The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) runs a wide range of scholarship programmes for international students, graduates, doctoral candidates and researchers who want to study or do research in Germany. DAAD funding is programme-specific: there are study scholarships for postgraduate master’s courses, research grants and doctoral funding, development-related postgraduate courses (EPOS), short research visits, internships, and special schemes (e.g., PRIME, RISE, Artists-in-Berlin). Use DAAD’s scholarship database to find programmes that match your profile.
Quick facts about DAAD’s Scholarship
Types of DAAD funding (what’s available)
Below are the most commonly used DAAD schemes for international students and researchers:
| Programme | Who it’s for | Typical duration |
| Study Scholarships (for Master’s) | International graduates who want to do a full-time master’s in Germany (programme-dependent) | Usually length of study (12–24 months) |
| EPOS — Development-related Postgraduate Courses | Graduates from developing countries for development-relevant master’s courses | 12–42 months (programme dependent). |
| Research Grants (Doctoral & Postdoc) | Doctoral candidates and postdocs for research stays in Germany | 1–36 months (variable). |
| PRIME & other specialized calls | Targeted funding for specific cohorts/projects (check programme rules) | Varies by call. |
| RISE (Internships) | Undergraduate research internships in Germany (select countries) | Summer internships — 6–12 weeks. |
| Artists-in-Berlin & special fellowships | Artists and cultural professionals | Usually short residencies or year-long fellowships. |
How to choose: start in DAAD’s scholarship database: filter by your nationality, degree level and research/subject area, then open the programme pages for precise conditions.
What DAAD grants typically pay (benefits & examples)
DAAD benefits vary widely by programme. Below are representative examples — always confirm amounts on the programme page:
Important: DAAD generally does not pay tuition fees for public German universities because most degrees at public universities have low or no tuition; check the programme’s page for any additional fees or a language preparatory course stipend.
Eligibility for the Scholarship
Eligibility rules depend on the programme, but common conditions include:
- A strong first degree (Bachelor’s / Master’s) relevant to the proposed study or research.
- For EPOS: applicants must normally be nationals of developing countries and meet work/experience requirements specified by each programme.
- For research grants: evidence of a research project, supervisor contact in Germany (often desirable) and research readiness.
- Language requirements: some programmes require German or English language proof; check the specific call.
Always read the specific programme requirements in DAAD’s scholarship database as an authoritative source.
Step-by-step application process (do this in order)
Step 1: Find the right DAAD programme in the database
Use the DAAD Scholarship Database to identify which official DAAD programmes fit your level and study/research area. Save the programme pages and note the exact eligibility and deadlines.
Step 2: Check application route and deadlines
Some DAAD programmes require you to apply to the university (admission + scholarship together), while others accept applications directly to DAAD or through DAAD’s portal — the programme page will say which. Note: EPOS scholarships often require you to apply to the degree programme and the EPOS scholarship together, earlier than the course start. Check the DAAD deadlines list and the programme’s call.
Step 3: Prepare your documents (2–6 weeks ahead)
Common documents: passport copy, curriculum vitae (academic style), certified transcripts, degree certificates (or proof of expected graduation), research proposal or motivation letter, two academic references, proof of language proficiency (English/German), and any programme-specific forms. For development-related EPOS you may also need employment proof and justification of return intentions. Use the DAAD checklist on the programme page.
Step 4: Submit the application exactly as required
Upload documents to the DAAD portal or to the host university portal per programme instructions. For some calls you must submit both the university application (for admission) and the DAAD scholarship application by different deadlines — double-check the procedure. Keep screenshots/receipts.
Step 5: Selection & interviews (if any)
After administrative checks, many DAAD programmes use academic review panels and sometimes interviews. For EPOS and research grants the host programme often pre-selects candidates, and DAAD conducts final checks.
