How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships for Master’s and PhD Programs in Germany

What is DAAD?
DAAD (German: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, English: The German Academic Exchange Service) was founded in 1925 and is one of the most prestigious scholarship providers worldwide. Every year, numerous students from all over the world come to Germany for Master’s and PhD programs with DAAD scholarships. One of the key benefits of this scholarship is the support provided not only to the student but also to their family. Additionally, DAAD offers opportunities for networking, cultural exchange, and career development.

DAAD Master’s Scholarship Application Process

Studying in Germany with a DAAD Master’s scholarship can significantly boost your career development. However, DAAD scholarships are available only for specific fields. The eligible areas include:

  • Economics

  • Development Cooperation

  • Engineering

  • Urban Planning

  • Agricultural and Forest Science

  • Social Science

  • Nature and Environmental Science

  • Medicine

  • Public Health

  • Law

  • Media Studies

For each of these fields, DAAD offers scholarships in over 40 programs. To apply for a DAAD Master’s scholarship, the following documents are required:

Required Documents for DAAD Master’s Scholarship:

  1. Application Form (Available for download from the program website or DAAD portal)

  2. Europass CV

  3. Motivation Letter

  4. All Academic Certificates and Transcripts (Last degree must be obtained within the last 6 years)

  5. 2 years of Professional Job Experience (After your last degree)

  6. Reference Letters (One from your workplace and one from your university. A re-employment guarantee certificate, if possible, is helpful.)

  7. Research Proposal

  8. IELTS Certificate (or any other accepted English proficiency certificate)

  9. Certificates of Extracurricular Activities or Internships with international organizations or companies (Optional but helpful for increasing your chances of getting the scholarship)

Make sure to apply for the program by September this year for admission in October of the following year. Application details can be found on the program website. Some programs require online applications, while others require hard copies to be sent.

Once you have completed the application with all required documents, DAAD will contact you. You’ll need to create an account on My DAAD and upload all the documents. If selected, you will receive a scholarship worth €934 per month, along with benefits such as health insurance, travel grants, family allowance, and free German language courses.

DAAD PhD Scholarship Application Process

To apply for a DAAD PhD scholarship, the first step is to find a professor in your field who is willing to supervise your research. You will need to submit a research proposal to convince the professor. If the professor agrees to supervise your PhD, you will need to gather a few documents from them and apply via My DAAD portal.

Required Documents for DAAD PhD Scholarship:

  1. Application Form for PhD (Download from the DAAD portal)

  2. Documents from Supervisor (Agreement of supervision, signed by the professor)

  3. Motivation Letter

  4. Research Proposal

  5. Europass CV

  6. All Academic Certificates and Transcripts (Master’s degree must be obtained within the last 6 years)

  7. 2 years of relevant job experience certificate

  8. Reference Letters

  9. List of Publications

  10. Certificates of Extracurricular Activities or Internships (Optional but helpful)

After submitting all documents, you must send one copy to the German Embassy. DAAD will also assist you with any additional information and guidance throughout the process. Regularly check your email and My DAAD portal for updates. If you are called for an interview, attend the viva. Upon receiving the scholarship, you will receive €1,300 per month, along with health insurance, travel grants, research grants, family allowance, and free German language courses.

Why Apply for DAAD Scholarship?

Germany, the land of ideas, offers a great environment for academic growth and research. Whether you’re applying for a Master’s or PhD, DAAD scholarships provide a comprehensive package to support your studies and professional development.

So, don’t wait any longer. Start your application now and embark on a life-changing educational journey in Germany. Best of luck with your future studies and career!