Germany has officially opened applications for the 2026 cohort of its fully-funded DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027 batch, inviting international students from around the world to apply for fully funded Master’s, PhD, and research programs.
The announcement includes multiple scholarship lines, each with its own timeline and criteria, and several deadlines are already confirmed by DAAD and participating German universities. Whether you are aiming for a Master’s in Engineering, a PhD in Environmental Science, or a public policy fellowship through the Helmut Schmidt Programme, the clock has started ticking—and early preparation is your key to success.
Understand the DAAD Scholarship of Germany First!
The DAAD, or German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), is the world’s largest funding organization supporting the international exchange of students and researchers. Unlike a single unified scholarship program, DAAD offers a wide array of funding options catering to Master’s, PhD, postdoctoral researchers, and academic staff. These opportunities span multiple disciplines and aim to bring outstanding minds from around the globe to Germany’s world-renowned universities and research institutions.
For the 2026–2027 cohort, DAAD Scholarships represent more than just a financial aid opportunity—they are a gateway to tuition-free or low-cost higher education, immersive cultural experiences, and career-shaping international exposure. Students who win a DAAD scholarship join a global alumni network, gain access to Germany’s academic resources, and often have the chance to stay and work in Germany after graduation.
What the DAAD Scholarship Offers To Students of 2026 Cohorts?
DAAD Scholarships are known for being comprehensive in their support. For Master’s students under DAAD scholarship programmes, the monthly stipend typically amounts to €992, while doctoral candidates may receive around €1,300 per month. In addition to monthly financial support, recipients are granted a travel allowance to help with airfare, full coverage for health, accident, and personal liability insurance, and an annual study allowance in some cases.
One of the significant advantages of DAAD support is the possibility of rent subsidies and supplementary family allowances for students bringing spouses or children. Depending on the program, awardees may also receive funding for an introductory German language course, further easing their integration into German society and the academic system.
The duration of funding depends on the length of the program. Master’s degree scholarships are usually funded for up to 24 months, while PhD and research programs may be supported for up to three to four years. The scholarships generally begin in October 2026, though some may start earlier if a German language course is included.
Who Should Apply for DAAD Scholarships—And Who Shouldn’t
DAAD Scholarships are open to highly qualified international students, especially those planning to undertake full-time study or research at a German institution. Applicants must hold a completed undergraduate degree (for Master’s-level programs) or a Master’s degree (for doctoral studies). Many programs also require proof of English or German language proficiency, depending on the language of instruction.
Certain programs, particularly the development-related EPOS scholarships, require candidates to have at least two (02) years of relevant professional work experience. These are intended for applicants from developing countries who are committed to contributing to the development of their home countries after completing their studies in Germany.
It’s important to note that DAAD Scholarships are not available for part-time or online programs. Additionally, many programs have age or graduation limits—generally requiring that the most recent degree was completed within the last six (06) years. Applicants who do not meet these criteria, lack a clear academic goal, or cannot commit to full-time studies in Germany may not be strong candidates. So, lets first check your eligibility criteria for DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027 intake:
Use this quick-fire table to see if you meet the basic eligibility criteria for DAAD Scholarships 2026–2027 batch:
| Question to Ask Yourself | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Are you a citizen of a country outside Germany? | ||
| Do you hold a completed undergraduate degree (for Master’s) or Master’s degree (for PhD)? | ||
| Was your last degree awarded within the last 6 years? | ||
| Are you planning to pursue a full-time, on-campus program in Germany starting in 2026? | ||
| Do you meet the language requirement (IELTS/TOEFL for English OR TestDaF/Goethe for German)? | ||
| Is your chosen program listed as eligible under DAAD scholarship schemes (EPOS, STEM, etc)? | ||
| For development-related programs: Do you have at least 2 years of professional experience? | ||
| Have you never received a DAAD scholarship for the same level of study before? | ||
| Will you be able to submit all required documents (CV, motivation letter, recommendation, etc.) by the deadline? | ||
| Are you willing to relocate to Germany and follow the program rules in full? |
What Now?
- All “Yes”? You’re in a strong position—start your application ASAP.
- 1–2 “No”s? Fix what you can—language scores, documents, experience.
- More than 3 “No”s? Consider alternatives or plan ahead for next year.
Available DAAD Scholarship Programmes for 2026-2027 Intake
The DAAD Scholarship 2026 umbrella includes numerous specific sub-scholarship programs, each with its own academic focus, eligibility requirements, and application timelines.
One of the most prominent is the DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines, which supports international students pursuing full-time Master’s degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. The scholarship includes full funding for up to two years and must begin in 2026. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted into an eligible STEM program at a German university to qualify.
The EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) program is another highly competitive option, aimed at young professionals from developing countries. These scholarships support Master’s or postgraduate studies in fields such as environmental management, governance, economics, and public policy. Applicants must demonstrate not only academic excellence but also at least two years of work experience in a relevant field. These programs are carefully selected in partnership with German universities and are specifically designed to strengthen the skills and capacity of professionals in their home countries.
Other opportunities include the Helmut Schmidt Programme, which funds Master’s degrees in public policy, law, and related disciplines, and is targeted at future leaders in politics, law, and administration. For research students, DAAD also offers scholarships for doctoral programs, summer courses, and short-term research stays, including funding for binationally supervised doctoral degrees, which are co-supervised by German and home-country institutions.
How to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship in 2026?
Applying for a DAAD Scholarship involves a detailed and multi-step process. It begins with identifying the right scholarship program. Students are advised to visit the DAAD Scholarship Database to search for available programs by degree level, subject, and country of origin. Each listing provides detailed information about eligibility, deadlines, and application requirements.
