Would you like to apply for a DAAD scholarship in Germany? Information and answers to questions about application conditions, requirements, and the selection procedure are available here.
Please note that the following conditions apply only if not otherwise specified in the scholarship announcements.
A. Requirements for scholarship application
1. Is there an age limit for DAAD scholarships?
No, there is usually no fixed age limit. There are individual exceptions in programmes in which this is explicitly requested by an international partner.
2. I finished my university degree or started my doctorate longer ago than the application requirements specify. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, an application may be permissible under the following circumstances which may have a delaying effect on studies or doctoral projects:
- pregnancy and childbirth
- care of children up to the age of 12 (maximum of three years per child)
- care of care-dependent relatives
- disability or chronic illness
- prolonged, serious illness
- compulsory military service
- if applicable, other circumstances.
3. I have not completed my university degree by the application deadline. Am I still eligible to apply for a scholarship?
Yes, in most programmes which require a first university degree, you can apply in your last year of study. You must then meet all the academic requirements set out in the Call for Applications by the time your funding period begins. Also, you can hand in your degree later; it must be submitted before the start of the funding period.
4. I’m already in Germany. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, if you have been in Germany for a maximum of 15 months by the closing date for applications and the Call for Scholarship Applications makes no other specifications.
5. I am not currently living in my country of origin. Am I still eligible to apply for a scholarship?
An application from your current country of residence is possible under certain circumstances:
- If you wish to apply for a short-term scholarship (up to 6 months), you must have lived in your country of residence for at least one year at the time of application and have a residence there.
- If you would like to come to Germany for more than 6 months, you must also have obtained your last degree (e.g. Bachelor/Master) in your country of residence or obtain this degree until the start of the scholarship.
In any case, you can apply from your country of origin, even if you currently live in another country and meet the above requirements. Your country of origin is usually the country in which you have spent most of your life and may differ from your nationality.
6. I have dual citizenship. From which country should I apply?
Dual nationals must apply from their country of origin (usually the country where you have spent most of your life). If the requirements are met, an application from the current country of residence is also possible. Nationality alone does not entitle you to apply from a country you have never lived in and are not currently living in.
Example: You were born and raised in Argentina, currently live there and have Argentinean and Italian citizenship. You can only apply from Argentina. It is not possible to apply from Italy.
7. I am enrolled in a study programme at a German university and aim to complete this degree in Germany, or I am completing a doctoral degree at a German university. Can I apply for a DAAD scholarship for a stay in a country other than Germany?
Under the following conditions, foreign nationals who live in Germany may also apply for a DAAD scholarhip for stays in other countries than Germany.
- You are enrolled in a study programme at a German university with the aim of obtaining a degree from the German university, or
- you are doing your doctorate at a German university.
and want to go abroad during this time. This regulation does not apply to international students/doctoral candidates who are already being funded with an “Incoming DAAD scholarship” in Germany.
8. Can I apply for a scholarship whatever subject I am studying?
Principally, yes: DAAD offers many scholarship programmes that are open to almost all subjects, although restrictions apply to some subjects (e.g., medicine).
There are also programmes that are aimed at very specific subject areas, such as architecture, music or computer science.
9. What language skills do I need to apply for a scholarship?
Not all programmes require a general minimum language level for funding applications. Depending on country of origin and scholarship programme, however, certain language skills may be expected. When a specific language level is required, this always refers to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You can find out which requirements these are in the section “Application requirements” and under “Application documents” of the Call for Applications. Please read these requirements thoroughly to find out what applies to your programme and your country.
Language Skills
For scholarships in Germany, however, the following generally applies: when you submit your application, you must provide proof of your current proficiency in the language of instruction (German, English, or German and English) in your chosen study programme. Please read question D.5 for more information on the evidence you need to submit.
If you are awarded the scholarship, the DAAD can provide a preparatory German language course for you. The DAAD scholarship selection committee will assess whether such a German course is necessary for you and how many months (maximum six) are appropriate.
