- Hundreds of programmesStructure
- ~EUR 934–1,300/moTypical stipend (est.)
- Mostly study in GermanyWhere
- Master's, PhD, researchLevels
- Travel + insuranceOften included
- Founded 1925DAAD
At a glance
full
Funding
€20k
Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
Varies by programme — many countries worldwide (use the DAAD database)
Country
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Provider
DAAD Funding Programmes are the scholarships and grants of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the world's largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers. Founded in 1925 and based in Bonn, DAAD offers hundreds of programmes rather than a single scholarship. The programmes cover master's and doctoral study, research stays, and language and short courses, for applicants from many countries. Funding depends on the programme: a typical graduate scholarship pays a monthly amount of around EUR 934 for master's students and about EUR 1,300 for doctoral candidates (est.), often with travel, insurance, and study allowances. Most awards are for study or research in Germany, and some support Germans going abroad. Because each DAAD programme has its own eligibility, value, and deadline, there is no single date or amount for DAAD as a whole. Treat the figures here as estimates and use the DAAD scholarship database to find the current programme, conditions, and deadline that fit you.
What's covered
- Monthly scholarship — A typical graduate stipend of around EUR 934 (master's) or about EUR 1,300 (doctoral) per month (est.), by programme.
- Travel — Travel allowances in many programmes.
- Insurance — Health, accident, and liability insurance cover in many programmes.
- Study allowances — Study, research, or family allowances depending on the programme.
- Scope — Master's and doctoral study, research stays, and language/short courses.
How to apply
Use the DAAD scholarship database to find the right programme for your level, country, and field, then apply to that programme's call.
- Search the database — Filter the DAAD scholarship database by your country, level, and subject.
- Pick a programme — Choose the programme that matches your plan (degree, research, or course).
- Check the requirements — Read that programme's eligibility, documents, and deadline.
- Prepare the application — Assemble the required documents, proposal, and references.
- Submit to the call — Apply through DAAD's portal by the programme's deadline.
- Selection — Applications are reviewed by DAAD and selection committees.
Eligibility
LevelProgrammes target specific levels — master's, doctoral, postdoctoral, or short courses.
CountryMany programmes are country- or region-specific; check which you qualify for.
FieldSome programmes are open to all fields; others target specific subjects.
Academic meritA strong academic record appropriate to the programme.
PurposeMatching your plan (full degree, research stay, or course) to the right programme.
DAAD is a funder of many programmes, not a single scholarship. The DAAD scholarship database lets you filter by country, level, and subject to find the right call and deadline.
Eligible countries
Varies by programme — many countries worldwide (use the DAAD database)
Deadlines
Varies by programme
Selection
Each DAAD programme runs its own selection — typically reviewing academic merit, the quality of the study or research proposal, and the fit with the programme's purpose, sometimes with interviews. Because the family spans hundreds of programmes, criteria and processes vary by call.
Verified sources
- DAAD — Scholarship Databasewww2.daad.deofficial
About the provider
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), founded in 1925 and based in Bonn, is the world's largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers. It runs hundreds of scholarship and grant programmes for study, research, and courses, mostly in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are DAAD Funding Programmes?
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The scholarships and grants of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) — hundreds of programmes funding master's and doctoral study, research stays, and courses, mostly in Germany, rather than a single scholarship.
How much do they pay?
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It varies by programme: a typical graduate stipend is around EUR 934 per month for master's students and about EUR 1,300 for doctoral candidates (est.), often with travel and insurance.
Who can apply?
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Students and researchers from many countries, depending on the programme — DAAD has programmes for different levels, countries, and subjects.
Is there one application?
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No — each programme has its own application, eligibility, value, and deadline. Use the DAAD scholarship database to find the right one.
What levels are funded?
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Master's and doctoral study, postdoctoral and research stays, and language or short courses, depending on the programme.
Do I study in Germany?
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Most DAAD programmes fund study or research in Germany; some also support Germans going abroad. Check the programme.
Do I need to speak German?
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It depends on the programme — many master's and research programmes are in English, while others require German. Check the language requirement.
How do I find the right programme?
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Use the DAAD scholarship database to filter by your country, level, and subject, then read that programme's requirements and deadline.
Is there a single deadline?
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No — deadlines vary by programme, so there is no single DAAD date. Each call lists its own deadline.
What does DAAD cover beyond the stipend?
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Many programmes add travel allowances, health/accident/liability insurance, and study, research, or family allowances.
How big is DAAD?
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Founded in 1925 and based in Bonn, DAAD is the world's largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers.
Where can I confirm current details?
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In the DAAD scholarship database and on DAAD's website, which list every current programme with its eligibility, value, and deadline.