DAAD Summer Scholarship 2027 offers eligible international students a fully funded four-week university German language or subject-specific course in Germany, covering the course fee, arranged accommodation, insurance and a €475 one-time allowance. The scholarship also provides country-specific travel support where applicable and requires in-person participation.
The programme is administered by the German Academic Exchange Service – DAAD and runs courses between June and September 2027. DAAD manages selection, course assignment and accommodation arrangements through its online portal and expects applicants to meet academic and German-language requirements before applying.
DAAD Summer Scholarship Benefits
- The cost of the selected German language/summer course
- Accommodation for the full course period
- A €475 one-time allowance
- A country-specific travel allowance, where applicable
- Health insurance
- Accident insurance
- Personal liability insurance
DAAD Summer Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s and Master’s students; eligibility can vary by country
- Minimum age 18 at the start of the course
- Applicants generally need at least B1 German
- Bachelor’s applicants must have completed at least two academic years of university study by the time the funded course begins
- Language certificates should generally be no more than one year old when the application is submitted
- Applicants must be capable of following instruction and participating in group work in German
How to Apply for DAAD Summer Scholarship
- Check whether your country is eligible in the DAAD scholarship database.
- Confirm your academic status. Bachelor’s applicants should ensure they will have completed at least two university years before the summer course begins.
- Check your German level. Most candidates need at least B1.
- Obtain an accepted German-language certificate and check that it will still be valid at the application deadline.
- Open the official DAAD course list and compare participating universities, course dates, themes and language levels.
- Choose three course preferences carefully.
- Prepare your CV in German.
- Write your motivation letter in German, connecting the summer course to your academic or professional trajectory.
- Collect transcripts covering the previous two consecutive academic years.
- Prepare translations into German or English where necessary and upload all required documentation to the DAAD portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the DAAD University Summer Courses Scholarship 2027. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application steps and what the scholarship pays for.
What does the DAAD Summer Scholarship 2027 cover?
The scholarship covers the cost of the selected German language or summer course, accommodation for the full course period, a €475 one-time allowance, country-specific travel allowance where applicable, and health, accident and personal liability insurance. DAAD transfers allowances to the German course provider, which distributes funds after participants arrive.
Who can apply for the University Summer Courses scholarship?
The programme is aimed at international university students and graduates. Typical applicants include Bachelor’s and Master’s students, with eligibility varying by country. Bachelor’s applicants should have completed at least two academic years of university study by the start of the funded course. Applicants must also meet the specified German-language requirements.
What German language level is required to apply?
Applicants generally need at least B1 German at the time of application. Accepted evidence includes onSET-Deutsch, TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat, DSD, DSH, telc Deutsch, ÖSD certificate, or an accepted DAAD German Language Certificate. Language certificates are typically required to be no more than one year old at application, with some higher-level certificates valid for longer.
When are the courses held and what is the duration?
Courses run between June and September 2027 and typically last around four weeks. The teaching load is at least 25 hours per week, with courses scheduled for a maximum of five days per week. The scholarship cannot be extended beyond the funded period.
Is IELTS or TOEFL required to apply?
No. IELTS and TOEFL are not relevant for this programme because the courses are taught exclusively in German. Instead, applicants must supply an accepted German-language certificate demonstrating the required proficiency to follow instruction and participate in group work in German.
How and when do I apply for the 2027 intake?
The application window for the 2027 University Summer Courses scholarship runs from 1 September 2026 to 30 October 2026 (23:59 CET). Applicants must prepare required German-language documents, select up to three course preferences, and submit transcripts, CV, motivation letter and supporting documents through the DAAD online portal.
Are online participants allowed?
No. Online participation is not allowed. The programme funds an in-person short academic stay in Germany, and DAAD expects scholarship holders to attend the intensive university-based German language or subject-specific language course on site for the full course period.
What should I include in my motivation letter?
DAAD expects a motivation letter that links your current degree to the reason German matters for your studies or career, explains how the selected course fits your goals, and outlines academic or professional plans after the course. A clear chain from current degree → reason German matters → chosen course → future project or postgraduate plan is recommended.
Will I receive money before departure for expenses?
No. The €475 one-time allowance and any applicable DAAD travel allowance are not transferred to applicants before departure. DAAD transfers funds to the German course provider, which distributes the money to scholarship holders after they arrive. Applicants should therefore have some personal funds available for pre-departure expenses.
How do I choose courses and preferences?
Applicants should consult the official DAAD course list to compare participating universities, course dates, themes and language levels. Choose three course preferences carefully based on language level and subject relevance. Ensure your language certificate and academic transcripts meet the requirements and upload all documents to the DAAD portal as part of the application.
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