DAAD Scholarships 2026: All Programs Explained

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world's largest funding organization for international academic exchange. It awards over 100,000 scholarships and grants each year to students, researchers, and academics from every country. With monthly stipends ranging from €861 for undergraduates to €1,200 for doctoral candidates—plus health insurance, travel allowances, and tuition waivers—DAAD scholarships rank among the most generous in Europe. If you plan to study in Germany, the DAAD is likely your single most important funding source.

This guide covers every major DAAD scholarship program available to international students in 2026. We break down the Studienstipendien (study scholarships), Forschungsstipendien (research grants), RISE internships, language course funding, and specialized programs like the Helmut Schmidt Programme. Each section lists exact amounts, eligibility criteria, application materials, and deadlines.

DAAD Scholarship Overview: Programs at a Glance

Program	Target Group	Monthly Stipend	Duration	Application Deadline
Study Scholarships (Studienstipendien)	Graduates from all countries	€934/month	10–24 months	October 15 (most programs)
Research Grants (Forschungsstipendien)	Doctoral candidates, postdocs	€1,200/month (doctoral), €1,407/month (postdoc)	7–24 months (doctoral), 1–6 months (postdoc)	October 15
RISE Germany	Undergraduates in STEM	€861/month	2–3 months (summer)	December 15
RISE Professional	Undergraduates/recent graduates	€861/month	1.5–6 months	February 28
University Summer Courses	Undergraduates, graduates	€1,134 total	3–4 weeks	December 1
Helmut Schmidt Programme	Professionals from developing countries	€934/month	12–36 months	July 31
Study Visits for Groups	Student groups with faculty	Varies	7–12 days	March 1 / September 1

Study Scholarships (Studienstipendien)

This is the DAAD's flagship program for international students pursuing a full master's degree in Germany. The scholarship covers the entire duration of your degree (typically 18–24 months) and includes:

• €934 per month living allowance
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
• Travel allowance (amount depends on home country; €250–1,075 per trip)
• One-time study allowance of €460
• Monthly rent subsidy if applicable
• Two-month German language course before the semester begins
• Tuition waiver at public universities (most charge none anyway)

Eligibility

You must hold a bachelor's degree completed no more than six years before the start of the scholarship. The degree must qualify you for a master's program at a German university. You need a German university admission letter or proof of application. Language requirements depend on the program: German-taught programs require at least B2 German (TestDaF or DSH); English-taught programs require IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+.

The DAAD accepts applicants from all countries, but selection criteria and quotas vary by region. Applicants from developing countries may have access to additional programs (see Helmut Schmidt Programme below). Some programs are restricted to specific fields of study.

Application Materials

The standard application package includes:

• Online application form via the DAAD portal
• Hand-signed CV (tabular, DAAD format)
• Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages, explaining your study plan and career goals)
• Academic reference letters (2, from university professors)
• Certified copies of university degrees and transcripts
• Language certificates
• Letter of admission from a German university (or proof of application)
• Research proposal (for research-oriented master's programs)

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by independent academic selection committees organized by the DAAD. Committees include German professors and experts in the relevant field. Selection criteria include academic excellence (roughly 40% of the evaluation), the quality and feasibility of your study or research plan (30%), motivation and personal suitability (20%), and language skills (10%). An interview is required for shortlisted candidates from some countries.

Deadlines

The main deadline is October 15 for programs starting the following academic year (October). Some programs and country-specific scholarships have different deadlines. Check the DAAD scholarship database (www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/) for your specific program. Results are announced in March–April.

Research Grants (Forschungsstipendien)

These grants fund doctoral research and postdoctoral stays at German universities and research institutions. They are the DAAD's primary tool for attracting international researchers to Germany.

Doctoral Research Grants

The doctoral grant provides €1,200 per month for 7–24 months. Additional benefits match the study scholarship package: insurance, travel, study allowance, and language course funding. You must have a confirmed doctoral supervisor at a German university or research institution (Max Planck, Fraunhofer, Helmholtz, or Leibniz). The supervisor's confirmation letter is a mandatory part of the application.

Two models exist for doctoral research in Germany:

• Individual doctorate (Individualpromotion): You work directly with a professor on your research topic. This is the traditional German model. The DAAD grant funds your stay at the German institution.
• Structured doctoral program: You enroll in a graduate school or research training group (Graduiertenkolleg) with coursework, seminars, and cohort-based supervision. These programs increasingly offer English-language tracks.

