If you’re aspiring to study in Germany on a fully funded scholarship, the DAAD Scholarship 2026–2027 presents a golden opportunity. Administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this scholarship program is one of the most prestigious and widely sought-after funding opportunities in the world.
Designed to support international students from developing and newly industrialized countries, the DAAD Scholarship helps future global leaders, change-makers, and academics achieve their academic goals at some of the top German universities.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through what the DAAD Scholarship offers, its eligibility criteria, required documents, and most importantly, the step-by-step application process.
What is the DAAD Scholarship?
The DAAD Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship provided to outstanding international students to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees in Germany.
It is intended to strengthen the educational and professional foundations of students who will return to their home countries as specialists and contribute to sustainable development.
The scholarship is specifically tailored for applicants from developing and newly industrialized countries, with the intention of building capacity for change in critical sectors such as education, health, governance, infrastructure, and more.
Scholarship Coverage & Financial Benefits
1. Understanding Scholarship Coverage
Scholarship coverage refers to the specific costs and expenses that a scholarship will pay for or reimburse. This coverage varies widely depending on the provider, type of scholarship, and level of study.
Full Scholarships
Full scholarships are highly competitive and offer comprehensive financial coverage, including:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance/stipend
- Accommodation
- Travel expenses (including international airfare)
- Insurance (health, accident, liability)
- Research and thesis expenses
- Books and learning materials
- Language courses (if applicable)
These are most commonly provided by governments, large educational foundations, or prestigious universities. Examples include the DAAD Scholarship (Germany), Chevening (UK), and Fulbright (USA).
Partial Scholarships
Partial scholarships cover only a portion of the overall cost, such as:
- A percentage of the tuition fees
- One-time grants for books or materials
- Accommodation only
- Travel allowance only
These are useful for students who have some personal or family support but need a partial reduction in their financial burden.
Program-Specific Scholarships
Some scholarships are designed for specific disciplines, such as:
- STEM scholarships (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- Arts and Humanities funding
- Scholarships for Medicine and Law
These may prioritize covering materials, lab fees, or specific research costs associated with the field of study.
2. Financial Benefits of Scholarships
Scholarships offer more than just money. They provide academic freedom, peace of mind, and a strong career foundation. Here are the primary financial benefits:
Tuition Fee Waiver
The most direct benefit is the reduction or complete elimination of tuition fees. Many international scholarships offer 100% tuition coverage, which can save students thousands of dollars each year.
For example:
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) covers full tuition for two years of study across multiple European universities.
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers a full tuition waiver for postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge.
Monthly Living Allowance
Scholarships typically provide a monthly stipend to cover day-to-day expenses such as food, local transport, clothing, and personal items. The amount varies by country and city due to differences in living costs.
Example stipends:
- DAAD Scholarship: €934/month for Master’s students
- Fulbright Scholarship: $1,200–$2,500/month based on location
- Australia Awards: AUD 2,100–AUD 2,500 per month
Accommodation and Housing Subsidy
Some scholarships provide:
- University housing
- Private rental allowance
- Free or subsidized accommodation
This is especially helpful in countries with high housing costs like the UK, USA, and Australia.
Health and Insurance Coverage
International students often need to purchase private health insurance in the host country. Scholarships typically include:
- Health insurance
- Accident insurance
- Travel insurance
This ensures students are protected in case of medical emergencies or travel-related disruptions.
Travel Expenses
Many fully funded scholarships cover:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Local transportation
- Visa and passport fees
Examples:
- Commonwealth Scholarship covers flights from home country to the UK and back.
- MEXT Japan includes travel to/from Japan and sometimes domestic travel within the country.
Research and Thesis Grant
For graduate-level scholars, research can be expensive. Funding may include:
- Laboratory fees
- Fieldwork costs
- Thesis printing
- Conference attendance
Example: The Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands) includes research and thesis funding as part of the award.
