20 DAAD Scholarships in Germany for International Students 2027
Germany offers several scholarship opportunities for international students who want to pursue higher education, doctoral research or academic training The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports international academic exchange through scholarships and other funding programmes.
DAAD scholarships are available for different academic levels and subject areas. Depending on the programme, eligible applicants may receive a monthly stipend, insurance support, travel allowance or funding for a specific course or research project.
Students from eligible countries can explore opportunities in engineering, computer science, public policy, architecture, music, arts and many other fields. However, eligibility, funding amounts and application deadlines vary between programmes.
In this guide, you will find 20 DAAD scholarship programmes and funding categories, along with their main benefits and official links for further information.
List of DAAD Scholarships in Germany 2027
#1 DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2027
The DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme supports qualified graduates from eligible developing countries who want to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany.
It focuses on selected Master’s courses related to economic, social and sustainable development. Applicants generally need a relevant university degree, strong academic results and at least two years of professional experience.
Benefits may include:
- Monthly scholarship payments.
- Health, accident and personal liability insurance contributions.
- Travel allowance, subject to programme conditions.
- Additional benefits where specified in the scholarship terms.
Official link: DAAD EPOS Programme
#2 Helmut-Schmidt Programme 2027
The Helmut-Schmidt Programme, also known as Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG), offers scholarships for selected Master’s courses at German universities.
It is intended for highly qualified graduates interested in public policy, public administration, governance, political science and related subjects. The programme aims to prepare future professionals who can contribute to social, political and economic development in their home countries.
Selected courses are taught in English, and the programme may include preparatory German language training.
Official link: Helmut-Schmidt Programme
#3 DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines
Students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can explore DAAD funding opportunities for postgraduate study and research in Germany.
Relevant fields may include computer science, mathematics, engineering, physics and other natural sciences. The available scholarships depend on the specific funding programme and the applicant’s country of origin.
Applicants should check the official database to identify a programme that matches their academic background and intended degree.
Official link: DAAD Scholarship Database
#4 DAAD Study Scholarships for Architecture
DAAD offers subject-specific study funding opportunities for eligible graduates in architecture and related creative disciplines.
Depending on the relevant programme, applicants may explore architecture, interior design, urban planning, landscape architecture and related fields. Academic qualifications, portfolio requirements and the duration of funding depend on the selected scholarship.
Applicants should confirm that their intended course and country of origin are eligible.
Official link: Search Architecture Scholarships
#5 DAAD Study Scholarships for Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film
International graduates in creative disciplines can explore DAAD study scholarships for further education in Germany.
Relevant subject areas may include fine art, graphic design, visual communication, film and other related disciplines, depending on the current funding call.
Applicants may need to submit a portfolio, examples of previous work and academic documents. Selection requirements differ by programme and institution.
Official link: DAAD Scholarship Database
#6 DAAD Study Scholarships for Music
DAAD provides study funding opportunities for eligible music graduates who want to continue their education at German institutions.
Depending on the programme, opportunities may relate to instrumental performance, vocal studies, composition or other music disciplines. Applicants should prepare academic records and any required audition recordings or musical portfolios.
Eligibility depends on the selected course, academic background and current scholarship announcement.
Official link: Search Music Scholarships
#7 DAAD Research Grants in Germany
DAAD research grants support eligible international researchers and doctoral candidates who want to conduct academic research in Germany.
These opportunities can help applicants collaborate with German universities, work with experienced supervisors and access specialised research facilities.
Depending on the funding category, a grant may support a short research stay or a longer research project. Applicants generally need a clear research proposal and may need confirmation from a German academic host.
Official link: DAAD Research Funding Opportunities
#8 DAAD Doctoral Programmes in Germany
International graduates who want to pursue a PhD can explore DAAD doctoral funding opportunities.
These programmes may support doctoral research at German universities or eligible research institutions. Applicants generally need a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification, a strong academic record and a suitable research proposal.
Some funding routes require a supervisor or admission to a doctoral programme before the scholarship application can be completed.
Official link: DAAD Scholarship Database
#9 DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees
This funding category is designed for eligible doctoral candidates whose research is supervised by academic institutions in Germany and their home country.
It provides an opportunity to work with researchers in both countries and benefit from international academic collaboration. Funding may support research periods in Germany according to the programme’s rules.
Applicants should check the required supervision arrangements, academic qualifications and application procedure.
