The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) - German Academic Exchange Service - is one of the world's largest and most prestigious scholarship organisations, funding over 145,000 students, academics, and researchers per year.
What Does DAAD Fund?
DAAD scholarships primarily target graduate students (Master's and PhD) studying in Germany, postdoctoral researchers, and German students going abroad. Most DAAD scholarships are NOT available for undergraduate students.
DAAD Stipend Amounts (2025)
Master's students: EUR 934/month. PhD students: EUR 1,200/month. Postdoctoral researchers: EUR 1,750-2,150/month. Additional benefits: travel allowance (EUR 200-650), health and liability insurance, study subsidy (EUR 460/yr for Master's, EUR 920/yr for PhD), family subsidy if applicable.
Key Programmes for International Students
DAAD Scholarship for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses: For students from developing countries pursuing development-relevant Master's in Germany. Requires Bachelor's degree, 2 years professional experience, under 36 years old. EUR 934/month + benefits. Applications open October, deadline typically November.
Helmut Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance): For future leaders from developing countries. Focus on public administration, economics, political science, law. Requires 2 years public service or civil society experience.
DAAD Language Course Grants: For students who need German language preparation. 2-month summer intensive. EUR 650 stipend + EUR 230 travel allowance.
Deutschlandstipendium (national merit scholarship, not technically DAAD): EUR 300/month for enrolled students at German universities showing strong academic achievement. Apply through your university, not DAAD.
How to Apply
1. Find your programme at daad.de - filter by country of origin, degree level, and field
2. Check deadlines - most open September-October, deadlines November-January
3. Prepare: DAAD application form, study/research plan (1,500-2,500 words - most important document), CV, certified degree copies, language certificate, two academic reference letters
4. Submit via DAAD Portal at bewerbung.daad.de
5. Shortlisted candidates invited to interviews (March-May). Results announced May-August
Writing a Winning Study Plan
The study/research plan is the most important element. Be specific: why this exact programme, this specific university, these particular professors? What is your career trajectory? How does this connect to development themes? Vague motivations are not competitive. Specific, evidence-based plans with named faculty and research groups win awards.
If You Don't Get DAAD Funding
Consider foundation scholarships: Heinrich Boll, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung each offer approximately EUR 850/month for Master's/PhD students. Industry scholarships from Siemens, BMW, and SAP are available for engineering and business students.
Find Germany education consultants who can help with your DAAD application at ConsultancyCheck.
Explore more
Find your perfect consultancy.
Matched to your country & study goals — free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a DAAD scholarship pay?
DAAD scholarships pay EUR 934/month for Master's students, EUR 1,200/month for PhD students, and EUR 1,750-2,150/month for postdoctoral researchers. Additional benefits include travel allowances, health insurance, and a study subsidy.
Is the DAAD scholarship fully funded?
Yes - DAAD scholarships cover living expenses (EUR 934-1,200/month), health insurance, travel allowance, and a study subsidy. At zero-tuition German public universities, this means your total study costs are fully covered.
Who is eligible for a DAAD scholarship?
Most DAAD scholarships target Master's and PhD students. Development-related programmes require 2 years of professional experience and citizenship from an eligible developing country.
When should I apply for DAAD?
Most DAAD programmes open applications in September-October with deadlines in November-January. Start preparing your study plan and reference letters 3-4 months before the deadline. Results are announced May-August.
Find a Verified Consultancy
Browse 800+ consultancies with real student reviews — sorted by rating and verification status.