DAAD Scholarship Application Process

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest financial organization in the world, providing support to well over 100,000 German and international students and researchers each year. Graduates, doctorate candidates, and postdocs are the main recipients of DAAD scholarships, which are given for study and research visits to German universities and non-university research institutions. Certain programs also provide funding for internships.

DAAD is the largest German funding organization for international students. DAAD has financed more than 2 million scholars. It provides scholarships to both international students and German students. Also, there are multiple DAAD German universities for international students.

With its headquarters in Bonn, DAAD has various regional offices and information centers in more than 60 countries. So there is a big chance that you might find a DAAD office near you. You can easily contact the DAAD local office for guidance and help finding a scholarship. Ensure you meet the DAAD scholarship Germany eligibility.

Benefits of  DAAD Scholarship 

The benefits offered by the respective scholarship program differ and are described in the call for applications in the scholarship database. Generally, it covers:

1. Scholarship stipend: The scholarship payment depends on the scholarship holders and the program. Once you meet the DAAD scholarship eligibility, you can access the benefits of the former. The stipend for various programs is mentioned below:

- Masters Program - EUR 861

- Doctoral Program - EUR 1200

- University assistant teachers - EUR 2000

- Professors - EUR 2150

2. Travel expenses: DAAD scholarships cover all outward and return travel expenses.

3. Family members benefit: DAAD offers an allowance for accompanying spouse/ child allowance. It also offers insurance benefits for spouses and children under certain conditions. For scholarship holders, family benefits will be provided only if the program exceeds six months. Family benefits will not be provided if it is less than six months.

4. Health insurance: Most DAAD scholarships provide health insurance for their scholarship holders.

5. Benefits for people with disabilities: DAAD Scholarships offer additional benefits to people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

Eligibility Criteria 

The DAAD scholarships are awarded to students who want to complete a full-time course of study with mandatory attendance in Germany. The basic DAAD Scholarship eligibility criteria are mentioned below for all international students. These are applicable to procure DAAD scholarships for bachelor's degrees and master's degrees.

1. Two years of relevant and proven work experience, research work, and teaching/graduate assistantship.

2. Fulfill the language-related DAAD requirements.

3. The academic degree qualification should not exceed six years, i.e., the applicant should have completed their bachelor's degree, not more than in the last six years.

4. If you want to come to Germany for up to 6 months, you must have lived in your country of residence for at least one year at the time of application.

5. If you want to come to Germany for some time longer than six months, you must have obtained your last degree in your country of residence.

While these are the standard DAAD scholarship requirements, ensure you visit the official website to access more information.

Documents Required for DAAD Scholarships

Take a look at some of the common documents required for the DAAD scholarship application:

1. Online application form

2. CV or Resume

3. Certificate of Enrollment filled by the home institution as proof of current enrolment.

4. NOC (No objection certificate) filled and stamped by the home institution.

5. Application form by German host filled in by German supervisor

6. Invitation letter from the German supervisor.

7. Reference from the university teacher of your home institution.

8. Letters of motivation (if applying for a study scholarship)

9. Detailed proposal (if applying for a research grant)

10. University degree certificates indicating final grades.

Selection Criteria 

1. The quality of the project: for study and research visits, continuing education courses: a convincing and well-planned project.

2. A well-founded choice, as documented by the motivation letter.

Additional selection criteria, e.g., language skills, may be relevant depending on the scholarship program.

Application Guide

There are several things to look out for while preparing to apply for DAAD Scholarships, such as:

1. Preparing your Application:

a) Letter of motivation that describes your professional and personal reasons for wishing to study in Germany, not more than three pages. The content should include your education, skills, academic motivation, personal interest, and reasons for applying for a scholarship.

b) Proposal: should be detailed and precise, having the objective, current state of literature, key research questions, research strategies/methods, ethical issues, and research bibliography clearly outlined.

2. Planning your Project: You need confirmation from a university teacher if you wish to conduct individual research or complete a doctorate in Germany. You must get a host who can be a university teacher or teachers who work at a state or state-recognized institution of higher learning.

3. How to apply: Applicants must register online in the DAAD portal. In the scholarship database, select your chosen scholarship program and then the tab “Apply.” Application procedures may vary depending on the scholarship program. Applicants can apply by following the steps below:

a) Download the application form for the DAAD scholarship.

b) Make a personalized CV with your signature.

c) Write a motivation letter and hand sign it.

d) Write a detailed Research proposal.

e) Get a recommendation letter from your previous university

f) Get a host from a government or state-recognized institution of higher learning.

Factors Affecting the DAAD Scholarships Selection Process

Once you apply for the scholarships, they are evaluated by the selection committees of the particular scholarship. The selection is generally affected by the following:

- Academic Excellence

- Research proposal or Work experience

- Project/ Research Proposal

- Letters of Recommendations

Students with excellent references and a good academic background tend to do well in the selection process.

List of Ongoing DAAD Scholarships

1. Fully Funded DAAD Postgraduate Scholarship in Germany 2023-24

2. Fully Funded DAAD Hungary Scholarship 2024

3. Fully Funded DAAD University of Hohenheim AgEcon Scholarships in Germany

4. Fully Funded DAAD International Postgraduate Scholarship in Germany 2024

5. Fully Funded DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship in Germany 2024

6. Fully Funded Government Of Germany DAAD Scholarships 2024-25

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is DAAD Scholarship hard to get?
Getting a DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship for a master's degree in Germany is competitive. Still, with careful planning and a strong application, you can increase your chances of success.

2. How much CGPA is required for DAAD?
Additionally, applicants must have a minimum CGPA of 8.5 or 85% (or equivalent), depending on the applied degree.

3. Does DAAD require IELTS?
The minimum requirement to apply for a DAAD scholarship normally is an IELTS (band 6) certificate or TOEFL (minimum score of 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, and 80 internet-based).

4. What is the success rate of DAAD?
12 %

5. Does the DAAD Scholarship require an interview?
If you are successful in the first round of your DAAD Scholarship application, you will be invited to the interview. 

Conclusion

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers a range of scholarships for international students and researchers to pursue their studies and research in Germany. The application process involves checking eligibility, gathering the necessary documents, preparing detailed application materials, securing a host if required, and submitting the application through the DAAD portal. Selection criteria are competitive and include factors such as academic excellence, the quality of project proposals, work experience, and letters of recommendation. Successful applicants receive acceptance letters and must make necessary preparations for their studies or research in Germany.