10. My German language skills are not yet sufficient. Are there e-learning language courses that I can take in my home country to improve my skills?
Yes, there are internet offers for learning German. For example, the Goethe-Institut as well as Deutsche-Uni Online (DUO) offer special online courses in German. For scholarship holders whose funding lasts longer than six months, DAAD will pay the costs of one DUO module.
11. I am considering taking a distance / online / part-time course (e.g., a dual course of study) in Germany. Am I eligible to apply for a DAAD scholarship?
No, DAAD scholarships are awarded to applicants wishing to complete a full-time course of study with compulsory attendance in Germany.
12. Can I receive a scholarship if I am not in Germany during the funded study or research project? I plan on continuing to live in my home country (a neighbouring country of Germany) during the scholarship and commute or carry out the project online.
No, the DAAD can only fund you for a study or research project in Germany if you live in Germany for the entire duration of the scholarship.
13. I already have a scholarship from the European Union, the DAAD or another organisation in Germany. Can I still receive a DAAD scholarship?
If you are already funded by the DAAD, another German funding organization or another state agency in Germany, you cannot receive a scholarship from the DAAD at the same time.
An Erasmus scholarship is not compatible with a full DAAD scholarship.
14. I already had a DAAD scholarship; can I apply again?
It is not possible to combine several study or research scholarships (with a funding period of at least 7 months) within one educational period (which ends with the completion of a Bachelor’s, Master’s, diploma, state examination, etc. and a doctorate).
15. How good do my grades have to be in order for me to receive a DAAD scholarship?
The DAAD primarily supports individuals with high academic achievements. As a rule, the scholarship programmes do not stipulate a minimum grade point average for the application. Academic performance (selection criterion “qualification”) is nevertheless an important criterion for the award of the scholarship.
16. In the programme “Study scholarships for STEM disciplines a tuition-free degree programme must be selected. What does that mean exactly?
This means that it must be a degree programme for which no general tuition fees are charged. General tuition fees are sometimes charged, for example, by private universities as well as by state universities in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg and by individual state universities in the federal state of Bavaria.
If, in individual cases, the university confirms in writing that it will cover the tuition fees or that you are exempt from the fees, you can choose the relevant degree programme. At the time of application, it must be ensured and proven that no fees will be incurred for the entire duration of the studies. Please upload the relevant proof together with the other application documents.
B. Preparing your application
1. In the Call for Applications a so-called “letter of motivation” must be submitted. What does this mean?
In a letter of motivation, you are required to describe your professional and personal reasons for your planned project in Germany on at least one and no more than three pages.
A letter of motivation gives you the opportunity to describe your personality and the reasons why you are applying for DAAD funding in your own words.
Top Secrets to Creating a Winning Motivation Letter as an International Student
2. The calls for applications for research grants require a so-called “proposal”. What does this mean?
A proposal is a detailed and precise description of the project you have agreed to complete with your academic supervisor. In a proposal, you define the goals of your research work, reflect upon theoretical and methodical procedures and describe the individual steps. You have to prepare and formulate the proposal yourself. Taking over proposals from others is a violation of the Rules of Good Academic Practice [pdf-file].
3. Is it permissible to use AI in preparing my application?
The use of artificial intelligence (AI tools) in application procedures is permitted as an aid provided that certain principles are observed:
- Adherence to good Scientific Practice:
- Originality and Authenticity:
- Transparency and Disclosure Requirements:
- Data Usage Considerations:
- Declaration of Authenticity:
C. Planning your project
1. Do I need contacts in Germany when I apply?
If you wish to carry out individual research or complete a doctorate in Germany, you need confirmation from a university teacher that you are being supervised in Germany. If you are taking part in a structured doctoral programme, proof of existing contacts to a doctoral programme coordinator must be submitted in the form of respective correspondence.