Postdoctoral Research Grants

Postdocs receive €1,407 per month for stays of 1–6 months. The grant enables short-term research collaborations, access to German laboratories and archives, and networking with German academics. You must hold a PhD completed within the last four years and have a confirmed research host at a German institution.

Bi-National Doctoral Programs

The DAAD also funds "sandwich" doctoral programs where you split your time between your home country and Germany. These grants cover the German phases of your doctorate (typically 6–18 months total). This model suits students who want to maintain ties to their home institution while benefiting from German research infrastructure.

RISE Germany and RISE Professional

RISE Germany

Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) places undergraduate students from North America, the UK, and Ireland in German research laboratories for summer internships. The program matches students with doctoral supervisors at German universities and research institutions. Interns receive €861 per month, and the DAAD arranges housing assistance and cultural programming.

Eligibility: You must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate in a STEM field at a university in the US, Canada, UK, or Ireland. Minimum GPA requirements vary but a 3.0/4.0 (or equivalent) is a reasonable benchmark. No German language skills are required—research is conducted in English. Apply by December 15 for the following summer.

RISE Professional

RISE Professional places students and recent graduates in internships at German companies and research organizations. Unlike RISE Germany (which is academic), RISE Professional focuses on industry experience. Internships last 1.5–6 months. The same €861/month stipend applies. Apply by February 28.

University Summer Courses

The DAAD funds participation in intensive German language and subject-specific summer courses at German universities. Scholarships cover course fees and provide a flat €1,134 for travel and living expenses. Courses run 3–4 weeks during the summer and combine language instruction with cultural programming. Eligibility requires enrollment at a university in your home country and at least A2-level German. Apply by December 1.

Helmut Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance)

This program funds master's degrees in public policy, economics, law, and related fields for professionals from developing and emerging countries. Named after former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, the program targets future leaders who will return to their home countries to drive reform and development.

Benefits match the standard study scholarship (€934/month plus insurance, travel, and language course). The program is open to professionals with at least two years of work experience in the public sector, NGOs, or related fields. Programs are taught in English at selected German universities. Apply by July 31.

How DAAD Scholarships Compare to Other Funding

Scholarship	Monthly Amount	Tuition Covered	Insurance	Travel	Countries Eligible
DAAD Studienstipendien	€934	Yes (waiver)	Yes	Yes	All
Erasmus+ (to Germany)	€420–540	Yes (exemption)	No	Partial	EU/EEA
Deutschlandstipendium	€300	No	No	No	All (enrolled in Germany)
Friedrich Ebert Foundation	€850	No	No	No	All (with social engagement)
Konrad Adenauer Foundation	€934	No	No	Partial	All (with civic engagement)

The DAAD stands out for its comprehensive package. The combination of monthly stipend, insurance, travel allowance, language course, and study allowance means you rarely need supplementary funding. Read our full guide on costs and funding for studying in Germany to understand how the DAAD stipend fits into a realistic monthly budget.

Application Tips from DAAD Selection Committee Members

Based on published DAAD guidance and alumni feedback, these strategies improve your application:

• Be specific in your motivation letter. Name the exact program, professors, and research groups at your target university. Generic statements about "Germany's excellent education" signal a weak application.
• Explain why Germany, not just why a master's degree. The committee wants to know what Germany offers that your home country or other destinations do not. Reference specific labs, industry clusters, or academic traditions.
• Connect your study plan to your home country. The DAAD values applicants who plan to apply their German education in their home country or to international development. A clear return narrative strengthens your application.
• Choose referees who know your work. A detailed letter from an assistant professor who supervised your thesis outweighs a vague endorsement from a department head you never worked with.
• Start learning German. Even for English-taught programs, demonstrating German language interest (even A1) shows commitment. The DAAD funds a pre-semester language course, but arriving with some German gives you an edge.
• Apply for university admission early. Having a confirmed admission letter at the time of your DAAD application significantly strengthens your candidacy. The committee wants to fund students who will actually enroll.

Combining DAAD with Other Funding Sources

DAAD scholarships generally cannot be combined with other German government scholarships (e.g., political foundation scholarships). You can combine them with:

• Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month, merit-based, awarded by universities)
• Part-time work (up to 20 hours/week on a student visa)
• Home country scholarships that allow international stacking
• Conference and research travel grants from the DAAD itself (separate from the main scholarship)

The Deutschlandstipendium deserves special mention. It is a merit-based scholarship awarded directly by German universities, funded 50% by private donors and 50% by the federal government. At €300/month, it is modest, but it stacks on top of the DAAD stipend. Apply through your German university after enrollment. Selection criteria emphasize academic performance, social engagement, and personal background.