Language Training
Some countries require international students to learn the local language before starting their degree program. Scholarships may include:
- 6–12 months of language training
- Living allowance during training
- Tuition and materials for the language course
Non-Financial Benefits That Add Value
In addition to direct financial support, scholarships offer indirect but valuable benefits, including:
Academic Prestige
Scholarship recipients often gain access to:
- High-ranking universities
- Exclusive academic mentorship
- International faculty networks
Professional Opportunities
Many scholarships offer:
- Internships
- Career services
- Alumni networks
- Priority in job applications post-graduation
For example, Chevening Scholars are part of a global network of leaders and often receive offers from top international companies or public institutions.
Family Support (for Some Programs)
Certain scholarships allow family members (spouse or children) to accompany the scholar and may even offer financial support for dependents.
Examples of Popular Scholarship Coverage
DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
- Tuition fee: Fully covered
- Monthly stipend: €934–€1,200
- Travel allowance: Covered
- Health insurance: Provided
- Language course: Fully funded
- Research support: Included
- Accommodation: Assistance provided
Chevening Scholarship (UK)
- Full tuition at any UK university
- Monthly living allowance
- Round-trip airfare
- Visa fees
- Arrival allowance and departure grant
- Networking and leadership training
Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
- Tuition fee: Fully covered
- Monthly stipend
- Travel costs
- Insurance
- Book and research allowance
- Professional development opportunities
MEXT (Japan)
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly allowance of ¥117,000–¥145,000
- Round-trip airfare
- Language training (if required)
- Accommodation assistance
Australia Awards Scholarship
- Tuition fees
- Return air travel
- Establishment allowance
- Contribution to living expenses (CLE)
- Introductory Academic Program (IAP)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
How to Evaluate a Scholarship’s Financial Value
When assessing a scholarship, consider the total cost of attendance (TCA) and compare it with the benefits offered. Ask:
- Does it cover full or partial tuition?
- Will I have enough for food, rent, and local transport?
- Are research costs included?
- Will I need additional funding?
- Is housing or insurance included?
Combining Multiple Scholarships or Funding Sources
Some students combine:
- University scholarships
- Government grants
- Private sponsorships
- Part-time work
Fields of Study Covered
DAAD Scholarships are available for a wide range of disciplines. This includes:
- Economic Sciences / Business Administration / Political Economics
- Development Cooperation
- Engineering and Related Sciences
- Mathematics
- Regional and Urban Planning
- Agricultural and Forest Sciences
- Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Medicine / Public Health
- Social Sciences, Education, and Law
- Media Studies
Each field may have several postgraduate programs offered at different universities. It’s crucial to consult the DAAD development-oriented postgraduate courses list to choose the programs aligned with your academic background and career goals.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD Scholarship 2026, applicants must fulfill a number of strict requirements:
1. Academic Qualifications
For Master’s Degree Applicants
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (typically a four-year undergraduate program) in a relevant field from a recognized institution. The degree should be completed with above-average academic performance, generally equivalent to a minimum of second-class upper division or 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
For PhD Applicants
PhD applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree from a recognized university. The applicant’s academic background should align closely with the proposed research topic, and previous coursework or thesis experience should support the proposed research focus.
Recent Graduation Requirement
For both Master’s and PhD programs, DAAD usually requires that the last academic degree was obtained within the past six years. This is to ensure that the candidate is academically current and ready for further studies.
2. Work Experience
Professional Experience Requirement
One of the unique aspects of the DAAD scholarship particularly its Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) program is the requirement for at least two years of full-time professional experience after obtaining the first degree (Bachelor’s).
This work experience must be relevant to the applicant’s field of study and ideally demonstrate a connection to development-related issues.
Verification of Experience
Applicants must submit:
- An employment certificate from their current or past employers clearly stating the duration and role.
- A letter of recommendation from the current employer, highlighting the applicant’s role, potential for development, and support for further studies.
3. Language Proficiency
Language requirements vary depending on the medium of instruction of the chosen course:
English-Taught Programs
For programs taught in English, applicants must demonstrate proficiency through:
- IELTS (minimum 6.0–7.0 depending on the course)
- TOEFL iBT (minimum 80–100)
- Other recognized certificates (e.g., PTE)
Note: Institutional TOEFL is not accepted. Applicants should ensure their scores are valid and recent (within two years) of the application deadline.
