DAAD Scholarships for International Students in Germany

Are you an international student eager to study in Europe’s academic and economic powerhouse without breaking the bank?

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), or German Academic Exchange Service, offers some of the world’s most generous scholarships for international students to pursue higher education in Germany.

Renowned for its top-tier universities, innovative research, and tuition-free public education system, Germany is a magnet for ambitious students globally. With DAAD scholarships, you can access fully funded or partially funded opportunities to study at institutions like Humboldt University, Technical University of Munich, or Heidelberg University.

This article dives into the DAAD scholarship programs for this year, their benefits, eligibility, and application tips—everything you need to unlock a world-class education in Germany.

Why Study in Germany with DAAD?

Germany stands out as a premier study destination for international students, blending academic excellence with affordability. Home to over 400 higher education institutions, many ranked among the top 100 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025), Germany offers programs in engineering, medicine, natural sciences, humanities, and more.

Public universities charge no tuition fees for international students—just a semester contribution of €150-€300—making it one of the most cost-effective study destinations in Europe. Add to that a robust economy, post-study work opportunities, and a pathway to permanent residency, and it’s no wonder over 400,000 international students flock to Germany annually.

The DAAD, founded in 1925, is Germany’s largest funding organization for international academic exchange, supporting over 100,000 students and researchers yearly with a budget exceeding €600 million.

Its scholarships are tailored to help international students from developing countries, master’s candidates, PhD researchers, and postdoctoral scholars achieve their academic goals. Let’s explore the top DAAD scholarship options for international students for the year.

Top DAAD Scholarships for International Students

DAAD offers a variety of scholarships depending on your academic level, country of origin, and field of study. Below are the most prominent programs for international students:

1. DAAD Scholarships for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)

The EPOS (Entwicklungspolitische Studiengänge) program is a flagship DAAD scholarship targeting students from developing countries who aim to contribute to sustainable development. It funds master’s and select PhD programs at German universities in fields like environmental science, public health, engineering, and economic policy.

Eligibility:

• Citizens of developing countries (check DAAD’s country list, e.g., Nigeria, India, Brazil).
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with above-average grades.
• At least two years of relevant professional experience post-graduation.
• Commitment to return to your home country after studies.

Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage.
• Monthly stipend of €934 (master’s) or €1,300 (PhD).
• Travel allowance, health insurance, and preparatory German language course (if needed).
• Total value: Up to €40,000+ over two years.
• Duration: 12-24 months for master’s, up to 42 months for PhDs.
• Application Deadline: Varies by program (typically August-October).

How to Apply: Submit directly to the university offering your chosen EPOS program, not DAAD.

2. DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Young Academics

For international students pursuing a PhD or postdoctoral research, this DAAD grant provides funding to conduct cutting-edge research at German universities or research institutes.

Eligibility:

• Master’s degree holders or current PhD candidates with excellent academic records.
• Research proposal approved by a German host institution.
• Open to all nationalities, with preference for developing countries.

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of €1,300.
• Travel allowance, insurance, and research funding.
• Up to €50,000+ over three years.
• Duration: 1-4 years, depending on the project.
• Application Deadline: Rolling, but typically November.

How to Apply: Via the DAAD portal (my.daad.de) with a host invitation letter.

3. DAAD Study Scholarships for Foreign Graduates in the Arts

This unique scholarship supports international students in creative fields—fine arts, design, film, music, and architecture—to pursue master’s degrees or supplementary studies at German art schools.

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant artistic field.
• Portfolio of work and proof of artistic talent.
• Open to all nationalities.

Benefits:

• €934 monthly stipend.
• Travel and insurance coverage, plus language course support.
• Approximately €25,000+ for a two-year program.
• Duration: 1-2 years.
• Application Deadline: Usually November

How to Apply: Online via DAAD portal with portfolio submission.

• DAAD Short-Term Research Stays

Ideal for international master’s students, PhD candidates, or postdocs needing short-term funding for research projects or internships in Germany.

Eligibility:

• Enrolled in a graduate program or holding a graduate degree.
• Invitation from a German host institution.

Benefits:

• €934-€1,300 monthly stipend (depending on level).
• Travel allowance and insurance.
• Duration: 1-6 months.
• Application Deadline: Rolling, apply 4-6 months before your planned stay.
• How to Apply: DAAD portal submission.

How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships

Applying for a DAAD scholarship requires preparation and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Find Your Program: Use the DAAD Scholarship Database (www.daad.de/scholarship-database) to filter by country, field, and level.
• Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet academic, professional, and nationality requirements.
• Secure a Host: For research-based scholarships, obtain an invitation from a German professor or institution.
• Gather Documents: Typical requirements include:
• CV/resume.
• Motivation letter (tailored to your goals and Germany’s relevance).
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
• Reference letters (usually two).
• Proof of language skills (German or English, e.g., TOEFL/IELTS if applicable).
• Submit Online: Use the DAAD portal or university-specific application channels (e.g., for EPOS).
• Meet Deadlines: check specific deadlines early.

Tips to Win a DAAD Scholarship

Highlight Relevance: Show how your studies align with Germany’s academic strengths or your home country’s needs.

Learn German: While many programs are in English, basic German boosts your application (DAAD often funds pre-study language courses).

Strong Motivation Letter: Explain your academic passion and career goals clearly.

Apply Early: Competition is fierce—submit well before deadlines (e.g., October-November).

Why DAAD Scholarships Matter

Germany’s tuition-free public universities already make it affordable, but living costs (€800-€1,200/month) can add up. DAAD scholarships cover these expenses, offering a lifeline for students from developing nations or those without personal funding.

Plus, Germany’s post-study work visa (up to 18 months) and EU Blue Card options make it a launchpad for global careers.

Final Thoughts

The DAAD scholarships for international students in Germany are a game-changer, offering access to one of Europe’s best education systems with financial support tailored to your academic journey.

Whether you’re pursuing a master’s in sustainable development, a PhD in engineering, or a creative arts degree, DAAD has a program for you. Start exploring the DAAD database today, prepare your application for the year, and take the first step toward a transformative education in Germany. Visit www.daad.de for full details and make your study-abroad dream a reality!