Life in Germany on a DAAD Scholarship

Is €934/month enough to live in Germany? In most cities, yes. Our cost guide shows that monthly expenses in affordable cities like Leipzig, Dresden, or Chemnitz range from €650 to €850. In Munich, Berlin, or Hamburg, you will spend €900 to €1,400. The DAAD stipend covers expenses in all but the most expensive cities, especially because health insurance is already included.

DAAD scholarship holders receive support beyond money. The DAAD Alumni Network connects current and former scholars across 200 countries. Regional DAAD offices in Germany organize networking events, career workshops, and excursions. Many scholarship holders describe the DAAD community as one of the most valuable aspects of their time in Germany.

DAAD for Specific Nationalities

The DAAD maintains bilateral programs with many countries that offer additional or specialized funding:

• India: The DAAD-IIT Master Sandwich Programme funds Indian IIT graduates for research stays in Germany. The WISE (Working Internships in Science and Engineering) program parallels RISE for Indian students.
• Brazil: The DAAD-CAPES program funds Brazilian doctoral students for research phases in Germany.
• China: The CSC-DAAD joint program provides full doctoral funding for Chinese students at German universities.
• Egypt: The GERLS (German Egyptian Research Long-term Scholarship) funds doctoral studies in STEM fields.
• Colombia: The DAAD-COLCIENCIAS program supports Colombian doctoral candidates.

Check the DAAD office in your home country (or the DAAD website for your nationality) for country-specific programs that may offer higher stipends, additional benefits, or separate application tracks.

After the DAAD Scholarship: Staying in Germany

Germany's 18-month post-graduation job-seeking visa applies to DAAD scholarship holders. After your degree, you can stay in Germany to search for employment related to your field of study. If you find a job, you can convert your residence permit to a work permit. The DAAD Alumni Network and career services at German universities provide job search support.

Read our guide on visas and arrival in Germany for the full process of transitioning from a student visa to a work permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a DAAD scholarship pay per month?

Study scholarships for master's students pay €934/month. Doctoral research grants pay €1,200/month. Postdoctoral grants pay €1,407/month. RISE internships pay €861/month. All amounts are for the 2026 funding year and are subject to periodic adjustment.

Does the DAAD cover tuition fees?

Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition. The DAAD provides a tuition waiver for programs that do charge fees (such as non-EU fees in Baden-Württemberg or TU Munich's differential fees). Private university tuition is generally not covered.

Can I apply for a DAAD scholarship without a university admission?

Yes, but having an admission letter strengthens your application significantly. You can submit proof of application (not yet admitted) and provide the admission letter later. Some programs require admission as a precondition; check your specific program's requirements.

How competitive are DAAD scholarships?

Acceptance rates vary by program and country. Study scholarships for master's programs typically accept 15–25% of applicants, though this varies widely by field and region. Erasmus Mundus programs funded through the DAAD have acceptance rates of 3–10%. RISE Germany is moderately competitive at roughly 30% acceptance.

Can I work while holding a DAAD scholarship?

DAAD scholarship holders on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during semester breaks (up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year). Working does not reduce your scholarship amount. Many DAAD students work as research assistants (HiWi positions) at their university, which provides extra income and academic experience.

Does the DAAD fund bachelor's degree programs?

The DAAD's primary programs focus on master's and doctoral levels. Undergraduate funding is limited to specific programs like RISE (summer internships) and university summer courses. Full bachelor's degree funding through the DAAD is rare. If you want to study an undergraduate degree in Germany, explore university-specific scholarships and the Deutschlandstipendium instead.

Is German language proficiency required for DAAD scholarships?

For English-taught programs, no. You need IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+ (or equivalent). For German-taught programs, you need at least B2 German (TestDaF 4x4 or DSH-2). The DAAD funds a two-month intensive German course before your program begins, which helps bridge the gap. Demonstrating any German knowledge, even A1, strengthens your application.

When should I start preparing my DAAD application?

Start 12–18 months before your intended program start. For an October 2027 program start, begin preparing in spring 2026. The main deadline is October 15, 2026, but gathering reference letters, preparing your motivation letter, and securing a university admission takes months. Reference letters alone require 4–6 weeks of lead time if your referees are busy professors.

Next Steps

Search the DAAD Scholarship Database (www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/) for programs matching your profile. Identify your target master's program at a German university and apply for admission in parallel. Contact the DAAD office in your home country for country-specific advice. Read our comprehensive guide to studying in Germany for the full picture of what to expect.