Official link: DAAD Funding Database
#10 DAAD Graduate School Scholarship Programme
Graduate school funding opportunities may support doctoral candidates enrolled in eligible structured research programmes.
These opportunities can provide financial support for doctoral training and research at participating German institutions. Availability depends on the graduate school, research area and current funding arrangements.
Applicants should check the relevant institution’s admission requirements and confirm whether DAAD funding is available for their intended doctoral programme.
Official link: DAAD Scholarship Database
#11 DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme
The DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme provides opportunities for international researchers to work on selected research projects associated with the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
Research areas may include aerospace, space science, energy, transportation and other subjects listed in current fellowship announcements.
The programme may offer opportunities for doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers, depending on the specific call. Applicants should review the research topics and qualification requirements before applying.
Official link: DAAD Scholarship Database
#12 DAAD Scholarships for Medical Doctors
Medical graduates and researchers can explore relevant DAAD funding opportunities for research and postgraduate academic training.
Some programmes support medical doctors working on research projects in areas such as molecular medicine and related scientific disciplines. Eligibility may depend on the applicant’s medical qualification, research experience and intended project.
Applicants should carefully review the individual programme announcement because not all medical scholarships support clinical training or specialist medical qualifications.
Official link: DAAD Scholarship Database
#13 DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses are offered through the EPOS programme. This is closely related to the DAAD EPOS Scholarship rather than a completely separate scholarship scheme.
The programme supports eligible graduates from developing countries in selected postgraduate courses relevant to development. Subject areas depend on the current course list and may include engineering, environmental management, economics and other development-related fields.
Applicants should review the available courses and their individual admission requirements.
Official link: Development-Related Postgraduate Courses
#14 DAAD Study Scholarships for Graduates of All Disciplines
Graduates from different academic backgrounds can explore DAAD funding opportunities for postgraduate study in Germany.
The appropriate scholarship depends on the intended degree, subject, nationality and academic qualifications. Some programmes are open to several disciplines, while others are limited to particular fields.
Applicants should use the official database to identify the correct programme instead of assuming that one scholarship covers every degree and subject.
Official link: DAAD Scholarship Database
#15 DAAD University Summer Courses in Germany
The University Summer Courses programme supports eligible undergraduate and Master’s students who want to improve their German language skills and learn more about German culture.
The programme has offered funding for selected in-person courses lasting approximately four weeks. Support can include course fees, accommodation, a one-time allowance and insurance benefits. Travel support depends on the applicable conditions.
Eligibility is restricted to specified countries and applicants must meet the language and university-enrolment requirements. The current announcement should be checked before applying.
Official link: University Summer Courses — DAAD
#16 DAAD University Winter Courses in Germany
DAAD has also offered university winter courses for eligible international students who want to improve their German language skills.
These opportunities may be useful for students who want to develop their language ability and gain experience of German academic and cultural life. However, funding availability, course dates and eligibility vary by programme and annual announcement.
Applicants should search the official database to confirm whether the relevant winter course funding is currently available.
Official link: DAAD Scholarship Database
#17 DAAD Scholarships for Artists and Architects
International graduates in arts and architecture can explore DAAD’s subject-specific study funding categories.
Depending on the current programme, eligible disciplines may include fine art, design, film, visual communication, music and architecture. Applicants may need to provide a portfolio, examples of creative work or audition materials.
This is a broad description of related funding options, not necessarily one separate scholarship covering all artistic disciplines.
Official link: DAAD Scholarship Database
#18 DAAD Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists
DAAD offers research funding opportunities for eligible academics and scientists who want to collaborate with German institutions.
These opportunities can support research visits, academic exchange and cooperation on scientific projects. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s academic position, research experience and the specific funding category.
Applicants should review the programme requirements, permitted research duration and any host-institution arrangements.
Official link: DAAD Research Funding Database
#19 DAAD Short-Term Research Grants
Short-term research funding can help eligible doctoral candidates and researchers conduct a defined research project in Germany.
Such opportunities may be suitable for applicants who need access to university facilities, academic supervision or collaboration with a German research group.
The funding period, eligible applicant categories and required documents vary by programme. Applicants should check the current announcement before preparing an application.
Official link: DAAD Scholarship Database
#20 DAAD PRIME – Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience
PRIME stands for Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience. It is associated with international mobility funding for postdoctoral researchers.
