DAAD Scholarship in Germany for International Students

The DAAD Scholarship programme, which awards over 100,000 scholarships annually, offers German and international students the opportunity to pursue their master's, doctoral, and postdoctoral studies in Germany at minimal cost. International students can apply for one of the 25 DAAD Scholarships available from a total of 188 programmes.

Benefits of DAAD Scholarships

Listed below are some of the major benefits of receiving DAAD scholarships for international students:

• Full coverage of living expenses for international students
• Financial support for travel and health insurance
• Monthly allowances for master's students and PhD students
• Access to a vast global network and resources of the DAAD

Interested? Read on to learn more.

What is a DAAD Scholarship?

The DAAD Scholarship is a prestigious funding opportunity provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for international students and researchers to study or conduct research at German universities. The DAAD Scholarship supports a wide range of academic disciplines and levels, including undergraduate, graduate, PhD, and postdoctoral studies.

The DAAD offers around 184 scholarships annually for international students, ranging from funding for a semester or internship to covering entire degree programmes in Germany. Here are some prominent scholarship programmes for international students:

Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)

• Who Can Apply: Graduates from any discipline with at least two years of professional experience.
• Features: Supports postgraduate or doctoral studies at a partner university in Germany.
• Amount: €934 for graduates and €1,200 euros for doctoral candidates.
• Duration: 12-42 months, depending on the programme.

Study Scholarships - Postgraduate Studies in the Field of Architecture

• Who Can Apply: Individuals with a first university degree in areas such as Landscape Planning, Urban Planning, Architecture, and related fields.
• Features: Financial support for postgraduate studies in architecture in Germany.
• Amount: €934 per month, along with travel allowance, off-study allowance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
• Duration: 10-24 months

Study Scholarships - Postgraduate Studies in the Field of Music

• Who Can Apply: Applicants with a first university degree in Music by the time their course begins.
• Features: Funding for continuing music education in Germany.
• Amount: €934 per month, with health, accident, and liability insurance, travel allowance, and off-study allowance.
• Duration: 10-24 months

Study Scholarships - Postgraduate Studies in the Field of the Performing Arts

• Who Can Apply: Candidates with a first university degree in Performing Arts by the start of their course.
• Features: Financial support for postgraduate studies in the performing arts in Germany.
• Amount: €934 per month, including health, accident, and liability insurance, travel allowance, and off-study allowance.
• Duration: 10-24 months

Combined Study and Practise Stays for Engineers from Developing Countries (KOSPIE)

• Who Can Apply: Students in the second year of a master's course or in the fourth semester of a three-year MTech course/8th semester of an integrated/dual degree course at an IIT.
• Features: Opportunity to work on a project for a master’s thesis under the supervision of a German professor.
• Amount: €861 per month, with health, accident, and liability insurance, a research allowance of €266 euros, and travel and rent subsidies.
• Duration: 7 months

Exceptional students with outstanding achievements in areas like German language and literature or academic exchange may also receive recognition from DAAD.

Eligibility Requirements for DAAD Scholarships

For those interested in DAAD Scholarships, there are some fundamental eligibility criteria that all applicants must meet. Here are the key requirements:

Language Skills

• English Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate excellent English language skills, typically with a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.5 bands.
• German Language: While proficiency in German is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to enhance the academic experience in Germany.

Academic Grades

• Minimum CGPA/Percentage: Candidates should have a minimum aggregate of 8.5 CGPA or 85% aggregate or equivalent, depending on the specific degree programme they are applying for.

No Objection Certificate (NOC)

• NOC Requirement: For those applying for exchange programmes or short-term research, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their home institution is required.

Work Experience

• Professional Experience: Applicants should have at least 2 years of work experience, which can include research work, teaching, or graduate assistantship.

Research Proposal/SOP

• Proposal Requirement: Submission of a short 500–1000-word research proposal or Statement of Purpose (SOP) is generally required. In some cases, a CV may be sufficient.

Accommodation Proof

• Visa Insurance: Applicants must also provide proof of accommodation to fulfil visa insurance requirements.

Meeting these criteria is essential for securing a DAAD Scholarship, ensuring that applicants are well-prepared to undertake their studies or research in Germany.

How to Apply for a DAAD Scholarship in Germany?

The application process for DAAD Scholarships is simple and involves two main steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply:

STEP I: Online Application

Application Portal: Visit the DAAD Portal. The portal typically opens about 6 weeks before the scholarship application deadline.

Complete the Online Application Form: Fill out the application form accurately. Ensure that your first and last names in the form match those in your passport.

