Fully funded scholarships - Germany
DAAD Scholarships 2026: Complete Guide to German Academic Exchange Funding
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world's largest funding organization for international academic exchange. DAAD scholarships fund international students, graduates, doctoral candidates, and researchers to study in Germany, covering monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel. This hub collects every verified DAAD opportunity on OpportunityNest and explains how to choose and apply.
What is DAAD?
The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, or DAAD, is Germany's largest funding organization for the international exchange of students and researchers. DAAD supports more than 100,000 German and international academics every year through scholarships, grants, and exchange programmes, and it is one of the most trusted sources of fully funded study in Germany.
DAAD scholarship holders study at German universities, including technically oriented universities (Technische Hochschulen) and research institutions, with programmes spanning all disciplines. Because DAAD scholarships cover the full cost of living and study, they are consistently ranked among the most attractive funding options for international students.
Quick facts
- Full name: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service)
- Funds international students, graduates, doctoral candidates, and researchers
- Monthly stipend plus health insurance and travel allowance
- Many programmes fully English-taught
Types of DAAD scholarships
DAAD runs dozens of programmes for different profiles. The main categories relevant to international students are:
| Programme | Who it is for | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Study Scholarships for Master's | Graduates applying for master's study in Germany | Master's |
| STEM Study Scholarship | High-achieving graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics | Master's |
| EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) | Professionals from developing countries | Master's / Postgraduate |
| Helmut Schmidt Programme (PPGG) | Future leaders in public policy and good governance | Master's |
| Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates | Doctoral candidates and young academics | PhD / Research |
| Bi-National Doctoral Grant | Doctoral candidates in joint programmes | PhD |
| WISE Research Internship | Science and engineering students seeking research internships | Internship |
DAAD programmes on OpportunityNest
Each card below links to a verified DAAD opportunity page with full eligibility, funding, and deadline details.
DAAD Study Scholarship Germany
Master's study scholarship for international graduates in all subjects.
DAAD STEM Study Scholarship Germany
Fully funded master's for high-achieving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduates.
DAAD EPOS Development-Related Postgraduate Courses
Postgraduate funding for professionals from developing countries in development-related fields.
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance)
Fully funded master's for future leaders in public policy and governance.
DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Young Academics
Research funding for doctoral candidates and early-career researchers in Germany.
DAAD Bi-National Doctoral Grant
Funding for doctoral candidates in bi-nationally supervised research projects.
DAAD WISE Research Internship Germany
Research internship for undergraduate and graduate science and engineering students.
Funding amounts and benefits
DAAD funding is designed to cover the full cost of living for international students in Germany. Typical benefits include:
- Monthly stipend, about EUR 934 for master's students
- Higher monthly rates for doctoral candidates and researchers
- Health insurance coverage
- Travel allowance where applicable
- Tuition covered by the funded programme
- German language course funding in some programmes
- Family allowances for grant holders with dependents
- Access to a global DAAD alumni network
Exact amounts are set in the official DAAD grant data for each programme and can change annually. Always confirm the figures on the specific opportunity page and the official DAAD portal.
Eligibility requirements
While requirements differ by programme, most DAAD scholarships share these common criteria:
- Degree: a completed first degree (bachelor's) before the scholarship starts
- Academic record: strong grades, usually above the host university's admission threshold
- Language: English or German proficiency depending on the programme language
- Return period: some programmes require living in your home country for a period before applying
- Residency: non-German citizens; specific rules apply per programme and country
- Country focus: EPOS and similar programmes target applicants from developing countries
How to apply for DAAD scholarships
- Choose the right programme based on your degree level, field, and profile.
- Check the eligibility and country-specific requirements on the official DAAD portal.
- Secure admission or a confirmed supervision arrangement at a German university where required.
- Prepare the application documents: CV, transcripts, degree certificates, language certificates, and references.
- Write a strong project description, study plan, or research proposal tailored to the programme.
- Submit the complete online application before the programme deadline.
Application tip: DAAD selection is highly competitive. Strengthen your profile with the motivation letter guide, the statement of purpose guide, and the scholarship interview guide.
People also ask
DAAD scholarship frequently asked questions
What is a DAAD scholarship?
A DAAD scholarship is funding from the German Academic Exchange Service for international students, graduates, doctoral candidates, and researchers to study or research in Germany. It covers a monthly stipend, health insurance, and often a travel allowance.
Who can apply for a DAAD scholarship?
Most DAAD scholarships are open to international students and researchers who have completed a first degree, have strong academic records, and meet language requirements. Some programmes like EPOS target applicants from developing countries.
How much money does a DAAD scholarship provide?
DAAD provides a monthly stipend of about EUR 934 for master's students and EUR 1,300 or more for doctoral candidates, plus health insurance and, in many cases, a travel allowance. Exact amounts vary by programme.
What is the DAAD EPOS scholarship?
DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) funds postgraduate study in Germany for professionals from developing countries in fields like economics, engineering, public health, and agriculture.
Is DAAD a fully funded scholarship?
Yes. DAAD scholarships cover the monthly living stipend, health insurance, and travel costs, and tuition for funded programmes is usually covered by the host university or programme.
When is the DAAD scholarship deadline?
Deadlines vary by programme. Most scholarships for the next academic year close between August and December, while EPOS follows its own schedule. Check each programme page for the exact date.
Do I need to speak German for a DAAD scholarship?
No. Many DAAD-funded programmes are English-taught. German-taught programmes require a recognized German certificate, typically B1 to C1. English-taught programmes usually require IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.
What is the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme?
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (PPGG) is a fully funded master's scholarship for future leaders in public policy and good governance, targeting graduates from developing and newly industrialized countries.
Can I get a DAAD scholarship for a master's degree?
Yes. The DAAD Study Scholarship and DAAD STEM Study Scholarship are designed specifically for international graduates applying to master's programmes in Germany, and EPOS funds development-related master's courses.
How competitive is a DAAD scholarship?
DAAD scholarships are highly competitive, with selection based on academic excellence, the quality of the study or research proposal, and fit with the programme's objectives. Strong applications are tailored to the specific programme.