DAAD Scholarships: requirements, benefits and deadline

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) funds international students and researchers in Germany through many programmes, from master’s study scholarships to doctoral and research grants.

Country
Germany
Level
Master’s, PhD and research stays
Funding
Monthly payment, travel and insurance
Next deadline
Depends on the programme

Official website

What it covers

  • A monthly payment of €992 for master’s students and €1,300–1,400 for doctoral candidates, depending on the programme
  • A flat-rate travel allowance
  • In many programmes, health, accident and personal liability insurance
  • Depending on the programme: a one-off research allowance, family benefits or funding for language courses

Who can apply

  • Requirements differ by programme; each is listed in the DAAD scholarship database
  • Example, Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS): a bachelor’s degree (usually four years) with results in the upper third, and at least two years of related work experience after it
  • EPOS applicants also need a development-related motivation to drive change in their home environment

Key dates

Deadlines
Set by each programme; EPOS deadlines are set by each postgraduate course
Where to check
The DAAD scholarship database lists the current deadline for every programme

How to apply

  1. Search the DAAD scholarship database for your country, degree level and field.
  2. Open the programme (for example, Study Scholarships for master’s or EPOS) and check its requirements and deadline.
  3. Prepare your documents: CV, motivation letter, transcripts, references and language certificates as required.
  4. Apply as the programme describes; EPOS applications go directly to the university offering the course.

Open DAAD Scholarships listings on SeekFora

Frequently asked questions

What does the DAAD Scholarships cover?

A monthly payment of €992 for master’s students and €1,300–1,400 for doctoral candidates, depending on the programme. A flat-rate travel allowance. In many programmes, health, accident and personal liability insurance. Depending on the programme: a one-off research allowance, family benefits or funding for language courses.

Who can apply for the DAAD Scholarships?

Requirements differ by programme; each is listed in the DAAD scholarship database. Example, Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS): a bachelor’s degree (usually four years) with results in the upper third, and at least two years of related work experience after it. EPOS applicants also need a development-related motivation to drive change in their home environment.

When is the DAAD Scholarships deadline?

Depends on the programme. Deadlines: Set by each programme; EPOS deadlines are set by each postgraduate course. Where to check: The DAAD scholarship database lists the current deadline for every programme.

How do I apply for the DAAD Scholarships?

Search the DAAD scholarship database for your country, degree level and field. Open the programme (for example, Study Scholarships for master’s or EPOS) and check its requirements and deadline. Prepare your documents: CV, motivation letter, transcripts, references and language certificates as required. Apply as the programme describes; EPOS applications go directly to the university offering the course.

Sources: DAAD: Scholarships overview · DAAD: Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) (checked 26 September 2026)

Compare dates across programmes in the scholarship deadlines calendar.

Other scholarship guides