How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships to Study Abroad in Germany

DAAD is an organization that funds international exchange for students, scholars, researchers and faculty. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, or German Academic Exchange Service, was founded in 1925 and has since awarded scholarships to about 2.6 million individuals worldwide. DAAD scholarships fund both German nationals going on exchange and international students traveling to Germany to study, intern or do research. DAAD supports all academic levels and all academic fields, and German skills are not required for most funding opportunities, which makes it even more accessible for international students.

One of the most popular funding programs is the DAAD master’s scholarship, which provides recipients with two years of funding to pursue a full degree in Germany, in any field, in German or English. Check the degree program database to find all current degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines.. Graduates from German universities have an opportunity to find work in one of Europe’s strongest economic countries with a rich history and modern lifestyle. No matter where your path leads you after graduation, degrees from Germany are recognized internationally, so you can return to your home country, or continue to explore the world.

To support students and researchers worldwide, DAAD has 68 offices around the world, including regional offices as well as Information Centers and Information Points. The DAAD North America Regional Office in New York and the Information Point San Francisco are the first points of contact for individuals from the US. If you are not located in the US, you can find your local DAAD office on the official DAAD network. These regional offices can provide language assistance and local support, as they have insight into the geopolitical circumstances of each country.

While citizenship is not the most relevant criterion for eligibility, DAAD funding is country specific. For example, students or recent graduates from US and Canadian universities can apply for funding through the DAAD USA office. The minimum requirement for all DAAD funding is at least junior standing. Most scholarships and grants don’t require any German language proficiency, but some language skills would be helpful to manage everyday life outside of the university or laboratory.

Check www.daad.org for more information on eligibility, terms of award and application procedure, including deadlines. The DAAD FAQ page answers a lot of common inquiries. The DAAD offices in New York and San Francisco can answer any additional questions.

DAAD scholarships fund a number of different programs at different degree levels. Funding includes a monthly stipend or lump sum to cover living expenses, a travel allowance and health and liability insurance. For expensive cities scholarship recipients can even apply for an additional monthly rent subsidy. For anyone traveling with family, DAAD offers an allowance for accompanying family members of family.

Undergraduate Students:

DAAD opportunities for undergraduates include funding to take a 3-4 week summer course at a German university (Summer Course Grant) or do a 10-week to 6-month internship in the fields of Engineering, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences (RISE Germany). While some German skills are required to study through the Summer Course Grant, all internships are offered in English. Students must be at least sophomores to be eligible to apply. Both funding opportunities are open to US and international students.

Graduate Students:

Anyone interested in pursuing a master’s in Germany should look into the Study Scholarship for all Disciplines, which funds a full master’s degree program at a German university or a study abroad year at a German university as part of a postgraduate or master’s degree program completed in the home country. Students from all disciplines are eligible to apply, so no matter your BS/BA degree, it qualifies. International students are also eligible to apply if they meet all other requirements. Artists and musicians can apply to the specific Study Scholarship for Artistic Fields. To qualify for a DAAD study scholarship to fund a master's degree, students must either be in their final year of undergraduate studies or have graduated within the last six years.

Natural scientists and engineers at the master’s and PhD level can gain valuable work experience through the RISE Professional internship programs at companies and non-university research institutions with strong relations to industry.

Ph.D. Students and Researchers:

With some of the best science research infrastructure globally, Germany is a fantastic destination for international Ph.D. students and researchers. DAAD supports short and long-term research in all academic disciplines. International students and researchers are also eligible to apply for some funding opportunities.

There is no funding for a full PhD in Germany. However, public universities and research institutions don’t charge any tuition fees. PhD students cover their living expenses through funding offered via the structured program, a monthly salary or external funding. Research in Germany provides a comprehensive overview on how to pursue a PhD and funding opportunities.

Applications for all funding are submitted through the DAAD application portal, which opens several weeks ahead of the application deadline. Applicants can access the DAAD portal directly or via the funding pages. You should not wait until the last minute to apply, but also don’t need to rush and submit your application early. All applications are reviewed after the official deadline.

Documents you need to prepare (may vary by funding, check the DAAD website):

• Online application form via the DAAD Application Portal
• Full Resume/curriculum vitae
• Study or research proposal, or motivation letter
• Letter of admission, if applicable
• University degree Certificate(s), if applicable
• Transcripts
• DAAD language evaluation form (German only required for some funding)
• Letter of reference / reference form

DAAD funding is competitive and you are not guaranteed funding even with a perfect GPA. Gather your application materials in advance and make sure your application is on time and complete. If you see the application deadline for example as 04.11.2021, remember, this is the German format and means 11/04/2021 or November 4th. The DAAD portal closes at 24.00 hrs. or 12 midnight (CET or CEST) on the last application day. If you are unsure about the deadline, contact your local DAAD office.

Here is some advice for a competitive application:

• Express why your activities in Germany are critical to your academic or professional goals
• Show your passion: e.g. contact with and interest from German institution/professor
• Explain clearly why you chose the program and location
• Have you ever submitted an essay that was perfect without any review? The answer is probably no. That same applies to your DAAD applications. Work with your advisors on campus and tweak your essay over several drafts
• Make sure you ask a professor for a quality letter of recommendation

Good luck!