Step 6: If selected: follow DAAD enrolment & post-award steps
Selected candidates receive award letters with instructions for enrolment, insurance, stipend payments and arrival logistics. DAAD or the host university may assist with visa documentation and arrival orientation.
Documents checklist
| Document | Purpose / note |
| Passport copy | ID & nationality verification |
| CV (academic) | Research and study history |
| Transcripts & diplomas | Proof of qualifications (certified translations if not English/German) |
| Letter of motivation / research proposal | Why the programme, research questions, fit with Germany |
| References (2) | Academic or professional referees |
| Language certificates | IELTS/TOEFL/TestDaF/DSH or programme-stated alternatives |
| Employment or special documents | For EPOS: proof of work experience if required |
| Any programme forms | DAAD or university forms / questionnaires |
Deadlines and 2026 timeline
DAAD deadlines vary by programme. Below are typical examples to help planning — always verify the exact date on the programme page.
- EPOS (development-related master’s): many EPOS calls for study beginning in autumn 2026 require applications in Oct–Nov 2025 or by the specific deadline published for each course. See the EPOS deadlines list and the programme pages.
- Study scholarships & research grants: deadlines commonly fall between autumn and spring for the following academic year; check DAAD’s “upcoming deadlines” updates.
- PRIME / special calls: each call lists a submission deadline; for example a PRIME call showed a deadline of 03 Sep 2025 for a 2026 cohort in published info.
Plan tip: start searching DAAD’s database 12 months before your intended start date and contact the host programme/university early to understand any internal selection steps.
How selection works (what reviewers look for)
Selection criteria depend on the scheme but normally include:
- Academic excellence and grades; research potential (publications or project experience).
- Fit between your profile / project and the host programme (clear research plan helps).
- For EPOS and development scholarships: professional experience, leadership in development, and a plan to apply skills in home country.
- Completeness and quality of application (well-written proposal, strong referees).
Practical tips that raise success rates
- Use the DAAD database filters (subject, nationality, level) to focus on programmes that match you.
- Start early: Some calls require admission + scholarship application together (EPOS) so you must apply a year ahead.
- Tailor your research proposal to the German host group and mention potential supervisors or labs.
- Secure referees early and brief them on the programme goals so their letters are targeted.
- Follow instructions exactly: DAAD and many programmes reject incomplete files. Keep backups and receipts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kinds of DAAD scholarships can international students apply for in 2026?
DAAD offers many programmes: master’s study scholarships, EPOS (development-related courses), research grants for doctoral/postdoc candidates, internship programmes (RISE), and specialized calls (PRIME, Artists-in-Berlin). See DAAD’s scholarship database for the full list.
2. Do DAAD scholarships cover tuition fees and living costs?
DAAD scholarships typically provide a monthly stipend, travel allowance and insurance contributions — public German universities often charge little or no tuition, so DAAD focuses on living and research costs. Exact amounts and coverage differ by programme; check each programme page.
3. When should I start applying for 2026 intake?
Start researching programmes 9–12 months before your desired start date. Many EPOS and master’s programme deadlines for autumn 2026 fall in Oct–Dec 2025; other research grants have different windows. Always verify on DAAD’s database and the programme page.
4. Can I apply directly to DAAD for all scholarships?
No, some scholarships require you to apply directly to the university (admission + scholarship), while others accept direct DAAD applications via the database/portal. The programme page will explain the route.
5. Where do I find official deadlines and detailed rules?
DAAD’s official Scholarship Database and the specific programme pages are the authoritative sources. DAAD also publishes PDF notices and an “upcoming deadlines” list — always rely on those pages for final dates.
Final Thoughts
DAAD offers one of the most flexible and respected sets of scholarship opportunities for international students and researchers who want to study in Germany. Because programmes and deadlines vary, begin your research early using the DAAD scholarship database, follow each call’s instructions precisely, and prepare a focused research/motivation statement. With careful preparation and the right match between your profile and the programme, a DAAD scholarship can enable a high-quality study or research experience in Germany.
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