DAAD Scholarships in Germany 2026/2027 | Fully Funded Study and Research Opportunities
Are you planning to study, conduct research or pursue doctoral studies in Germany? The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarship programmes for international students, graduates, doctoral candidates and researchers seeking funding for academic opportunities in Germany and other eligible locations.
DAAD is one of the world’s largest funding organisations supporting international academic exchange. Its scholarships help eligible applicants pursue postgraduate studies, undertake research projects and develop their academic careers.
Funding opportunities vary by programme, academic level, country of origin and field of study. Some programmes support Master’s degrees, PhD studies, research visits and selected internships.
Important: DAAD does not have one universal scholarship application deadline. Applicants must check the specific programme requirements and closing dates in the official scholarship database.
Scholarship Overview
- Funding Organisation: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Study Destination: Germany, with some programmes supporting study or research in the applicant’s home country or region
- Eligible Applicants: Varies by scholarship programme
- Study Levels: Master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral research, as well as selected other academic opportunities
- Fields of Study: Depends on the individual scholarship
- Funding Type: Scholarships and research grants
- Application Deadline: Varies by programme
- Official Scholarship Database: Search DAAD scholarships
About DAAD
The German Academic Exchange Service supports international academic exchange by providing funding opportunities for students, graduates and researchers.
Its scholarship programmes aim to strengthen international cooperation, support academic development and enable talented individuals to study and conduct research.
DAAD funding is available through different schemes, and applicants should identify programmes that match their academic qualifications, nationality, research interests and intended study destination.
Types of DAAD Scholarships
1. DAAD Research Grants
DAAD offers research grants for doctoral candidates from many countries. These grants support eligible research visits and academic projects at German universities and non-university research institutions.
Applicants should review the individual research grant conditions, including eligible disciplines, duration and application deadlines.
2. Doctoral Scholarships in Germany
DAAD offers funding for full doctoral programmes in Germany, with particular opportunities for applicants from developing and emerging countries.
These programmes may support researchers seeking to undertake doctoral studies and build their academic expertise.
View the doctoral scholarship programme
3. Master’s Degree Scholarships
International graduates may find DAAD scholarships supporting Master’s-level studies in Germany. Eligibility varies according to the programme and the applicant’s country of origin.
Some opportunities are specifically designed for candidates from developing and emerging economies.
Two options highlighted by DAAD include:
- STEM Study Scholarships: Opportunities for eligible applicants pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS): Scholarships for eligible postgraduate courses with a development focus.
Explore the relevant opportunities through the DAAD scholarship database.
4. Hilde Domin Programme
The Hilde Domin Programme supports students and doctoral candidates who are at risk of being denied educational or other rights in their countries of origin.
Potential applicants cannot nominate themselves directly. Candidates must first be nominated by an eligible institution or organisation that is a legal entity based in Germany. Suitable candidates may subsequently be contacted by DAAD and invited to apply.
Learn more about the Hilde Domin Programme
5. In-Country and In-Region Scholarships
DAAD also supports selected programmes that enable students, doctoral candidates and researchers to study in their home countries or other countries within their region.
These opportunities can help strengthen local academic institutions and develop research capacity without requiring every recipient to relocate to Germany.
Explore In-Country and In-Region programmes
What Do DAAD Scholarships Cover?
DAAD scholarships do not generally require repayment. However, the benefits differ according to the individual programme.
Depending on the scholarship, support may include:
- Monthly scholarship payments.
- A travel allowance.
- Health, accident and personal liability insurance.
- Research allowances.
- Family benefits for eligible recipients.
- Funding for language courses.
The overview provided by DAAD cites monthly payments of €992 for students and €1,300 for doctoral candidates as examples. These figures should not be treated as guaranteed rates for every programme; applicants should confirm the current allowance and full benefits in their chosen scholarship announcement.
Eligibility Requirements
DAAD scholarship requirements vary by programme. Applicants may need to meet criteria relating to academic qualifications, nationality, professional experience, language proficiency and the proposed study or research project.
Depending on the scholarship, applicants may be required to provide:
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- A CV.
- A motivation letter or statement of purpose.
- A research proposal, where applicable.
- Proof of language proficiency.
- Letters of recommendation or other supporting documents specified in the call.
Applicants should read the official programme announcement carefully before preparing their applications.
How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships
Follow these steps to identify and apply for a suitable scholarship.
- Visit the scholarship database: Open the
- Search for suitable programmes: Filter opportunities according to your country of origin, academic discipline, qualification level and intended study or research activity.
- Review eligibility criteria: Check academic requirements, eligible nationalities, funding coverage and supporting documents.
- Confirm the deadline: Each programme has its own application schedule.
- Prepare your documents: Follow the instructions in the specific scholarship announcement.
- Submit your application: Use the application portal or procedure indicated in the relevant programme listing.
Applications are assessed by independent selection committees. These committees consider applicants’ academic and professional qualifications, the quality of their proposed studies or research, and their overall potential. Additional circumstances may also be considered under the applicable selection criteria.
Final Thoughts
DAAD scholarships provide valuable opportunities for eligible international students, graduates and researchers to advance their education and research careers.
Whether you are planning a Master’s degree, a doctorate or a research visit, the best starting point is the official scholarship database. Check each programme’s eligibility requirements, funding provisions and application deadline before submitting your application.
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