The DAAD fully funded scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships for studying in Germany. In this video, I’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to apply for it.
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers this scholarship annually to international students who wish to study in Germany. Since it is fully funded, all your expenses will be covered. If you are from a developing country, this is a great opportunity to pursue higher education in Germany.
Benefits of the DAAD Scholarship
The most significant benefit is the financial support:
- Master’s students receive €934 per month
- PhD or doctoral candidates receive €1,300 per month
This amount is sufficient for student life in Germany.
A major challenge for many international students is the blocked account requirement, but with this scholarship, you receive enough monthly funding that you don’t need a blocked account.
Additionally, the scholarship covers:
- A round-trip airfare ticket (the amount varies based on your country of origin)
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Research allowance and family benefits (depending on the scholarship program, you may bring your family)
- Funding for additional language courses
- A possible monthly rent subsidy if you live in an area with high rental costs
However, one thing the scholarship does not coveris tuition fees.
Scholarship Duration
The scholarship is awarded for the standard period of study for your degree, with a maximum duration of 24 months for a master’s program.
At the end of your first year, your academic performance will be reviewed. If you are on track to successfully complete your degree, the scholarship will continue for the second year.
Eligibility Criteria
Since the DAAD scholarship is highly competitive, not everyone gets selected. In Germany, scholarships are not handed out in large numbers, so there are specific requirements:
- You must enroll in a postgraduate or master’s degree program at a state or state-recognized university in Germany (public or private universities are eligible).
- You need to have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent first degree.
- If you are completing your bachelor’s degree this year, you can apply for next year’s scholarship round.
- Some courses may require work experience (this will be clearly mentioned on the university’s website).
- For artistic and architecture degrees, different scholarship programs apply.
Application Timeline
The application period begins early. For this year:
- Application deadline:August 30
- Selection date:** January 2025
- Scholarship begins:October 1 of the following year
- If you take a German language course before your degree starts, you may arrive six months earlier, and the scholarship will cover those extra months.
Language Requirements
You must be proficient in the language of instruction for your degree program.
- If your degree is in English, you must provide English language certificates.
- If your degree is in German, you must provide German language certificates.
A complete guide to language exams will be available soon, so stay tuned!
Selection Criteria
The DAAD evaluates applicants based on:
1. Academic and personal reasons for studying in Germany– A strong motivation to study and integrate into Germany is highly valued.
2. Language skills – Even if your degree is in English, demonstrating a good level of German (e.g., B2 level)strengthens your application.
3. Career prospects – What are your plans after graduation? Do you intend to stay in Germany?
4. Extracurricular activities – Are you socially engaged? Have you volunteered for a non-profit? Strong grades combined with social involvement improve your chances.
Required Documents
To apply for the DAAD scholarship, you must submit an online application on the scholarship website. The process is entirely online. The required documents include:
- CV (max. three pages, in table format)
- Letter of motivation (1-3 pages) explaining your academic and personal reasons for studying in Germany
- Letter of admission from a German university (if not available at the time of application, you must submit it before the funding period begins)
- Proof of language proficiency (English or German certificates, valid within the last two years)
- Recommendation letter from a university professor confirming your qualifications
- University degree certificate
- Additional documents (e.g., proof of work experience, certificates of extracurricular activities)
If your documents are not in German or English, you must provide official translations along with the original documents.
Country-Specific Requirements
Application requirements may vary by country. Some applicants may need to submit additional documents, such as an explanation of their country’s grading system. You can check the specific requirements by selecting your country on the DAAD scholarship website.
For further assistance, you can find contact information for DAAD advisors in your country.
FAQs and Additional Resources
To find answers to common questions, visit the FAQ section the DAAD website. One frequently asked question is:
Is there an age limit for DAAD scholarships?
- No, there is usually no fixed age limit.
The DAAD website is available in English, so navigating it is easy.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend applying for the DAAD scholarship, as it can significantly ease your financial burden while studying in Germany. The worst-case scenario? You get a rejection. But it’s worth trying!
To get more guidance:
- Enroll in the free Germany Starter Kit course (link in the video description).
- Download the Studying in Germany guidebook.
- Join our huge Discord community for support and advice.
Good luck with your application, and stay focused!