🎓 Scholarships — Germany
What DAAD is and why it matters
DAAD is not one scholarship but hundreds of programmes across every subject and degree level, listed in its official scholarship database. It funds thousands of international students every year. Because German public universities already charge little or no tuition, a DAAD grant on top means your degree can be effectively free — with a monthly stipend to live on.
What the scholarship covers (2026)
- Monthly stipend: around 934 euro for Master's students and 1,200 euro for PhD candidates.
- Tuition covered where fees apply.
- Travel allowance to and from Germany.
- Health, accident and personal liability insurance.
- Rent subsidy and a family allowance in some programmes.
Exact benefits depend on the specific programme, so always check its page in the database.
Who can apply
Eligibility is set per programme, but in general you need a completed first degree (Bachelor's) by the time funding starts for a Master's, and a Master's for a PhD. Many programmes expect a strong academic record, and some, like the development-focused EPOS programmes, ask for one to two years of relevant work experience. Applicants from across the MENA region are eligible for most programmes.
How to apply, step by step
- Open the official DAAD scholarship database and filter by your country, subject and degree level.
- Choose a specific programme and read its call for applications carefully, as each has its own rules and deadline.
- Prepare your documents (below).
- Applications usually open on 1 June; click Application portal on the programme page and submit before the deadline.
Documents you'll usually need
- CV (often the Europass format) and a motivation letter
- Degree certificates and full transcripts
- Language certificate — IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes, or a German certificate
- Two academic references
- A research proposal (for PhD and research grants)
Deadlines and timeline
Deadlines vary by programme, but most Master's scholarships for the following winter intake close between September and December. Start six to nine months early — gathering references, certified translations and language results takes longer than most people expect.
Common mistakes that sink applications
- Applying to a vague DAAD scholarship instead of a specific programme in the database.
- A generic motivation letter that isn't tailored to the programme and to Germany.
- Missing the deadline, which is firm and differs by country.
- Weak or late reference letters.
Beyond DAAD: other German funding
If a DAAD programme isn't the right fit, look at the Deutschlandstipendium (a merit stipend awarded by universities), political and private foundations (e.g. Heinrich Boll, Konrad Adenauer), and the EU's Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, which are fully funded and often include time in Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Is DAAD really fully funded?
Many DAAD programmes are effectively fully funded — a monthly stipend plus travel and insurance, with tuition covered where it applies. Coverage varies by programme, so check the database page.
Do I need to know German?
Not for English-taught Master's and PhD programmes, which are common in Germany. Some programmes require German; the database lists the language for each.
Can I apply from any MENA country?
Most programmes are open to applicants across the Middle East and North Africa. A few are region- or country-specific; the database shows eligible countries per programme.
How competitive is it?
DAAD is competitive and selection is by an independent academic committee looking at your grades, the quality of your study or research plan, and your potential. A strong, tailored application matters more than perfect grades alone.
This is starter guidance and changes often — always confirm on the official source before applying.
Use the free Scholarship Finder and country comparison, then get a personal plan.