Upload Required Documents:

• Online Application Form: Complete and submit the form online.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Provide an updated CV detailing your academic and professional experiences.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): Obtain a filled and stamped NOC from your previous institution.
• Invitation Letter: Include an invitation letter from your German supervisor or host institution.
• University Degree & Certificates: Upload your degree certificates and transcripts.

Submission:

• After filling out the form and uploading the necessary documents, review your application package.
• Download the PDF version of your application summary.

STEP II: Post Submission

Prepare Your Mailing Package:

• Application Summary: Print one copy of the Application Summary PDF generated by the portal.
• Reference Letter: Include a recent reference letter from a previous university teacher.

Mail Your Documents: Send the completed application package to your nearest DAAD office. 

Selection Procedure for DAAD Scholarships

Mentioned below is the selection process for DAAD scholarship recipients:

Evaluation

• Applications for the DAAD scholarships are reviewed by selection committees, which may be established locally or in Germany, depending on the scholarship programme.

Criteria

• Quality of the Project: Assessment of the significance and potential impact of your project.
• Academic Achievements: Review of your academic background and achievements.
• Duration of Research/Fieldwork: Evaluation of the planned duration and feasibility of your research or fieldwork.
• Research Proposal/Work Experience: Consideration of the quality of your research proposal and relevant work experience.

Personal Introduction

• While there are generally no interviews, some scholarship programmes or locations may require a personal introduction.

Universities in Germany Offering DAAD Scholarships

Here's a list of prominent German universities participating in the DAAD Scholarship programme.

Factors Affecting DAAD Scholarship Selection Process

The DAAD Scholarship selection process involves a thorough evaluation of several key factors. Here are the primary elements considered:

Quality of the Project

• Significance: The relevance and potential impact of the proposed research or study project are crucial. Projects addressing significant global challenges or making substantial contributions to the field are highly valued.
• Innovation: Originality and creativity in the project proposal are essential. Scholarship committees look for unique and innovative research ideas.

Academic Achievements

• Grades and Qualifications: Academic performance, including GPA or percentage, is a critical factor. Higher academic standards and relevant qualifications strengthen the application.
• Previous Research: Demonstrated experience and success in related research or academic projects are evaluated to gauge capability and preparation.

Duration of Research/Fieldwork

• Feasibility: The proposed duration of research or fieldwork should be realistic and aligned with the project goals. The scholarship committee assesses whether the timeline is sufficient to achieve the desired outcomes.
• Research Proposal/Work Experience:
• Proposal Quality: A well-structured, clear, and compelling research proposal or SOP is crucial. It should outline research objectives, methodology, and expected results.
• Relevant Experience: Previous work experience, research involvement, or academic achievements related to the field enhance the application. These include teaching or graduate assistantships, professional work, and field research.

References and Recommendations

• Quality of References: Strong, supportive recommendations from academic or professional referees which can attest to the qualifications, skills, and potential of the applicant are important.

Personal Statement and Motivation

• Clarity of Goals: The personal statement or SOP should clearly articulate the motivation for applying, how the scholarship aligns with career goals, and why Germany is chosen for studies or research.
• Fit with Programme: Demonstrating how the applicant’s academic and professional goals align with the DAAD scholarship programme and how the scholarship will be utilised effectively is essential.

Language Proficiency

• English and German Proficiency: While proficiency in German is not mandatory, strong English proficiency is crucial. High scores in tests like IELTS Academic or TOEFL can enhance the application.

Adherence to Guidelines

• Application Compliance: Following application instructions, including submitting all required documents and meeting deadlines, is essential for a successful application.

Securing a DAAD Scholarship is notably challenging due to its competitive and prestigious nature. Only about 6 out of every 100 international students who apply for a DAAD scholarship are successful. Consequently, the rejection rate stands at around 94%.

Several factors contribute to this high rejection rate. For instance, a low GPA, an unremarkable academic profile, or a less compelling CV can significantly impact the chances of success. Even if an applicant meets all the basic requirements and completes the application process correctly, a subpar academic record or an unimpressive motivation letter can lead to rejection.

Thus, it is important for applicants to ensure that their academic achievements, CV, and motivation letter are strong and stand out to increase their chances of obtaining a DAAD scholarship.

At AECC, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the world of scholarships in Germany and find the perfect fit for your academic and financial needs. Our expert advisors will guide you through the entire process, from researching the best scholarship options to preparing a standout application. Don’t miss your chance to study in one of the world’s leading educational hubs. Register at AECC now.