DAAD Scholarships (Germany) 2026 — Your Complete Guide to Graduate Funding

If you’re dreaming of pursuing a Master’s or PhD in Germany with full financial support, the DAAD Scholarships (Germany) should be at the top of your priority. Year after year, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides thousands of funded opportunities to high-achieving international students from around the world.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about DAAD Scholarships (Germany) for graduate students — from eligibility and key programs to application timelines and tips that will improve your chances of success.

What Are DAAD Scholarships (Germany)?

At its core, the DAAD Scholarship is a fully funded or partially funded scholarship award offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) — one of the largest academic support organizations in the world. DAAD offers funding for:

• Master’s degrees
• PhD research
• Postdoctoral programmes
• Short-term research stays

The scholarships cover varying degrees of support, including monthly stipends, health insurance, travel allowances, and sometimes tuition fee subsidies depending on the individual programme.

Why Choose DAAD Scholarships (Germany)?

Thinking about applying? Here are compelling reasons many international students aim for DAAD Scholarships (Germany):

• Fully funded support for living, research, and travel.
• Freedom to study in English or German depending on your programme.
• Prestigious credential recognized worldwide.
• Access to top-ranked German universities and research institutions.
• Opportunity to build global networks and careers in academia or industry.

Who Is Eligible for DAAD Scholarships (Germany)?

Eligibility varies depending on the specific DAAD programme, but the basics include:

• Master’s Applicants:
  • Relevant Bachelor’s degree
  • English or German proficiency
  • Strong academic records
• PhD Applicants:
  • A Master’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Research experience and proposal
  • Sometimes professional experience for specialised programmes.

Different programmes under the DAAD umbrella also have additional requirements — for example, the EPOS programme requires a minimum of two years of work experience.

Major DAAD Scholarship Programmes for Graduate Students

DAAD offers several funding streams for graduate students. Here are the most popular ones you should know:

1. EPOS Scholarships (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses)

The Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) offer funding for graduates with work experience to pursue Master’s or PhD programmes at selected universities in Germany.

• Includes monthly stipends (e.g., ~930 € for Master’s and ~1,300 € for PhD).
• Offers health, accident, and civil liability insurance.
• Includes travel allowances.
• Usually begins with an intensive German language course.

🔗 Learn more about EPOS Scholarships: https://www.daad.de/epos

2. Research Grants & Doctoral Programmes

For focused PhD research, DAAD provides research grants that allow students to conduct their doctoral study in Germany. These programmes aim to support early-stage researchers with monthly stipends and research funds.

• Typical deadlines vary by specific field and university.
• Some programmes had closing dates around October 2025 for the 2026/27 intake.

3. Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)

Targeted at PhD candidates who are nominated by participating graduate schools.

• Offers funding for up to four years.
• Requires submission of research proposal and documentation via the DAAD portal once nominated.

📝 Note: The GSSP application timeline may begin significantly earlier — sometimes in late 2025 — so check official announcements.

DAAD Scholarships (Germany) Application Deadlines 2026

One of the trickiest parts of applying for DAAD funding is keeping track of deadlines — because they vary by programme and university.

Here’s a snapshot of key timelines as you plan for the 2026/27 funding cycle:

👉 Tip: Programs like EPOS and specialised scholarships often open earlier and close earlier (often between August and November of the year before your intended start date).

How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

The application process may differ slightly by programme, but the general steps are:

1. Create a DAAD Portal Profile
   Register at the official DAAD portal to begin your application.
2. Prepare Key Documents
   These typically include:
   • CV/Resume
   • Academic transcripts
   • Motivation letter(s)
   • Recommendation letters
   • Language test results (if required)
   • Research proposal for PhD applications.
3. Apply Before Deadlines
   Make sure you submit all documents well ahead of deadlines — early planning is critical.
4. Submit Through the DAAD Portal
   Upload everything online; some programmes may require post submission of hard copies.
5. Wait for Selection Results
   Shortlisting and interview processes vary — some decisions are released months after deadlines.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Applying for DAAD Scholarships (Germany) can be competitive. Here’s how to stand out:

• Tailor your motivation letter to the exact programme.
• Engage with prospective supervisors (especially for PhD).
• Prepare early — documents like transcripts and language certificates can take time.
• Apply to multiple eligible programmes if permitted.

Pursuing a DAAD Scholarship (Germany) can be a transformative academic and personal journey — opening doors to world-class education, career opportunities, and networks that span the globe.

Whether you aspire to push the boundaries of research with a PhD or enhance your professional skills with a Master’s, DAAD’s offerings are among the most generous and highly respected worldwide.

Remember, deadlines and eligibility requirements change often, so make sure to verify each programme’s official page before applying and give yourself ample time to prepare a standout application.