The DAAD Fine Art Scholarship 2026 offers international graduates the opportunity to pursue postgraduate or complementary studies in Germany within the fields of Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication, and Film. This programme aims to enhance academic and artistic development while fostering professional networking among peers.
The scholarship is provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), a major funding organization supporting international academic exchange. DAAD promotes study and research in Germany through various scholarship programmes for students and researchers worldwide.
DAAD Fine Art Scholarship Benefits
- A monthly payment of 992 euros
- Travel allowance
- One-off study allowance
- Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover
- Monthly rent subsidy (under certain circumstances)
- Monthly allowance for accompanying members of family (under certain circumstances)
- Subsidy for additional costs due to disability or chronic illness (on application)
- Green Mobility Top Up or reimbursement of carbon offset payments for air travel
- Payment of course fees for an online language course
- German language course (2, 4 or 6 months) before the study visit if necessary
- Allowance for a personally chosen German language course during the scholarship period
- Reimbursement of the fee for a TestDaF or DSH test
DAAD Fine Art Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- You have gained a first university degree in the field of arts
- Your university degree should not date back more than 6 years at the time of the application deadline
- Prerequisite for the funding is a full-time and attendance study
- Your application cannot be considered, if you have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline
- When you submit your application, you must provide proof of your current proficiency in the language of instruction (German, English, or German and English) in your chosen study programmes
- Language certificates may not be older than two years
How to Apply for DAAD Fine Art Scholarship
- Register in the DAAD portal
- Prepare application documents
- If necessary, translate documents (unless they are already in German or English)
- Scan paper documents and save in PDF format
- Fill out the application form and upload the application documents to the portal in PDF format
- Submit the application online
- If the review of your scholarship application shows that it meets the criteria and is complete, you will receive a link to upload your work samples to the DAAD media database
- Upload the work samples to the Media Database by the given deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the DAAD Fine Art Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the objective of the DAAD Fine Art Scholarship?
This scholarship programme offers the opportunity to continue education in Germany with a postgraduate or complementary course of study in the fields of Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film. The scholarships also promote the exchange of experience and networking amongst colleagues.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
You can apply if you have gained a first university degree in the field of arts. Your university degree should not date back more than 6 years at the time of the application deadline, and you must not have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline.
What can be funded under this programme?
You can complete a Master’s degree course/postgraduate degree course leading to a final qualification at a state or state-recognised German university, or a complementary course without degree (not an undergraduate course). Funding for a Master’s degree programme that has already started in Germany cannot be granted.
What is the duration of the funding?
For Master’s degree/Postgraduate degree course: Between 10 and 24 months depending on the length of the chosen study programme. For complementary studies not leading to a final qualification: One academic year (usually 12 months).
What are the financial benefits of the scholarship?
Benefits include a monthly payment of 992 euros, travel allowance, one-off study allowance, payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover, and possible additional benefits like monthly rent subsidy, allowance for accompanying family members, and support for climate-friendly travel.
What language skills are required?
You must provide proof of current proficiency in the language of instruction (German, English, or both) in your chosen study programmes. Language certificates may not be older than two years. You should have the required language skills by the time you start your scholarship.
How does the application process work?
Application documents are submitted online via the DAAD portal. After a formal check, if the application is complete, you will receive a link to upload your artistic portfolio to the DAAD media database. Both steps must be completed for a valid application.
What documents are needed for the application?
Required documents include a full curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, form ‘Information about your preferred master programmes’, transcript of records, university degree certificate, proof of language proficiency, and for complementary studies, confirmation of supervision or proof of credit recognition.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
A special DAAD committee of professors from German art, design and film schools makes the final decision based on the written application and artistic portfolio. Selection criteria include artistic qualification, quality of the project, and aspects of equal opportunities.
Does the scholarship guarantee admission to a German university?
No, confirmation of a scholarship does not automatically guarantee admission. The respective university decides whether to offer a place. You must secure admission separately, and the scholarship is only valid if you are admitted to the host university named in your application.
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