DAAD Scholarship 2027 | Application Process

If you are an international student and want to pursue your education in Germany, the DAAD Scholarship is a great opportunity. This scholarship is available for master’s and PhD programmes. The application process for this scholarship is very easy. You can follow the step-by-step instructions presented in this article to apply for this fully funded scholarship. The DAAD Scholarship 2027 covers travel allowance, health insurance, study allowance, and a monthly allowance of up to 1,400 euros.

With its development-oriented postgraduate study programmes, the DAAD promotes the training of specialists from developed and newly industrialised countries. Well-trained experts, who are networked with international partners, play an important part in their countries’ sustainable development. They are the best guarantee for a better future with less poverty, more education, and better health for all.

The scholarships offer foreign graduates from developed and newly industrialised countries from all disciplines the chance to take a postgraduate or master’s degree at a state or state-recognised German university, and in exceptional cases to take a doctoral degree, and to obtain a university qualification (master’s/PhD) in Germany.

DAAD Scholarship Highlights

Degree ProgrammesMaster’s / PhD
Scholarship ProviderDAAD
Study DestinationGermany
Fields of StudyClick here to find all the available degree programmes
Programme DurationMaster’s: 2 years; PhD: 4 years
FundingFully Funded

DAAD Scholarship Benefits

The DAAD Scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:

  • Depending on academic level, monthly payments are 992 euros for graduates or 1,400 euros for doctoral candidates.
  • Travel allowance, unless these expenses are covered by the home country or another source of funding
  • Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage.
  • One-off study allowance.
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Under certain circumstances, scholarship holders may receive the following additional benefits:

  • Monthly rent subsidy
  • Monthly allowance for accompanying members of the family

Eligibility Requirements for the DAAD Scholarship 2027

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the DAAD Scholarship:

  • For international programmes, the language of instruction is English. You are usually required to submit an English language certificate, e.g., TOEFL or IELTS.
  • For other programmes, the language of instruction is German. You are usually required to submit a German language certificate, e.g., DSH or TestDaF.
  • Click here for a list of eligible developing countries.
  • Candidates have a bachelor’s degree (usually a four-year course) or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject.
  • Candidates have at least two years of professional experience.
  • Candidates can demonstrate their motivation is development-related and are expected to take on social responsibility and to initiate and support processes of change in their personal and professional environments after their training/scholarship.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the DAAD Scholarship 2027

The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for the DAAD Scholarship:

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Step 1: Choose suitable courses of your interest. (You can apply for a maximum of three courses.)

Step 2: Apply to universities offering those courses.

Step 3: You send your complete application(s) (with the above documents) directly to the universities.

Step 4: A selection committee suggests potential candidates for a DAAD scholarship.

Step 5: The suggested candidates will be contacted by DAAD to upload their complete application to the DAAD Portal. (The link to the DAAD Portal will be provided by DAAD through email.)

Step 6: The selection process will be finalised, and the suggested candidates will be informed accordingly.

Important Note: Make sure that you have a copy of each document of your application ready, as those documents (as PDF files) have to be uploaded to the DAAD Portal in case you are selected for a DAAD scholarship!

Required Documents for DAAD Scholarship 2027

  • Signed the DAAD application form with the current date
  • Personally signed CV (please use the sample Europass form at http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/) with the current date
  • A personally signed letter of motivation (concerning current occupation and choice of postgraduate programme(s), two pages maximum) with the current date.
    IMPORTANT: When applying for more than one postgraduate course (maximum 3 courses), you have to submit one motivation letter explaining why you are applying for these specific courses and why you chose that priority.
  • Letter of recommendation from your current employer; the letter must have letterhead, a signature, and an official stamp, and must be of the current date (not in a sealed envelope)
  • Certificate(s) of Employment from the employer(s) that prove a minimum of two years of relevant working experience (after the bachelor’s degree) at the time of application, and if possible, a guarantee of re-employment from your current employer upon returning home.
  • Proof of Language Skills:
    • English – IELTS or TOEFL (Note: The institutional TOEFL is not accepted.)
    • German – Required for courses taught in German
  • Copies of Academic Degrees (certified translation if necessary)
  • Copies of Academic Transcripts, including grading scale (accredited translation if necessary)
  • Applicants from the People’s Republic of China are asked to submit an APS Certificate with their application documents.
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Note: Some courses may require additional documents. For detailed information, please see the relevant course description in the brochure and the respective websites. The complete applications have to be submitted in English or German to be considered.

DAAD Scholarship Application Deadline

The application deadline for the DAAD Scholarship 2027 varies by programme. Please refer to individual programme pages for exact deadlines.

For further information about the DAAD Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official website:

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you apply for more than one course under the DAAD scholarship?

You can apply for up to three courses. If you are applying to more than one course, please list the courses in order of priority in the DAAD application forms, and do not change the priorities in the application form.

How long does the DAAD EPOS selection process usually take?

For the EPOS programme, the published timeline indicates the selection process typically runs from late October until March. So it is normal to wait several months after applying before outcomes are final.

Will I have to do a German language course even if my degree is taught in English?

Often, yes. DAAD notes that for many EPOS courses, a preparatory German language course (commonly 2–6 months) is part of the scholarship package, and participation is described as mandatory for those courses that include it. Always follow the requirement shown on your specific course page/offer.

Does the scholarship cover tuition fees, and are there any fees I still pay myself?

In EPOS, DAAD indicates scholarship holders are generally exempt from tuition fees where tuition applies. However, universities in Germany usually charge a semester contribution/administrative fee (the amount varies widely by institution), which students normally still pay.

Do I receive my scholarship money as cash, or is it handled directly by DAAD/university?

Typically the monthly stipend is paid to the scholar (bank transfer). Other items (such as insurance arrangements or course-specific fees) can be handled differently depending on the programme/university. Treat your award letter and programme instructions as the final reference.

Are my submitted documents returned after the process?

Usually not. DAAD programme materials state that submitted applications/documents generally become the property of DAAD and/or the university and are not returned. Keep digital copies of everything you submit.

Can I work part-time in Germany while I’m on a DAAD scholarship?

Yes, but within the limits of your residence permit. DAAD guidance summarises the common rule as up to 120 full days / 240 half days of work per calendar year for students. Some newer residence permits may allow higher limits (e.g., 140/280), so always check the exact wording on your residence permit and follow your local foreigners’ authority guidance.

How much money should I budget for living costs in Germany (beyond what the scholarship pays)?

DAAD’s budgeting guidance suggests students often need roughly €900–€1,200 per month depending on city and lifestyle, and it highlights that rent is typically the biggest cost. This helps you plan realistically if your costs run higher than the stipend.

Is it possible to be admitted to the university but not receive the DAAD scholarship?

Yes. Admission and scholarship funding are related but not identical decisions. A university/programme can admit an applicant even if the scholarship nomination is not successful, and some candidates continue as self-funded students if they can cover the costs.

If I apply to multiple courses, should I change my priority order later if I change my mind?

No. DAAD’s EPOS guidance explicitly says to list courses in priority order and not change those priorities in the application form. If your preferences change, the safer approach is to follow the official rules and the programme’s instructions rather than altering priorities informally.