German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) - Study Scholarships for Graduates of All Disciplines (DAAD)

DAAD Study Scholarship for a Master's in Germany

You will receive 992 EUR per month for a full Master’s degree programme at a state or state-recognised higher education institution in Germany. The funding covers the standard duration of your degree programme, up to 24 months, or from 10 months for shorter degree programmes. In addition to the monthly payment, you will receive health, accident and third-party liability insurance, a flat-rate travel allowance upon application, and an annual lump sum of 460 EUR towards study costs. The DAAD also covers the costs of an online language course and, if you are studying in German, a German language course before the start of your studies. You can apply for additional allowances for rent, accompanying family members or a disability. Tuition fees are not covered. The scholarship is funded by the Federal Foreign Office.

Who can apply

• Degree: You must hold a first academic qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) at the start of the funding period. This must not be more than 6 years old at the time of the application deadline.
• Field of study: All disciplines are open to applicants, ranging from the humanities and law to the natural sciences, engineering, medicine and economics. There are separate DAAD programmes for the arts and architecture.
• Where you go: You are studying for a Master’s degree in Germany. You cannot receive funding for a Master’s programme that you have already started there.
• Nationality: Applicants from many countries are welcome to apply, but this programme is primarily aimed at people from industrialised countries. There are other DAAD programmes available for developing and emerging countries.
• Time in Germany: By the application deadline, you must not have been living in Germany for more than 15 months.
• Language: You can demonstrate your proficiency in the language of instruction for your degree programme (German and/or English) by sitting a recognised examination.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the DAAD portal using a desktop computer. The application deadline is 17 November for a Master’s programme starting in the following winter semester. An independent panel of experts will assess your grades, the quality of your study plan and your personal potential, including your community involvement.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a well-known DAAD programme that is open to all disciplines and therefore attracts a large and international pool of applicants. What sets you apart from other applicants is not just your grades, but a clear, well-thought-out study plan and a compelling personal statement explaining why Germany and your chosen programme are a good fit for your career path. If you meet the deadlines and can present a compelling project proposal, your chances are good.