German-Taught Programs
If the course is conducted in German, proficiency in the German language is required, typically shown through:
- TestDaF
- DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)
- Goethe-Institut certificates
5. Citizenship and Country Eligibility
DAAD scholarships are primarily intended for students from developing and newly industrialized countries as listed on the DAAD’s official development-oriented scholarship program documentation. Generally eligible countries span across:
- Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa)
- Asia (e.g., India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam)
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, Colombia, Peru)
- Eastern Europe and Central Asia (e.g., Ukraine, Kazakhstan)
6. Motivation and Commitment to Development
DAAD scholarships, particularly under the EPOS scheme, are designed to promote sustainable development in recipient countries. As such, candidates must:
- Show a strong motivation related to development goals.
- Demonstrate an intention to return to their home country after graduation.
- Indicate how their studies in Germany will contribute to solving development-related problems.
- Provide examples of social or community engagement that align with development objectives.
7. Age Restrictions
While DAAD does not enforce a strict upper age limit, it is expected that the time between completing the last degree and applying for the scholarship does not exceed six years.
This ensures that applicants are academically and professionally current. Additionally, some programs or host institutions may have specific age preferences.
8. Academic and Research Aptitude
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and research skills
- A clear academic and professional trajectory
- The ability to carry out independent academic work
PhD applicants are typically required to submit a comprehensive research proposal that:
- Aligns with the institution’s areas of interest
- Has academic merit and feasibility
- Demonstrates the applicant’s familiarity with the field
Required Application Documents
To apply successfully for the DAAD Scholarship, your application package must include the following:
Completed and signed DAAD application form.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Preferably in Europass format, signed and dated.
Letter of Motivation: A critical component. It should not exceed two pages and must clearly explain your academic interest, reasons for choosing the program, and your future development goals.
Academic Transcripts and Certificates: All academic records including certificates of graduation and university transcripts, translated into English or German if required.
Proof of Language Proficiency: Official test scores from IELTS/TOEFL or TestDaF/DSH.
Employment Certificates: Verifying at least two years of work experience relevant to your field of study.
Recommendation Letter: From your current employer or previous academic institution, with an official stamp, letterhead, and signature.
APS Certificate (for Chinese applicants only).
Additional Documents: Some universities may require extra documents like research proposals, project plans, or portfolios. Always check specific course requirements.
Can You Apply for More Than One Course?
Yes, you can apply for up to three postgraduate programs under the DAAD Scholarship scheme. However, you must list them in your order of priority on the application form. It’s essential to explain in your motivation letter why you’ve selected these specific programs in that order.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Applying for the DAAD Scholarship involves two main phases: Application to the university/program and DAAD nomination process.
Step 1: Choose Eligible Courses
Start by selecting up to three postgraduate programs from the list of development-oriented courses. Be sure the programs match your academic and professional background.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
Gather and prepare all the required documents mentioned earlier. Ensure all translations are certified where needed and follow university-specific instructions.
Step 3: Apply to Universities Directly
Send your full application to the respective university or universities offering the course(s) you’ve selected. The universities conduct their own selection process and nominate top candidates for DAAD consideration.
Step 4: Nomination by University
After reviewing applications, universities will forward shortlisted candidates to DAAD. If you are nominated, DAAD will contact you via email to upload your documents to the DAAD online portal.
Step 5: Submit to DAAD Portal
Upload your complete application as PDFs to the DAAD Portal. Make sure to keep copies of all your documents ready in digital format.
Step 6: Final Selection
DAAD will finalize the selection process in collaboration with the universities and inform successful candidates about the outcome. If selected, you’ll receive a formal scholarship offer, along with information on pre-departure preparations, visa processes, and orientation.
Conclusion
The DAAD Scholarship 2026–2027 offers a life-changing opportunity for international students to pursue fully funded postgraduate education in Germany.
With a focus on academic excellence, professional growth, and global development, this scholarship is ideal for aspiring professionals who wish to gain world-class education and return home equipped to make a difference.
The structured application process, though rigorous, is transparent and rewarding for those who meet the criteria and prepare diligently.
If you are passionate about development, possess a strong academic background, and envision a leadership role in your country’s future, then the DAAD Scholarship is undoubtedly one of the best opportunities you can pursue.