DAAD - DAAD

What the DAAD offers

You will receive monthly grant of roughly 650 to 1,150 EUR for a study period abroad of up to one year, or up to two years for a full Master’s degree programme abroad. The exact amount depends on your destination country (for example, approximately 925 EUR for the USA and 1,150 EUR for Japan). You will also receive a one-off travel allowance, the amount of which depends on the country in question (approximately 211 to 1,735 EUR), as well as health, accident and third-party liability insurance. Upon application, the DAAD also provides additional support towards tuition fees, language courses and family-related costs. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is Germany’s leading organisation for promoting study abroad.

Who can apply

• Where you study now: You are enrolled at a state or state-recognised higher education institution in Germany.
• Degree level: To spend a year studying abroad, you must be enrolled on a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diplom or Staatsexamen degree programme. To undertake a full Master’s degree programme abroad, you must already hold a first degree (at least a three-year Bachelor’s degree) obtained no more than five years ago.
• Timing (year abroad): If you are studying for a Bachelor’s degree, you must be in at least your second semester as at the cut-off date.
• Field of study: All academic disciplines are open to applicants. There are separate DAAD programmes for art subjects and architecture.
• Nationality: You may apply even if you do not hold German citizenship, but only if you have long-term residence status in Germany. This includes, for example, a permanent residence permit, refugee status, or several years’ residence and employment in this country.
• Age: No age limit.
• Language: You must have at least a good knowledge of the language taught at your host university, as demonstrated by a test or a recognised certificate.
• Grades: You have an excellent academic record.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online via the DAAD scholarship portal. Application deadlines vary depending on the destination region and are usually between September and December of the year prior to the start of the funding period. The selection process consists of two stages: first, your application documents will be assessed, followed by an interview with the selection committee in Bonn or online.

How realistic are your chances?

The DAAD is Germany’s best-known funding body for study abroad programmes, which is why these programmes attract many applicants and competition is fierce. Whilst your grades do play a role, the selection committee also assesses your project proposal, your choice of host university and your motivation. A clear, well-reasoned project proposal will set you apart from other applicants. When applying, make sure you meet the application deadline for the relevant region and prepare for the interview.