The DAAD Scholarship 2026 offers a fantastic opportunity for international students to pursue Master's or PhD degrees at top German universities. This fully funded scholarship aims to support well-trained experts who can contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries.

Scholarship Overview

The DAAD Scholarship 2026 is available for both Master's and PhD studies in Germany. It is a fully funded program designed to support international students from developing and newly industrialized countries. The scholarship focuses on fostering expertise and international collaboration for sustainable development.

The scholarship provides financial assistance to cover living expenses and other costs associated with studying in Germany. It aims to empower graduates to become agents of change in their respective fields and communities. The program emphasizes the importance of education and health for all.

The scholarship is open to graduates from developed and newly industrialized countries across all disciplines. It provides an opportunity to obtain a Master's or PhD degree at a state or state-recognized German university.

Financial Coverage

Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. Master's students receive 934 euros per month, while doctoral candidates receive 1,300 euros per month. This support ensures students can focus on their studies without financial burden.

In addition to the monthly stipend, the scholarship includes a travel allowance, unless covered by other sources. It also covers health, accident, and personal liability insurance. A one-off study allowance is also provided to help with initial expenses.

Under certain conditions, additional benefits may be available. These include a monthly rent subsidy and a monthly allowance for accompanying family members. These additional benefits provide extra support for students with specific needs.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in either English or German. For English-taught programs, a TOEFL or IELTS certificate is typically required. For German-taught programs, a DSH or TestDaF certificate is necessary.

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree (usually a four-year course) or a Master's degree in a relevant field. A minimum of two years of professional experience is also required. This ensures that candidates have practical experience to complement their academic pursuits.

Eligible applicants must be from developing countries. Candidates should demonstrate a development-related motivation and a commitment to social responsibility. They should also be prepared to initiate and support positive change in their communities upon completion of their studies.

• Must have a Bachelor's or Master's degree

• Minimum of two years of professional experience

• Demonstrate development-related motivation

Application Process

Applicants can apply for up to three courses under the DAAD scholarship program. When applying for multiple courses, it's crucial to list them in order of priority in the DAAD application forms. Ensure that the priorities remain consistent throughout the application process.

The application requires several essential documents. These include a signed DAAD application form, a personally signed CV, and a letter of motivation. The letter of motivation should address current occupation and choice of postgraduate program(s), and should not exceed two pages.

Additional required documents include a letter of recommendation from the current employer, certificates of employment proving a minimum of two years of relevant working experience, and proof of language skills. Copies of academic degrees and transcripts are also necessary, along with an APS Certificate for applicants from the People’s Republic of China.

Key Dates and Deadlines

The DAAD Scholarship deadline varies depending on the chosen study program. Applicants should check the specific deadlines for their desired courses on the DAAD website. It is crucial to adhere to these deadlines to ensure the application is considered.

The program period ranges from 12 to 36 months, depending on the length of the chosen study program. This allows students sufficient time to complete their Master's or PhD studies. The duration is tailored to the specific requirements of each program.

The selection process involves several stages. Initially, applicants apply directly to the universities offering their chosen courses. A selection committee then suggests potential candidates for the DAAD scholarship. Suggested candidates will be contacted by DAAD to upload their complete application to the DAAD Portal.