DAAD International Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 in Germany; How to Apply

DAAD Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Masters & PhD in Germany | Application Guide

If you are looking to study in Germany with full financial support, the DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027 is one of the best opportunities available for international students. This prestigious scholarship is fully funded and allows qualified applicants to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at top German universities.

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship covers tuition-free education, living allowances, travel costs, health insurance, and more. It aims to empower talented graduates and professionals from developing and industrialized countries by equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge to contribute to their home countries’ development.

DAAD Scholarship 2026 Summary

• Level of Study: Master’s, PhD (Doctoral)

• Host Institutions: State-recognized German universities

• Study Location: Germany

• Program Duration: 12–36 months (depending on the chosen program)

• Deadline: Varies by university and program

Eligible Fields of Study

• Economic Sciences, Law

• Agricultural and Forest Sciences

• Art and Design

• Engineering and Natural Sciences

• Humanities and Social Sciences

• Language and Cultural Studies

• Mathematics and Natural Sciences

• Medicine and Health Sciences

DAAD Scholarship 2026 Coverage

Recipients will receive the following benefits:

• Monthly stipend: €992 for Master’s students, €1,400 for PhD candidates

• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance

• Travel allowance (if not already covered by home country)

• One-time study allowance

• Additional benefits (where applicable):

  • Rent subsidy

  • Family allowance for accompanying dependents

Eligibility Criteria for DAAD Scholarship 2026

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Language: English or German (depending on program). Proof required via TOEFL, IELTS, DSH, or TestDaF.

• Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (minimum four years) or Master’s degree in a relevant subject.

• Professional experience: At least two years of work experience after the first degree.

• Motivation: Applicants must show a development-related motivation and willingness to take on social responsibility in their home country after completing the program.

• Eligible countries: Candidates from developing and newly industrialized countries.

Required Documents for DAAD Scholarship 2026

• Completed and signed DAAD application form

• CV (Europass format, signed, with current date)

• Motivation letter (max. 2 pages, covering professional background and chosen program(s))

• Letter of recommendation from current employer (with official letterhead, stamp, and date)

• Certificates of employment proving at least 2 years of relevant work experience

• Academic degrees and transcripts (with certified translations if required)

• Language certificates (TOEFL/IELTS for English, DSH/TestDaF for German)

• APS certificate (for applicants from China only)

How to Apply for DAAD Scholarship 2026 | Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select a program – Choose up to three postgraduate courses that match your academic background and career goals.

2. Prepare documents – Gather and certify all required academic, professional, and language documents.

3. Apply to universities – Send your application and supporting documents directly to the German universities offering your chosen programs.

4. University selection – Universities review applications and recommend potential candidates to DAAD.

5. DAAD Portal submission – Shortlisted candidates will receive a link to upload documents to the DAAD Portal.

6. Final selection – DAAD evaluates applications and informs successful candidates.

Important: Always keep scanned copies of your application documents (PDF format), as these must be uploaded later if you are shortlisted.

Why Study in Germany with DAAD?

• World-class universities with strong research and global rankings

• No tuition fees for most programs at public universities

• Generous scholarships and living support

• Work opportunities during and after studies (up to 18 months post-graduation stay)

• High quality of life in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg

• Cultural diversity with over 300,000 international students currently in Germany

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