DAAD Scholarship| fully funded for international students

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), established in 1925, is the world’s largest funding organization for international academic exchange. With nearly a century of experience in promoting international education and research collaboration, DAAD has supported millions of students, researchers, and academics from around the globe. Germany’s commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and tuition free or low cost education at public universities makes it one of the most attractive destinations for international students. Through DAAD scholarships, the German government and partner organizations invest in developing global talent, fostering cross cultural understanding, and building international networks that drive innovation and social progress across borders.

For the 2026 academic year, DAAD continues to offer an extensive portfolio of fully funded and partially funded scholarship programs for international students and researchers at all academic levels. These opportunities include the prestigious DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme, designed for exceptional master’s and doctoral candidates; the EPOS (Development Related Postgraduate Courses) scholarships for professionals from developing countries; the Research Grants for doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers; and numerous bilateral exchange programs and study scholarships tailored to specific countries, regions, and academic disciplines. These comprehensive funding packages typically cover monthly stipends, health insurance, travel allowances, and in many cases, German language course fees and study materials.

DAAD scholarships represent more than financial support they provide access to Germany’s world renowned higher education system, which includes over 400 universities and institutions offering more than 1,000 internationally recognized degree programs taught in English. Scholarship recipients benefit from Germany’s research infrastructure, including cutting-edge laboratories, extensive library resources, and partnerships with leading companies and research institutions. Additionally, DAAD scholars gain access to an extensive alumni network of over 2 million former scholarship holders worldwide, creating lasting professional connections and collaboration opportunities. The organization also provides comprehensive support services including orientation programs, German language courses, academic mentoring, and career development workshops.

For ambitious international students and researchers, receiving a DAAD scholarship offers an unparalleled opportunity to pursue academic excellence in Europe’s strongest economy, experience rich cultural diversity, and build a foundation for global career success in an intellectually stimulating and innovation driven environment.

Scholarship Summary

DAAD Programs

1. DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme

• Fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at German universities.
• Monthly stipend of €934 for master’s students and €1,300 for doctoral candidates.
• Covers health, accident, and liability insurance.
• Includes travel allowance and German language course subsidies.
• Highly competitive; awarded to academically excellent candidates with clear career goals and strong motivation to study in Germany.

Also check: ETH Zurich Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (Switzerland)

2. EPOS – Development-Related Postgraduate Courses

• Targeted at professionals from developing countries pursuing development-related master’s programs.
• Designed for candidates with at least two years of professional experience.
• Covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel costs.
• Focuses on disciplines relevant to sustainable development including engineering, agriculture, public health, economics, and environmental sciences.
• Emphasizes knowledge transfer to contribute to home country development.

3. Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Young Academics

• Funding for research stays in Germany for doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers.
• Grants available for 1-10 months for doctoral candidates and 1-6 months for postdoctoral researchers.
• Monthly stipend of €1,300 (doctoral) or €2,300 (postdoctoral).
• Supports research projects at German universities or research institutions.
• Includes health insurance and travel allowance.

4. Study Scholarships for Graduates

• Scholarships for international graduates to pursue postgraduate or continuing education programs in Germany.
• Duration of 10-24 months depending on the program.
• Monthly stipend of €934 plus additional benefits.
• Available for graduates in all disciplines.
• Priority given to applicants whose studies will benefit their home country’s development.

5. Bilateral Exchange Programs

• Country-specific scholarship programs based on bilateral agreements between Germany and partner nations.
• Terms and conditions vary by country and agreement.
• Often include additional cultural exchange components and alumni networks.
• May have specific eligibility requirements based on nationality and field of study.

Also check: Cambridge Trust Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (UK)

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an international student or researcher from a developing or emerging country (for most programs).
• Completed undergraduate degree (for master’s scholarships) or master’s degree (for doctoral scholarships) with above-average results.
• At least two years of professional experience (for EPOS and some professional development programs).
• Admission or conditional admission to a German university or research institution.
• German or English language proficiency depending on program requirements (typically TestDaF, DSH, IELTS, or TOEFL).
• Strong academic record and clear motivation for studying in Germany.
• Previous DAAD scholarship holders must wait three years before reapplying (exceptions apply).
• Must return to home country after scholarship period (for certain programs).