The Right Way to Approach Professors for Financial Aid in 7 Steps
2. I need a supervisor for my individual project in Germany. Who can be my host?
Hosts can be university teachers or academic teaching staff who work at a state or state-recognised institution of higher education or a non-university research institution in Germany.
These tips on the site Research in Germany will help you find an academic supervisor.
3. I have already found a supervisor for my individual project. What documents do I need from him/her for the application?
You need a “Letter confirming academic supervision”. With this, your academic host confirms their willingness to support you in carrying out your research project or doctorate. You must submit the confirmation of supervision together with your application.
Ideally, the letter of confirmation (informal) from your supervisor
- indicates that the description of your research project and schedule have been discussed,
- confirms that a workplace is available for you, and
- indicates which working language is spoken at the host institute.
4. I am planning to study for a Master’s degree in Germany. What do I have to consider when applying for a place at university?
You will have to arrange your application for admission and possible matriculation at the host university yourself. Even a DAAD scholarship is no guarantee that you will get a place at a particular university in Germany. If you do not receive admission to study, your scholarship will be forfeited.
D. Writing your application
1. How do I apply for a DAAD scholarship?
Application procedures may vary depending on the scholarship programme. To find out where and how to apply, please read the “Application procedure” section of the Call for Applications in the Scholarship database (www.funding-guide.de). Seek advice if you have any questions.
2. In the Call for Applications it is said that I have to apply through the DAAD portal.
this means You have to apply online. To do this, you must register in the DAAD portal. In the scholarship database, first select your chosen scholarship programme and then the tab “Submit application”. Note that this tab is only shown during an ongoing application period. The closing date for applications is indicated in the “Application procedure” tab.
Which documents do I have to upload to be able to submit an application to the DAAD portal?
Your application is only complete if you submit all the application documents listed in the Call for Applications.
Do I receive confirmation that my application has been received?
Yes, as soon as you have submitted your application online, you will automatically receive confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted and an e-mail informing you that a message has been sent to you via the portal’s messaging system.
3. The Call for Applications states that I have to submit a letter of recommendation from a university teacher. Who can write such a letter of recommendation for my application?
Letters of recommendation in scientific subjects should be written by university teachers with a doctoral degree who can provide information about the following:
- What are your academic achievements?
- What are your academic and personal qualities?
- Is your project well planned, feasible and relevant?
- What significance does the scholarship have for your academic and professional career?
How To Get Your Scholarship Letter of Recommendation
4. Do I have to apply in German?
Unless otherwise stated in the Call for Applications, you can submit your application either in German or English.
5. What language certificates do I need when I apply for a scholarship?
You can find out what language certificates you need when you apply for a scholarship in the “Application procedure” section of the Call for Applications.
When submitting your scholarship application to the DAAD you must provide proof of your current level of proficiency in the language of instruction (German, English or German and English) of your chosen degree programme. Please note that the language certificate should not be older than 3 years by the time of application.
6. I obtained a German Language Diploma II (DSD II) more than three years ago. Do I still have to submit a language certificate for German?
In this case, a simple placement test (e.g., a free online test) is sufficient proof of your current language skills.
7. I am applying from an English-speaking country or I completed a Bachelor degree in an English-speaking country; do I need to provide proof of English language proficiency?
The DAAD does not require proof of English language proficiency from applicants from the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada (except Quebec)
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
- USA
The same applies if you completed your bachelor’s degree with English as the language of instruction entirely in one of these countries and it was no more than three years ago.
8. I am applying from a German-speaking country; do I need to provide proof of German language proficiency?
The DAAD does not require proof of German language proficiency from applicants from the following countries:
- Austria
- Switzerland („Deutschschweiz“)
9. Do my certificates and transcripts (lists of grades) have to be certified for my application?
No, not initially. DAAD reserves the right to request certified documents after a positive selection decision has been made.
