Requesting Acceptance Letter for Germany Scholarships and Fellowships in 2026

Imagine this: you’ve spent months polishing your research proposal, updating your CV, and dreaming of studying or researching in Germany — the land of innovation, cutting-edge laboratories, and some of the world’s most respected universities. Everything is ready… but suddenly you hit the gatekeeper of opportunity: the acceptance letter.

This single document can decide whether your DAAD scholarship, Humboldt Fellowship, or DFG project funding moves forward — or comes to a grinding halt. It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s proof that a German professor or university is willing to back you, host you, and believe in your academic journey. Without it, your application may remain incomplete, no matter how brilliant your grades or proposal are.

Sounds intense? That’s because it is. But here’s the good news: securing an acceptance letter is not impossible — it’s a process you can master if you know the right steps, the right tone, and the right timing.

This guide will walk you through everything — from identifying the right professors and preparing your documents, to writing a compelling email and following up with confidence. By the end, you’ll know how to transform a nerve-wracking requirement into your biggest advantage on the road to winning a German scholarship or fellowship.

Why Acceptance Letters Matter?

• Proof of Academic Host: Shows you have a supervisor or program willing to accept you.
• Required by Funding Bodies: DAAD, Humboldt, and others often need it before awarding funding.
• Boosts Credibility: Indicates your research proposal or study plan has academic merit.
• Secures Your Place: Ensures you have an academic environment to pursue your goals in Germany.

Step 1: Identify the Right Contact

• For Master’s Programs: Contact the admissions office or program coordinator.
• For PhD / Research Grants: Contact a professor, researcher, or lab leader.
• For Postdoctoral Fellowships: Connect with a research group leader or institute director.

Where to search:

• University websites (faculty pages).
• ResearchGate & Google Scholar (to find active researchers).
• DAAD Scholarship Database (daad.de).

Step 2: Prepare Your Academic Package

Before you reach out, get these ready in PDF format:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV/Resume) – Updated and academic-focused.
• Research Proposal / Study Plan – Concise, relevant to the professor’s field.
• Transcripts & Certificates – Official or scanned copies.
• Language Proficiency Proof – IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF (if required).
• Motivation Letter Draft – To explain your purpose clearly.

Tip: Keep the proposal 2–3 pages for scholarships, longer for PhDs (5–10 pages).

Step 3: Write a Professional Email

Your email should be short, clear, and tailored to the professor/program.

Subject Line Example: Request for Supervision/Acceptance Letter for DAAD Scholarship Application 2026

Email Body Example:

• • Introduce yourself (degree, country, academic background).
  • Mention your scholarship/fellowship (e.g., DAAD Research Grant 2026).
  • Show connection (why you chose their research area).
  • Politely request supervision/acceptance and attach documents.
  • Close with gratitude and flexibility for further discussion.

Do’s: Personalize for each professor.
Don’ts: Copy-paste generic emails to multiple professors (usually ignored).

Step 4: Follow Up Politely

• Wait 10–14 days before following up.
• Keep it short: “I’m kindly following up on my earlier request regarding supervision for my DAAD scholarship application. I’d be grateful for your guidance.”
• Respect a “no” and move on — professors receive many such requests.

Step 5: Understand Scholarship-Specific Needs

• DAAD Individual PhD Scholarships – Require supervision confirmation from a German professor.
• DAAD Master’s Scholarships – Admission letter may not be needed at the time of application, but must be provided before funding starts.
• Humboldt Fellowship – Requires formal invitation from a German host institution.
• University Scholarships (e.g., TU Munich, Heidelberg) – Usually require an admission letter.
• DFG Collaborative Projects – Need a hosting professor’s agreement.

Step 6: Make a Strong Impression

• Do your homework: Mention the professor’s publications or lab projects.
• Be concise: Under 300 words in the email.
• Show independence: Funding is external, they only provide supervision.
• Attach documents as PDF (not Word files).

Sample Email Requesting Acceptance Letter from German Universities Professors

Subject: Request for Supervision/Acceptance Letter for DAAD Scholarship 2026

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Full Name], and I hold a [Bachelor’s/Master’s] degree in [Your Field] from [Your University, Country]. I am preparing my application for the DAAD Scholarship 2026–2027 intake and would be honored to request your supervision for my proposed research.

My research interests closely align with your work in [Professor’s Research Area/Specific Project]. In particular, I am inspired by your publication on [mention one paper/project briefly] and believe that your expertise would be invaluable in guiding my project on [short title/idea of your proposal].

I have attached my CV, transcripts, and a short research proposal for your review. If you find my background and proposal suitable, I would be deeply grateful if you could provide me with an acceptance/supervision letter to support my scholarship application.

I fully understand the demands on your time and would be glad to adjust my proposal to better fit your ongoing projects. Please let me know if any additional information is required.

Thank you very much for considering my request. I look forward to the possibility of working under your supervision at [University Name].

With kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Country]

Timeline for Requesting Acceptance Letters for 2026-2027 intake

• Early 2026: Begin identifying professors, research groups, and study programs in Germany.
• Mid 2026: Prepare and refine your research proposal or study plan, update your CV, and start emailing professors/program coordinators for supervision or acceptance.
• Late 2026: Secure acceptance/supervision letters well ahead of scholarship and fellowship deadlines.
• 2027: Submit your complete scholarship or fellowship applications with all required documents

Final Takeaway

Requesting an acceptance letter is less about formality and more about building an academic connection. By preparing your documents, writing a tailored email, and following up politely, you greatly increase your chances of securing support — and ultimately, winning your scholarship or fellowship in Germany.

Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.