Once the appropriate program is identified, applicants should research eligible universities and degree programs in Germany. In many cases, students must apply to the university program and the scholarship in parallel. For example, EPOS applicants are required to submit their application to the university offering the course while simultaneously indicating their interest in DAAD funding.
Applicants must carefully check the requirements for their country, as DAAD offices often publish specific calls for applications tailored to local academic calendars and needs. These local guidelines may also indicate whether the application should be submitted via the DAAD online portal or directly to the university.
A strong application typically includes an online application form, academic transcripts and certificates, a curriculum vitae (CV), a statement of purpose or motivation letter, language test results, and letters of recommendation. In some cases, a research proposal or work experience certificate is also required. All documents must usually be translated into English or German and properly certified.
Academic transcripts and certificates for previous degrees must be provided in certified form and translated if not in English or German. Language proficiency documentation is essential—usually IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English programs, and TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe Institute certificates for German-taught programs. Recommendation letters from professors or employers should attest to the applicant’s academic performance or professional achievements.
For development-related programs like EPOS, applicants must provide proof of at least two years of professional work experience in a relevant field. If the scholarship is research-based, a detailed research proposal, including methodology, objectives, and expected outcomes, is necessary. Some programs may also require a statement confirming that the applicant has not lived in Germany for an extended period before applying.
Applicants should also prepare copies of their passport or national ID, a signed declaration of truthfulness, and, in some cases, a medical certificate and proof of acceptance or conditional admission from the German host university.
After submission, applications are reviewed by selection committees that consider academic performance, relevance of the chosen program, motivation, and the applicant’s potential for contributing to development or research. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews or additional documentation. Final decisions are typically announced in early or mid-2026, with programs beginning in the fall.
List of DAAD Scholarship 2026 Academic Year for International Students
The following table outlines the major DAAD scholarship programs available for international students applying for the 2026 intake. These scholarships vary by degree level, academic discipline, and eligibility requirements.
| # | DAAD Scholarship Programme Name | Target Group / Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines | Graduates from any discipline pursuing full-time Master’s programs in Germany. |
| 2 | Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines | International students enrolling in full-time Master’s programs in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. |
| 3 | Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) | Young professionals from developing countries applying for Master’s or postgraduate programs related to development fields. |
| 4 | Helmut Schmidt Programme (Master’s in Public Policy and Good Governance) | Future leaders seeking Master’s degrees in public policy, law, economics, and related fields. |
| 5 | Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) | Graduates applying to structured doctoral programs at German graduate schools. |
| 6 | Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes | International doctoral candidates undertaking research or PhD studies at a German university. |
| 7 | Research Grants – Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle) | PhD students whose research is jointly supervised by a German and foreign university. |
| 8 | DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Programme | International artists in visual arts, literature, film, and music invited for fellowships in Berlin. |
| 9 | Combined Study and Practice Stays for Engineers (KOSPIE) | Engineering students from selected countries combining academic study with industrial experience. |
| 10 | University Summer Courses in Germany for Foreign Students and Graduates | Bachelor and Master students taking part in short-term summer courses to improve German language and cultural knowledge. |
| 11 | Study Visits by Groups of Foreign Students | University-organized short study trips to Germany for international student groups. |
| 12 | Re-invitation Programme for Former Scholarship Holders | Former DAAD scholarship recipients returning to Germany for short-term research or cooperation. |
| 13 | Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists | Academics and scientists undertaking short-term research stays at German institutions. |
| 14 | Short-Term Grants for Doctoral Candidates | Doctoral students conducting short-term research stays at a German university. |
| 15 | Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (PRIME) | Recent postdocs undertaking research abroad with a mandatory return phase at a German university. |
| 16 | Study Scholarships for Foreign Graduates in the Fields of Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film | Graduates in creative arts disciplines pursuing Master’s-level study or complementary courses. |
| 17 | Study Scholarships for Foreign Graduates in the Field of Music | Musicians aiming to continue education at a German music institution. |
| 18 | Study Scholarships for Foreign Graduates in the Fields of Performing Arts | Dancers, actors, directors, and performers applying for postgraduate studies in Germany. |
| 19 | Research Grants – One-Year Grants | Doctoral candidates conducting research in Germany for up to 12 months. |
| 20 | Research Grants – Short-Term Grants | Early-stage doctoral students carrying out short-term research stays in Germany (1–6 months). |
This table can serve as a reliable checklist for international applicants to identify which DAAD programme best matches their academic profile and future goals. For more detailed information, students should consult the official DAAD scholarship database or the website of their local DAAD office to check country-specific calls, deadlines, and application platforms.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Apply and What to Expect?
The DAAD Scholarships 2026–2027 offer one of the most prestigious and comprehensive routes for international students to study or conduct research in Germany. They eliminate many of the financial barriers that often prevent talented students from pursuing global academic opportunities. More importantly, they provide a platform for academic and professional growth, giving students access to Germany’s top-tier universities, state-of-the-art facilities, and a rich cultural experience.
If you’re serious about studying in Germany, this is the time to start preparing. With deadlines as early as July or October 2025 for the 2026 cohort, you need to begin researching, gathering documents, and drafting your application materials well in advance.
A successful application will depend on your academic record, the quality of your motivation, the alignment between your goals and your chosen program, and how clearly you articulate the impact your studies will have—on yourself, your community, and your country.
Germany is waiting. With the right preparation, the DAAD Scholarship can open doors to a future you never imagined.