E. The selection procedure
1. Who makes a decision about my application?
Scholarship applications are reviewed by an independent and voluntary selection committee. This may be made up of local and/or German university teachers, researchers and DAAD Lecturers. Depending on the scholarship programme and the local situation, the best applicants may also be required to introduce themselves personally. This can take place either on site, face-to-face, or virtually.
2. Will I be informed of the names of the professors involved in the selection?
No. In order to maintain the independence of our volunteer selection committee members, we must ensure that they can make their assessments without any influence or bias.
3. According to which criteria does the selection committee make its decision?
The key selection criteria are the following:
Professional qualification
- Academic achievements (grade point average, development of grades)
- Academic progress
- Knowledge of the language(s) of instruction or working language(s)
Quality of the study or research project
Study project:
- Quality of the study project and of the preparation (preliminary information, choice of degree programme, host university and establishment of contacts)
Research project:
- Quality of research proposal and preparation (originality, topicality and relevance of the project, choice of host institution and first contacts)
Potential of the applicant
- Motivation: academic and personal reasons for the stay in Germany, German language skills (if different from the working language);
- Prospects: Significance of the stay in Germany for further academic, professional and personal development.
F. Scholarship benefits
1. How much scholarship money is paid a month?
The scholarship payment is based on the academic level of the scholarship holders and on the scholarship programme. Scholars taking a Master’s programme typically receive EUR 992; doctoral candidatesandpostdocs receive EUR 1,300 (as of February 2026: EUR 1,400). Rates for university teachers are usually EUR 2,000 for assistant teachers, assistant professors andlecturers and EUR 2,150 for professors.
2. Will I receive travel expenses and what else is important when planning a trip that is as climate-friendly as possible??
DAAD grants an allowance towards travel expenses in the form of a lump sum. You can find more information on the travel allowance in the respective Call for Applications and the Scholarship database.
3. Are there additional benefits for family members?
Under certain conditions, DAAD offers an allowance for accompanying spouses, child allowance and insurance benefits for spouses, registered partners and children (“partner allowance”).
4. Do I have to take out health insurance in Germany and does DAAD contribute towards this?
Scholarship holders and accompanying family members must have health insurance from day one for the entire duration of their stay in Germany.
In many scholarship programmes, insurance benefits are part of the scholarship. The DAAD then usually takes out private health insurance for the scholarship holders and pays the premiums.
Study Abroad Student Insurance – Complete Guide
5. Am I allowed to take on a part-time job as a scholarship holder in Germany?
Scholarship holders wishing to work part-time during their scholarship period, i.e. pursue gainful employment or an unpaid internship, always require the approval of DAAD. It is necessary that your academic supervisor or course coordinator must also give their consent.
6. I am receiving a second scholarship from a provider in my home country. How does this impact my DAAD scholarship?
A second scholarship from an international provider of up to EUR 603 will not have an effect on your DAAD scholarship. If the second scholarship exceeds this amount, the excess amount shall be deducted from the DAAD scholarship.
7. Some universities in Germany charge tuition fees. Do I have to pay these fees if I’m receiving a DAAD scholarship?
Yes. DAAD does not pay tuition fees for its scholarship holders. Even as a scholarship holder, you should therefore ask your chosen host university whether tuition fees are charged for your programme.
Although tuition fees are not generally charged in Germany, studying at some locations is not always free.
8. Are there additional scholarship benefits for people with a disability or chronic illness?
Yes, in such cases you can apply for additional benefits which individually supplement the regular scholarship benefits.
9. In my scholarship programme, a monthly rent subsidy may be granted if applicable. What are the requirements and what is the amount of the rent subsidy?
You may be eligible for a monthly rent subsidy of up to EUR 350 if you are studying or conducting research in a location with exceptionally high rent and are in Germany alone, without your spouse, registered partner, or accompanying children. The amount of your scholarship that you must use for rent and if the lodging is reasonable and normal in the area are two factors that determine whether your application is accepted. The amount of the rent for your lodging is one of the factors that determines the amount of the rent subsidy.
