Are you a talented international student from a developing country ready to pursue advanced studies in Germany? The DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027 is now open for applications! Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this fully funded program supports Master’s and PhD degrees at top German universities for specialists from developing nations. Covering monthly stipends of €992 (Master’s) or €1,400 (PhD), travel, insurance, and more, DAAD promotes sustainable development through postgraduate training. With 12 focus areas like engineering, economics, and health sciences, it empowers ethical leaders to drive change. Don’t miss this gateway to Germany’s world-class education and deadlines vary by program (typically August–October 2026)!
Overview of DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027
- Host Institutions: State or state-recognized German universities
- Funded By: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Country: Germany
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Eligible Nationalities: Citizens of developing and newly industrialized countries (full list on DAAD website)
- Study Levels: Master’s and PhD
- Number of Awards: Varies (thousands annually across programs)
- Program Duration: 12–36 months (depending on degree)
- Application Deadlines: Vary by course (e.g., August–October 2026 for 2026 intake)
The DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027, part of development-related postgraduate courses (EPOS), trains experts for societal impact. Since 1962, DAAD has supported over 200,000 scholars, focusing on poverty reduction, education, and health. Programs are English- or German-taught, with no tuition fees at public universities, making Germany an ideal destination.
Available Fields of Study
The DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027 supports 12 development-oriented categories:
- Economic Sciences/Business Administration/Political Economics: Development economics.
- Law: International law, human rights.
- Agricultural and Forest Sciences: Sustainable agriculture.
- Art, Design: Cultural management.
- Engineering and Natural Sciences: Renewable energy, engineering.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Social policy, anthropology.
- Language and Cultural Studies: Area studies.
- Mathematics: Applied math for development.
- Medicine/Public Health: Global health.
- Regional and Urban Planning: Sustainable cities.
- Veterinary Medicine: Animal health.
- Media Studies: Development communication.
Full list of 43 courses on the DAAD EPOS Brochure.
Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027 offers comprehensive support for the full program:
- Monthly Stipend: €992 for Master’s; €1,400 for PhD (plus possible family allowance).
- Travel Allowance: Economy flights to/from Germany.
- Health, Accident, Liability Insurance: Full coverage.
- Study and Research Allowance: One-off payment for materials.
- Rent Subsidy: Monthly housing support if needed.
- No Tuition Fees: At public German universities.
- German Language Course: Pre-study if required (up to 6 months).
- Mentorship: Guidance for development impact.
Additional benefits for families or extended studies.
Eligibility Criteria for DAAD Scholarship 2026
To qualify for the DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Citizens of eligible developing/newly industrialized countries (e.g., India, Brazil, Indonesia; full list on DAAD site).
- Academic Background: Bachelor’s (Master’s applicants) or Master’s (PhD) with excellent grades.
- Professional Experience: At least 2 years full-time post-Bachelor’s (acquired after degree).
- Motivation: Development-related goals; commitment to social responsibility and change.
- Language Proficiency:
- English-taught: TOEFL iBT 95+ or IELTS 6.5+.
- German-taught: DSH-2 or TestDaF 4+.
- Age/Other: Under 36 for Master’s; return home post-study.
- Restrictions: Not currently in Germany; no prior DAAD long-term funding.
Priorities for those addressing poverty, education, health.
Required Documents
To apply for the DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027, submit the following:
- DAAD Application Form: Signed with current date.
- CV: Europass format, signed.
- Motivation Letter: 1–2 pages on occupation, program choice, and development goals.
- Employer Recommendation: On letterhead, signed/stamped, current date.
- Employment Certificates: Proof of 2+ years experience; re-employment guarantee.
- Language Certificates: TOEFL/IELTS or German test.
- Academic Degrees/Transcripts: Certified copies (translated if needed).
- APS Certificate: For Chinese applicants.
Submit directly to universities; up to 3 courses prioritized.
Application Timeline for DAAD Scholarship 2026
Deadlines vary by course (August–October 2026 for 2026 intake):
- Application Period: August 1–October 31, 2026 (check brochure).
- University Deadlines: Vary (e.g., October 15 for some).
- DAAD Portal Upload: November 2026–January 2027 (invited nominees).
- Selection: February–April 2027.
- Notification: May–June 2027.
- Program Start: October 2027 (with possible language course).
Download the DAAD EPOS Brochure for specifics.
How to Apply for DAAD Scholarship 2026
The DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027 application is course-specific:
- Choose Courses: Select up to 3 from the brochure; prioritize in form.
- Apply to Universities: Submit complete application (form, CV, motivation, etc.) directly to each.
- University Nomination: Institutions recommend candidates to DAAD.
- DAAD Invitation: Upload full docs to DAAD Portal (emailed link).
- Selection: Committee reviews academics, experience, motivation.
- Interviews: Possible for shortlisted.
- Visa/Prep: Successful scholars prepare for Germany.
No separate scholarship form; university admission first.
Why Choose the DAAD Scholarship?
Germany, with no tuition fees and top universities like Heidelberg (37th QS), is a study powerhouse. Here’s why DAAD excels:
- Development Focus: Programs address global challenges like poverty and health.
- Quality of Life: Affordable living, safe cities, efficient transport.
- Job Market: 18-month post-study work visa; 50% of scholars stay.
- International Hub: 400,000+ foreign students annually.
- Network: DAAD alumni in 140+ countries for lifelong connections.
Study in Europe’s economic engine.
Additional Opportunities
Explore other scholarships:
Tips for a Successful DAAD Scholarship Application
To increase your chances of securing the DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027, follow these tips:
- Prioritize Courses: Choose aligned with your development goals.
- Craft Motivation Letter: Link experience to societal impact.
- Secure Employment Proof: Get re-employment guarantee early.
- Apply to Multiple: Submit to 3 universities for better odds.
- Prepare Language Tests: Meet requirements well in advance.
Conclusion
The DAAD Scholarship 2026-2027 is a transformative pathway for developing-country scholars to pursue funded Master’s or PhD in Germany. With €992–€1,400 monthly stipends, insurance, and travel, it equips you for global leadership. Don’t miss your chance to study at top institutions and apply before August–October 2026!
For more information or to apply, visit the DAAD Official Website and EPOS Brochure to launch your German adventure.



