholarships |
| Mexico | DAAD–Mexico study and research |
| Egypt | DAAD–Egypt scholarships |
| Brazil | Shared programmes with CAPES |
Check the DAAD website for your specific country's bilateral programme — country-specific scholarships often have higher success rates.
6. Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Value | €2,000/month |
| Duration | 1–3 months |
| Level | Faculty and senior researchers |
| Countries | Global |
For academic faculty wanting to conduct research in Germany.
DAAD Scholarship Requirements
Academic Requirements
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | Required for all master's/doctoral applications |
| GPA / academic performance | Strong academic record — typically top 15–25% of graduating class |
| Research proposal | Required for doctoral and research grants |
| Project description | Required for most programmes |
| Two to three recommendation letters | Academic or professional references |
Language Requirements
DAAD scholarship language requirements depend on your programme language:
For English-taught programmes in Germany:
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 – 94 |
| Cambridge C1/C2 | Accepted |
For German-taught programmes (or research in a German-speaking environment):
| Test | Minimum Level |
|---|---|
| TestDaF | 4 across all sections (equivalent to B2–C1) |
| Goethe-Zertifikat | C1 |
| DSH | Level 2 (DSH-2) |
| DSD II | Accepted for some programmes |
Many DAAD research grants in STEM fields do not require German — research is conducted in English in international research environments.
IELTS for DAAD Scholarships
For English-taught DAAD-funded programmes:
| DAAD Programme | IELTS Min | Competitive Score |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD Research Grants | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Helmut Schmidt Programme | 6.5 | 7.0 – 7.5 |
| DAAD-EPOS (English-taught programmes) | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Country-specific bilateral | Varies | 7.0 |
Competitive DAAD applicants from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and Egypt typically score 7.0–7.5 IELTS or equivalent.
How to Apply for a DAAD Scholarship
Step 1: Find the Right Programme
Browse DAAD programmes at the official DAAD scholarship database (scholarship-database.daad.de). Filter by:
- Your country of origin
- Target level (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Postdoc)
- Intended subject area
- Language (English or German)
Step 2: Check Eligibility and Deadlines
Each DAAD programme has specific eligibility requirements and deadlines. Most deadlines fall between October and February for the following academic year.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Common documents required:
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application form | DAAD online portal |
| CV / Curriculum Vitae | Academic and professional |
| Academic transcripts | All university-level qualifications |
| Degree certificates | Certified copies |
| Research proposal / Study plan | 3–5 pages for doctoral; 2–3 pages for master's |
| Language certificates | IELTS, TOEFL, or German language test |
| Two to three recommendation letters | From academic supervisors or employers |
| Letter from German host institution | For research grant applications |
| Letter of motivation | 500–1,000 words |
Step 4: Apply Through the DAAD Portal
All applications are submitted through My DAAD (portal.daad.de). Create an account, select your programme, and upload documents.
Step 5: Interview (Some Programmes)
The Helmut Schmidt Programme and some country-specific programmes conduct interviews as part of the selection process.
DAAD Research Grant — How to Secure a Host Institution
For research grants (doctoral and postdoctoral), DAAD requires a letter from a German host institution confirming they will host your research. How to find one:
- Search for German professors working in your research area using ResearchGate, Google Scholar, or university websites
- Email potential supervisors with a research proposal and CV — be specific and brief
- Once a professor confirms interest, ask for a formal letter of support for your DAAD application
Tips for a Successful DAAD Application
-
Research proposal is the most important document — be specific about your research question, methodology, why Germany, and why your proposed host institution. Generic proposals fail.
-
Explain the Germany connection clearly — DAAD funds international students to come to Germany for a reason. What can Germany's universities, research environment, or laboratories offer that your home country cannot?
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Strong letters of recommendation — letters from professors who know your work in detail are far more impactful than letters from senior professors who barely know you.
-
Apply country-specific if available — DAAD bilateral programmes with your country often have higher acceptance rates because they are limited to your nationality.
-
German language is an advantage — even for English-research positions, demonstrating basic German (B1 level) shows commitment to integration in the German research community.
DAAD vs Other European Scholarships
| Scholarship | Country | Value | Level | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD | Germany | €750–€1,200/month | PhD, Master's | Global |
| Erasmus Mundus | EU | €1,400/month | Master's (joint) | Global |
| Chevening | UK | Full funding | Master's | 160 countries |
| Commonwealth | UK | Full funding | Master's, PhD | Commonwealth only |
| Austria OeAD | Austria | €1,300/month | Research | Global |
| Swiss Government | Switzerland | CHF 1,920/month | Master's, PhD | Global |
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