The DAAD Scholarships 2026 provide funding opportunities for international students, graduates, doctoral candidates, and researchers who want to study, conduct research, or learn German in Germany.
Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the scholarships support more than 100,000 German and international students and researchers worldwide every year, making DAAD one of the largest funding organisations of its kind.
DAAD Scholarships 2026 Overview
Host Organisation: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Study Destination: Germany
Eligible Applicants: International students, graduates, doctoral students, and researchers
Study Levels: Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral, Research Programmes
Funding Type: Fully funded and partially funded opportunities
Application Deadline: Varies by scholarship programme
Who Can Apply for DAAD Scholarships?
DAAD scholarships are mainly designed for:
- Graduates seeking Master’s degrees
- Doctoral students pursuing PhD studies
- Postdoctoral researchers
- International students interested in research and academic development
Some programmes also support internships and professional development opportunities.
Available DAAD Scholarship Opportunities
DAAD Research Grants
DAAD provides research grants for PhD students from almost all countries.
These grants support doctoral candidates conducting research at universities and research institutions in Germany.
DAAD Doctoral Scholarships
Funding is available for candidates pursuing full doctoral programmes in Germany.
Full doctoral scholarships are particularly aimed at applicants from:
- Developing countries
- Emerging economies
DAAD Master’s Scholarships
DAAD offers scholarships supporting international students pursuing Master’s degrees in Germany.
Some programmes specifically target applicants from developing and emerging countries.
Examples include:
- Study Scholarships for STEM disciplines
- Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
STEM Study Scholarships
The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM disciplines support talented students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
These opportunities help students gain advanced qualifications at German universities.
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
The EPOS programme supports graduates from developing and emerging countries who want to study development-related postgraduate programmes in Germany.
It focuses on preparing professionals who can contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.
Hilde Domin Programme
The Hilde Domin Programme supports students and doctoral candidates who are at risk of being denied educational or other rights in their home countries.
Candidates cannot apply directly.
Instead:
- Eligible individuals must be nominated by a legally recognised institution or organisation based in Germany
- Nominated candidates are then contacted by DAAD and invited to apply through the DAAD portal
In-Country and In-Region Programmes
DAAD also offers funding opportunities where students and young researchers can complete graduate programmes, doctoral studies, or postdoctoral research in their own country or region.
These programmes aim to strengthen higher education and research capacity in developing countries.
DAAD Scholarship Benefits
DAAD scholarships do not need to be repaid.
Funding packages usually include:
- Monthly scholarship payment
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance support
- Accident insurance
- Personal liability insurance
Additional benefits may include:
- Research allowance
- Family benefits
- Language course funding
The exact benefits depend on the individual scholarship programme.
Monthly DAAD Scholarship Payments
According to DAAD:
- Students may receive approximately €992 per month
- Doctoral/PhD students may receive approximately €1,300 per month
Amounts and benefits may vary depending on the specific scholarship programme.
How DAAD Scholarships Are Selected
Applications are reviewed by independent selection committees.
Committees evaluate applicants based on:
- Academic and professional qualifications
- Quality of the proposed study or research project
- Applicant’s potential
- Special circumstances, such as disability, where applicable
Detailed requirements vary depending on each scholarship call.
How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships 2026
Applicants should:
- Search the DAAD scholarship database
- Select a suitable scholarship programme
- Review eligibility requirements and deadlines
- Prepare required application documents
- Submit an application through the relevant application portal
Each scholarship programme has its own:
- Eligibility criteria
- Application deadline
- Required documents
- Selection process
Why Apply for DAAD Scholarships?
DAAD scholarships provide international students and researchers with opportunities to:
- Study at leading German universities
- Gain international academic experience
- Conduct advanced research
- Build global professional networks
- Develop skills that contribute to future career growth
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