DAAD Scholarship 2025-2026: Fully Funded Study in Germany

Looking to study in Germany on a fully funded scholarship? The DAAD Scholarship 2025-2026 offers international students a golden opportunity to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree at top German universities all expenses paid.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover the benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and everything you need to know to secure your DAAD scholarship.

What is the DAAD Scholarship?

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Scholarship is a fully funded program that supports international students from developing and newly industrialized countries. It offers a chance to pursue postgraduate degrees in Germany while fostering development-related goals in their home countries.

DAAD Scholarship Benefits

Monthly stipend: €934 (Master’s), €1,300 (PhD)
Travel allowance
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
One-time study allowance
Monthly rent subsidy (if applicable)
Support for accompanying family members

Eligible Fields of Study

Economic Sciences, Law
Agricultural & Forest Sciences
Engineering & Natural Sciences
Humanities & Social Sciences
Language & Cultural Studies
Mathematics & Natural Sciences
Medicine & Health Sciences
Art & Design

View the complete list of eligible postgraduate programs.

Program Duration

12 to 36 months, depending on the chosen program.

DAAD Scholarship 2025-2026 Eligibility

To qualify for the DAAD Scholarship, applicants must:

Be from a developing or newly industrialized country
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum four years) or Master’s degree
Have at least two years of professional experience
Show motivation for development-related goals
Possess English or German language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL, DSH/TestDaF)

How to Apply for DAAD Scholarship 2026

Choose up to three eligible postgraduate courses
Apply directly to the universities offering those courses
Submit complete applications to the selected universities
If shortlisted, upload your documents to the DAAD Portal (a link will be provided)
Wait for final selection and confirmation

Required Documents for the DAAD Scholarship 2026

Completed DAAD Application Form: Must be signed and dated.
Signed Curriculum Vitae (CV): Use the Europass format available here and include the current date.
Motivation Letter: Must be personally signed, dated, and a maximum of two pages. It should detail your current professional role and your reasons for choosing the specific postgraduate program(s).
Important: If applying to more than one postgraduate course (up to 3), submit one unified motivation letter explaining your interest in each course and your order of preference.
Recommendation Letter from Current Employer: Should be on official letterhead, signed, stamped, and dated (not enclosed in a sealed envelope).
Proof of Work Experience: Provide employment certificates verifying at least two years of relevant experience (post-bachelor’s degree). If available, include a letter from your employer guaranteeing re-employment after completing your studies.
Language Proficiency Certificates:
- English: IELTS or TOEFL (Institutional TOEFL is not accepted).
- German: Required only if applying to a program taught in German.
Copies of Academic Certificates: Include certified translations if necessary.
Academic Transcripts and Grading Scale: Certified translations should be attached if not in English or German.
APS Certificate: Mandatory for applicants from the People’s Republic of China.

Note: Some study programs may ask for additional documents. For detailed requirements, refer to the specific course descriptions in the official DAAD brochure or program websites. All documents must be submitted in English or German to be considered.

Application Deadline

Deadlines vary by course and institution. Please check the official DAAD deadlines here.

Why Study in Germany?

1. World-Class Education

Germany is home to some of Europe’s highest-ranking universities including LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, and Humboldt University.

2. No Tuition Fees

Public universities in Germany charge no tuition, even for international students. Save your money for living expenses and travel!

3. Post-Study Job Opportunities

Graduates can stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation to find employment.

4. High Quality of Life

Enjoy vibrant cities, excellent public transport, and a thriving student culture in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg.

5. Multicultural Environment

With over 300,000 international students, Germany offers a diverse and welcoming environment for global learners.

Official DAAD Scholarship Website

For the most accurate and updated information, visit the official DAAD scholarship website.

Conclusion

The DAAD Scholarship 2025-2026 is more than just financial support—it's a life-changing opportunity to gain a world-class education, expand your global network, and contribute to meaningful development in your home country. With full funding, access to top-ranked universities, and generous post-graduation work opportunities, studying in Germany has never been more attainable.

Whether you dream of conducting groundbreaking research, launching an international career, or bringing new skills back home, the DAAD scholarship can help you get there. Don’t wait start preparing your application today and take the first step toward your academic and professional future in Germany.