Your wait is over now because the DAAD Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications! Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst or simply the German Academic Exchange brings fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees at leading German universities. With over 100,000 scholarships awarded annually, DAAD is the world’s largest academic funding organization. These merit based awards are financially supported by the German government to help graduates, doctoral candidates, and researchers in various fields by providing them financial aid for study programs, research projects, and even internships.
Their goal is to pay for tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances in order to make higher education in Germany accessible to students from developing countries. We have put together its value, eligibility criteria, available programs, and the application process for the DAAD Scholarship 2026 intake so you can get started today!
What’s Covered in DAAD Scholarship?
The DAAD Scholarship helps passionate scholars to focus entirely on their academic and research journey by easing their financial burdens. Its main benefits include:
- Monthly Stipend: Winners receive a monthly allowance to cover living expenses. The stipend is €992 for master’s students and €1,300 for doctoral candidates till date.
- Health, Accident and Liability Insurance: It offers comprehensive insurance which is crucial if one wants to protect during his/her stay in Germany.
- Travel Allowance: A flat-rate travel allowance is granted to cover the cost of travel to and from Germany.
- One-Off Research Allowance: Although it depends on the scholarship program.
- Family Benefits: In certain cases, family benefits may be available for students accompanying family members.
Along with a travel allowance, scholarship awardees get a monthly stipend, health, accident, and liability insurance. See the DAAD Scholarship Benefits website for a comprehensive list of advantages.
What Makes DAAD Scholarships Unique?
Scholarship holders may have the chance to attend preparatory German language courses funded by DAAD if they wish to enhance their integration and academic success.
They also become part of a global network of DAAD alumni to foster international collaboration and cultural exchange. Moreover, one may often find excellent career opportunities, thanks to the post-scholarships prospects and leverage of the skills and knowledge acquired during one’s studies in Germany.
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What Programs Are Available?
This Scholarship consists of a wide array of postgraduate courses, including but not limited to:
- Development Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS): You will find a list of programs that focus on disciplines which contribute to the sustainable development of countries, such as engineering, economics, and social sciences.
- Master’s Programs: A variety of master’s degree programs are available across German universities that cover diverse fields of study.
- Doctoral Programs: These allow scholars to engage in advanced research across various disciplines.
It supports students and researchers in virtually all academic fields including but not limited to Economics, Law, Engineering, Natural Science, Humanities, Medicine & Public Health, and Mathematics. Search the DAAD Scholarship Database for the program most fit for your objectives and financial situation.
Key Scholarship Details
- Scholarship Type: Fully Funded/Merit-Based
- Study Level: Postgraduate and Doctorate
- Study In: Germany
- Scholarship Duration: Period equivalent to 12-24 months (Masters) and 36 months (PhD)
- Eligible by Nationality: Only Open to students of developing countries (See Article)
- Application Form: Click here
- Opening Date: May’ 2025
- Closing Date: August’ 2025 (varies depending on the region)
Are You Eligible for DAAD Germany Scholarships?
You can easily apply if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are a citizen of a developing country.
- You hold a Bachelor’s degree (4-year course) in a relevant field to apply for further Master studies.
- You have at least two years of relevant professional experience.
- You demonstrate above average academic performance in your first academic exams such as top-third results.
- You are proficient in the language of instructions that will be either English or German.
How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships 2026?
Follow these steps to simplify your application process for the DAAD Scholarship 2026:
- Utilize the DAAD scholarship database to identify postgraduate courses that align with your academic and career goals.
- Gather all necessary supporting documents like academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and letters of recommendation to increase your chances of winning.
- Apply directly to the chosen postgraduate course and simultaneously submit your scholarship application through the DAAD portal within the specific deadlines of each program. Create your account on the MEIN DAAD portal to start the application.
- Applications are reviewed by an independent selection committee. Successful candidates will be notified and provided with further instructions.
Please check out the official DAAD portal to stay updated with the latest news as well as information about the specific type of scholarship you’re interested in.
Official Call: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/scholarships/daad-scholarships/
Final Thoughts
You will immerse yourself in a rich culture and gain valuable international experience while studying in Germany. Since DAAD scholarships offer incredible opportunities for fully-funded studies, it could be a fantastic investment in your future. As a hub of innovation and research, German institutions are renowned for their academic rigor and cutting-edge facilities alongside providing a world-class education.