DAAD Scholarships for International Students

What DAAD is

DAAD stands for the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst — the German Academic Exchange Service. It is a publicly funded organisation that supports academic exchange and offers one of the largest scholarship programmes in the world for international students, researchers, and academics coming to Germany.

DAAD does not run a single scholarship. Instead, it operates a searchable database of many different funding programmes, each with its own purpose, target group, eligibility rules, and deadline. The starting point for everyone is the official DAAD scholarship database on daad.de.

The main DAAD programme types

DAAD funding is organised by the kind of study or research you are doing and your career stage. Because there are many programmes, the right one for you depends on your degree level, your subject, and whether you want a full degree in Germany or a shorter stay.

Use the official database filters (country of origin, status, and funding purpose) to find programmes you are eligible for — the database is the only authoritative list, since programmes are added, paused, or updated each cycle.

• Master's degree scholarships — full or partial funding for a postgraduate degree in Germany
• Doctoral / PhD scholarships — for research degrees and structured doctoral programmes
• Research grants — for short or longer research stays for graduates and academics
• University staff and faculty exchange programmes
• Subject-specific and development-focused programmes for selected fields and regions

Who can apply

Eligibility is set per programme and is based on secular, academic criteria — typically your highest completed degree, your academic record, your field of study, and sometimes your country of origin or professional experience. Some programmes are open worldwide; others target particular regions or disciplines.

Many degree-level scholarships expect a strong academic background and a clear study or research plan. Language requirements vary: some programmes need German, others accept English-taught study with an English test. Always read the individual programme page for the exact requirements that apply to you.

What the funding covers and how to apply

DAAD scholarships commonly contribute toward living costs and may include elements such as travel, health insurance support, or study-related allowances, depending on the programme. The exact amounts, the duration, and what is included are published only on each official programme page and change between cycles, so do not rely on figures quoted elsewhere — verify them on the official source.

Applications are submitted through the channel named on the programme page (often the DAAD portal), by that programme's deadline. Read the requirements carefully and prepare your documents early, as some programmes ask for transcripts, references, a proposal, and proof of language ability.

Avoiding scams and staying realistic

DAAD scholarships are free to apply for through official channels. Be cautious of any website, agent, or message that asks for payment to "guarantee" a DAAD scholarship or admission, promises selection in exchange for a fee, or directs you to a non-official application site. No scholarship can be guaranteed.

If you are an Indian student, you can also read our companion guide on DAAD scholarships for Indians for region-specific context — but the official DAAD database remains the single source of truth for every applicant, wherever you are from.