DAAD – DEUTSCHER AKADEMISCHER AUSTAUSCHDIENST (GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE)
DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service)
full · masters, phd
- Mostly Fully FundedScholarship type
- Study in GermanyHost country
- ~€934/mo (master’s)Typical stipend
- ~€1,300/mo (PhD)Typical stipend
- Master’s, PhD, postdocStudy levels
- 100+ programmesScope
At a glance
full
Funding
€16k
Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
Most countries (programme-specific; some programmes target developing countries)
Country
DAAD – Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service)
Provider
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst — German Academic Exchange Service) is the world's largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers. Founded in 1925 and funded chiefly by the German federal government, the DAAD supports hundreds of thousands of people each year through a very wide range of scholarship programmes. For international students, the best-known offerings are fully-funded master's and PhD scholarships — including the development-oriented EPOS programmes and research grants for doctoral candidates — that cover a monthly stipend, travel, insurance, and often tuition. DAAD funding is delivered through a searchable scholarship database, with each programme setting its own eligibility, fields, and deadlines. Because DAAD is an umbrella organisation rather than a single scholarship, applicants choose the specific programme that matches their level (master's, PhD, postdoc), field, and background, then apply through the DAAD portal or a host institution.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — ~€934/month for master's scholars and ~€1,300/month for doctoral candidates (rates reviewed periodically).
- Travel allowance — A lump-sum travel subsidy to and from Germany, unless covered by the home country or another source.
- Health & insurance — Health, accident, and personal liability insurance cover.
- Tuition / study allowance — Many programmes cover study and tuition costs or provide a study allowance, depending on the programme and university.
- Rent & family subsidies — Possible monthly rent subsidy and allowances for accompanying family members in some programmes.
- German language course — A funded German language course before or during the programme for many scholarships.
How to apply
Find the right programme in the DAAD scholarship database, then apply via the DAAD portal or the designated host/partner institution. Each programme lists its own application window and required documents.
- Search the database — Use the DAAD scholarship database to filter by your country, status (student/graduate/PhD), and subject.
- Pick a programme — Select the specific scholarship (e.g. EPOS master's, doctoral research grant) and read its eligibility and deadline.
- Prepare documents — Assemble transcripts, your study/research proposal, CV, references, and language certificates.
- Apply via the DAAD portal — Submit your application through the DAAD online portal or, where required, via the host university.
- Review & interview — A selection committee reviews applications; some programmes include an interview.
- Selection & preparation — Selected scholars receive funding confirmation, language course details, and pre-departure guidance.
Eligibility
DegreeA completed first academic degree (bachelor's) for master's scholarships; a master's for doctoral grants.
Academic meritStrong academic record (typically top of class) and a convincing, well-defined study or research plan.
Work experience (EPOS)Development-related programmes (EPOS) usually require ~2 years of relevant professional experience.
LanguageProof of English and/or German proficiency appropriate to the course of study.
Recency of degreeFor many programmes your last degree should have been completed within the past ~6 years.
DAAD is an umbrella body — choose the specific programme (e.g. EPOS development master's, research grants for doctoral candidates) that matches your level and field; eligibility and deadlines vary per programme.
Eligible countries
Most countries (programme-specific; some programmes target developing countries)
Deadlines
Varies by programme
Selection
Each DAAD programme runs its own selection committee of academic experts. Across programmes the consistent criteria are academic excellence, the quality and feasibility of the study or research plan, motivation, and — for development scholarships — the relevance of the plan to the candidate's home country and professional background. Some programmes interview shortlisted candidates.
Verified sources
- DAAD — Scholarships for studying in Germanydaad.deofficial
About the provider
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the German Academic Exchange Service, a joint organisation of German higher education institutions founded in 1925. Funded principally by the German federal government, it is the world's largest funder of international academic exchange, promoting study and research in Germany and German academic cooperation worldwide through scholarships, institutional programmes, and information services.
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 is the DAAD?
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The German Academic Exchange Service — the world's largest funding organisation for international academic exchange. Founded in 1925 and funded mainly by the German government, it runs 100+ scholarship programmes for students and researchers.
Is DAAD a single scholarship?
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No. DAAD is an umbrella organisation. You choose a specific programme — for example a development-focused EPOS master's or a doctoral research grant — each with its own rules, fields, and deadline.
What do DAAD scholarships cover?
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Typically a monthly stipend (~€934 for master's, ~€1,300 for PhD), a travel allowance, health/accident/liability insurance, study or tuition costs in many programmes, and often a funded German language course.
Who is eligible?
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Generally international graduates with a completed first degree, strong academics, and a clear study/research plan. Development programmes (EPOS) usually require ~2 years of relevant work experience.
Do I need to speak German?
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Not always — many master's and research programmes are taught in English. You provide English and/or German certificates appropriate to your course; German-language study requires German proof.
When are the deadlines?
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They vary by programme. Many development master's programmes close in ~August–October, while others run in spring. Always check the exact programme in the DAAD scholarship database.
How do I find the right programme?
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Use the DAAD scholarship database to filter by your country, your status (student, graduate, doctoral), and your subject — it returns the programmes you can apply to with their deadlines.
What is the EPOS programme?
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EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) funds master's and some PhD study in development-relevant fields for professionals from developing countries, usually requiring ~2 years' work experience.
How competitive are DAAD scholarships?
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Competitive and programme-dependent. Flagship development and research scholarships are highly selective; selection weighs academic merit, the study/research plan, and (for EPOS) professional relevance.
Can I bring my family?
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Some programmes provide family allowances and a rent subsidy for accompanying dependants; this varies by programme. Check the funding details of your specific scholarship.
Can PhD students and postdocs apply?
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Yes — DAAD funds doctoral candidates (research grants) and offers postdoctoral and research-stay programmes in addition to master's scholarships.
Where do I apply?
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Through the DAAD online portal for most programmes, or via the designated host/partner university where the programme specifies. Each programme lists its required documents and portal.