If you’re a student aiming to improve your German language skills and gain cultural insights while studying in Germany, the DAAD University Summer Courses program offers an excellent opportunity. These courses, designed for foreign students and graduates, focus on deepening knowledge of the German language, whether it’s general, technical, or regional studies.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline and to be eligible:
- Undergraduate students must have completed at least two academic years by the time the scholarship period begins.
- Graduate students in any field are welcome to apply.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship supports attendance at various German universities or affiliated language schools, where you’ll immerse yourself in language and regional studies. Courses are exclusively taught in German and cover a range of topics:
- General language skills
- Regional studies
- Technical language
These courses are typically offered between June and September 2025, lasting at least 18 teaching days with 25 hours of instruction per week.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
Recipients of this scholarship receive financial assistance, including:
- A one-time scholarship payment of €1,192 for most students; those from “Least Developed Countries” receive €1,367.
- Travel allowance specific to certain countries.
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
The scholarship doesn’t transfer funds directly abroad. Instead, course fees and accommodation costs are usually deducted from the scholarship, with recipients receiving the remaining balance from the course provider.
Selection Criteria: The DAAD selection committee will review applications based on:
- Academic achievements
- A motivational letter explaining your course choices and academic goals.
Language Requirements: Applicants must have German proficiency at B1 level or higher to fully participate in lectures and group discussions. Accepted language certificates include:
- TestDaF, Goethe Institut Zertifikat, DSD, DSH, and others.
Application Process and Documents
Applications for the summer 2024 courses open on September 15, 2024, with a deadline of December 1, 2024. The following documents must be uploaded to the DAAD portal:
- A CV in German
- A motivational letter (in German)
- Transcripts from the last two years of study
- Language certificates
- Other relevant documents such as internship or employment certificates.