The programme has supported researchers through positions at German universities combined with international research stays. It is intended for qualified researchers at the postdoctoral stage rather than applicants seeking their first university degree.
Researchers should check the official DAAD website for the current programme status, available calls and application requirements before relying on this funding route.
Official link: DAAD Scholarship Database
Benefits Scholarships
DAAD scholarship benefits depend on the programme and the successful applicant’s circumstances. Possible benefits include:
- Monthly stipend for eligible living expenses.
- Health, accident and personal liability insurance contributions.
- Travel allowance under the relevant scholarship conditions.
- Funding for selected Master’s or doctoral programmes.
- Support for research stays and academic collaboration.
- Course fees and accommodation for certain short-term programmes.
- Additional allowances where specified in the official announcement.
Not every programme includes all these benefits Some provide a monthly stipend, while others fund a course or a defined research period. Always check the current funding terms before applying.
Who Can Apply for DAAD Scholarships?
DAAD programmes have different eligibility requirements. Common requirements may include:
- A recognised Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
- Good academic performance.
- Relevant professional experience for selected programmes, particularly EPOS.
- English or German language proficiency, depending on the course.
- A research proposal for doctoral or research funding.
- Acceptance by a university, graduate school or academic supervisor where required.
- Citizenship of a country eligible for the particular scholarship.
Some opportunities are limited to applicants from selected countries International students should select their country of origin in the DAAD database and review the individual eligibility rules.
Documents Required for DAAD Scholarships
Depending on the scholarship, applicants may need the following documents:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter or statement of purpose.
- Proof of language proficiency.
- Research proposal, where required.
- Academic recommendation letters.
- University admission or supervisor confirmation, where applicable.
- Portfolio or audition materials for creative disciplines.
- Proof of relevant work experience, if required.
- Any additional documents listed in the official announcement.
Prepare your documents according to the instructions for the particular programme Requirements can differ between scholarships and universities.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to find a suitable funding opportunity.
Step 1: Open the official scholarship database
Visit the DAAD Scholarship Database.
Step 2: Select your country of origin
Choose your country and review the opportunities available to applicants with your nationality.
Step 3: Choose your academic level
Identify whether you are applying for a Master’s degree, PhD, research grant, postdoctoral opportunity or short-term course.
Step 4: Select your subject
Search for programmes that match your field of study and career plans.
Step 5: Review the eligibility requirements
Check the degree requirements, language proficiency, work experience and any country-specific restrictions.
Step 6: Check the application deadline
Each programme may have a different deadline. Some courses also set their own application dates.
Step 7: Prepare and submit your application
Follow the official instructions. Applications may be submitted through the DAAD portal, a university or another designated route, depending on the programme.
Step 8: Follow application updates
Monitor your email and application account for selection updates, interviews or requests for additional documents.
Official DAAD Scholarship Websites
Use these official resources to find the latest scholarship information:
- DAAD Global Scholarship Database
- DAAD Scholarships General Information
- DAAD EPOS Programme
- Helmut-Schmidt Programme
- University Summer Courses
These official websites provide information about programme availability, eligibility, benefits, deadlines and application procedures.
FAQs
Can international students apply for DAAD scholarships?
Yes. DAAD offers funding opportunities for international students and researchers. However, each programme has its own eligible countries, academic requirements and selection criteria.
Which DAAD scholarship is best for Master’s students?
The EPOS Scholarship and Helmut-Schmidt Programme are important options for eligible applicants. Other opportunities may be available for STEM, architecture, music, arts and different academic fields.
Do DAAD scholarships provide a monthly stipend?
Many DAAD programmes provide monthly financial support, but not all funding opportunities work in the same way. Some support degree studies or research, while others cover course participation and related expenses.
Can I apply for a DAAD scholarship without IELTS?
Language requirements depend on the programme and university. Some courses may accept alternative proof of English proficiency, while others require a specific certificate. Applicants should check the exact requirements before applying.
Are all 20 DAAD scholarships open in 2026–2027?
No. This article covers established programmes, subject-specific funding categories and related opportunities. Some entries overlap, and some may not have an active call. Check the official database for current availability and application dates.
Is the DAAD scholarship fully funded?
Some DAAD scholarships provide substantial financial support, but the benefits vary. Applicants should confirm whether their chosen programme covers living expenses, tuition or course fees, insurance, travel and other costs.