Also check: University of Minnesota Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded (USA)

Scholarship Benefits

• Monthly Stipend: €934 for master’s students, €1,300 for doctoral candidates, €2,300 for postdoctoral researchers.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage.
• Travel Allowance: International travel subsidy based on home country distance.
• German Language Courses: Subsidies for German language instruction (up to €600).
• Study and Research Allowance: Additional funding for books, materials, and research expenses.
• Family Allowance: Monthly supplement for accompanying family members (where applicable).
• Rent Subsidy: Monthly housing allowance for scholarship holders with families.
• Tuition Fee Coverage: For programs with tuition fees (varies by scholarship type).
• Professional Development: Access to DAAD networking events, seminars, and alumni programs.

Also check: University of Edinburgh Scholarships 2026 (UK)

Required Documents

• Completed DAAD application form (online portal).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in tabular form, signed and dated.
• Letter of motivation explaining study/research objectives and career goals (maximum 1-2 pages).
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (certified translations if not in English or German).
• Letters of recommendation (usually 1-3, depending on program requirements).
• Proof of university admission or communication with potential supervisors.
• Language proficiency certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH).
• Research proposal or study plan (for research scholarships).
• Publications list (if applicable, for research scholarships).
• Proof of professional experience (for EPOS and professional development programs).

Check: KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded in Korea

Application Process

1. Research Programs: Identify suitable DAAD scholarship programs matching your academic level and field of study on the official DAAD website (www.daad.de/scholarships).
2. Contact Universities; Apply for admission to German universities or contact potential research supervisors (recommendation letters from German professors strengthen applications).
3. Prepare Documents: Gather all required academic documents, recommendations, and language certificates.
4. Complete Online Application: Submit application through the DAAD portal with all supporting documents uploaded.
5. Language Requirements: Provide proof of German or English language proficiency as required by chosen program.
6. Submit Before Deadline: Ensure complete application submission before the specific deadline for your chosen scholarship.
7. Selection Process: Applications are reviewed by selection committees; shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews.
8. Award Notification: Successful applicants receive official scholarship offers 2-4 months after application deadline.
9. Pre-Departure: Attend DAAD orientation programs and prepare for arrival in Germany.

Deadlines

• DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme: October 31, 2025 (for programs starting September 2026).
• EPOS Scholarships: Vary by specific course (typically August-October 2025).
• Research Grants: Rolling deadlines throughout the year; apply at least 4-7 months before intended research stay.
• Study Scholarships for Graduates: September 30, 2025 – October 31, 2025 (varies by program).
• Bilateral Programs: Country-specific deadlines (check DAAD country office websites).

Note: Deadlines vary significantly by scholarship type and program. Always verify specific deadlines on the official DAAD scholarship database.

Duration of Scholarship

• Master’s Programs: 12-24 months (typically matching degree duration).
• Doctoral Programs: Maximum of 48 months (4 years), with annual performance reviews.
• Research Grants: 1-10 months for doctoral candidates; 1-6 months for postdoctoral researchers.
• Study Scholarships: 10-24 months depending on program type.
• Short-term Exchanges: 1-6 months for specific bilateral programs.

Scholarships may be extended in justified cases with approval from DAAD, particularly for doctoral programs requiring additional research time.

Final Thoughts

The DAAD Scholarships 2026 represent one of the world’s most comprehensive and prestigious international funding opportunities, enabling talented students and researchers from across the globe to access Germany’s exceptional higher education system. With generous financial support, world-class research facilities, diverse program offerings across all academic disciplines, and a strong emphasis on practical application and innovation, DAAD scholarships remove financial barriers and create pathways to academic excellence and professional success.

Germany’s unique combination of tuition-free public education, robust economy, vibrant multicultural society, and central European location makes it an ideal destination for international study and research. DAAD scholarship holders benefit not only from outstanding academic resources but also from Germany’s rich cultural heritage, extensive public transportation networks, and high quality of life. The scholarship’s comprehensive support structure including language training, orientation programs, and ongoing academic mentoring ensures that international students can fully integrate into German academic life and maximize their educational experience.

Beyond academics, DAAD alumni join a powerful global network of leaders, innovators, and changemakers who maintain lifelong connections and collaborate across borders. Many former scholarship recipients have gone on to become influential figures in their home countries and internationally, contributing to scientific advancement, policy development, and social innovation.

For ambitious international students and researchers seeking world class education, cutting edge research opportunities, and transformative cultural experiences, DAAD scholarships offer an unparalleled gateway to academic achievement and global career success in one of Europe’s most dynamic and innovation driven countries.