DAAD Scholarship 2026-27

The DAAD Scholarship 2026 is a group of scholarships offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to support international students, graduates, doctoral students and researchers in Germany. The scholarships can provide financial support such as a monthly payment, travel allowance and insurance, depending on the program. DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) has different scholarships for different study levels and subjects, so the eligibility, funding and deadlines are not the same for every applicant.

In this blog, you will learn about the DAAD Scholarship 2026 eligibility, benefits, requirements, application process and deadlines. We also cover the DAAD EPOS Scholarship, selection process, application status and common reasons why applications may be rejected. 

Planning to study in Germany? Explore top universities, courses, tuition fees, scholarships, and other key details to plan your studies. 

DAAD Scholarship 2026 for Indian Students

The DAAD Scholarship 2026 is not one single scholarship. DAAD has different programs for students, graduates, doctoral candidates and researchers. The right program depends on your study level, country, subject and academic background. The official DAAD scholarship database lets students filter programs by their country and academic status. 

Here are some of the main DAAD scholarship options for international students:

Scholarship program	Who can apply	Funding and duration
Study Scholarships for Master Studies	Graduates planning a Masters degree in Germany	€992/month (INR 1.09 lakh), plus insurance, travel allowance and €460 (INR 50,551) yearly study allowance; duration depends on the course
Doctoral programs in Germany	Doctoral candidates and PhD students	Program-specific funding; the current DAAD database lists funding for up to the stated doctoral period
Research Grants in Germany	Doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers	Funding depends on the research program and applicant status
University Summer Courses	Undergraduate and Masters students	Short-term support for German language and regional studies; benefits and duration depend on the program

INR values are approximate. They use €1 = about INR 109.89. The exchange rate can change.

1. DAAD Scholarships for Masters Students

Students who have completed their first degree can find several DAAD options for Masters study. One important program is Study Scholarships for Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines. 

The current listing provides €992 per month (INR 1.09 lakh), along with insurance, a travel allowance and an annual study allowance of €460 (INR 50,551). Some other benefits may also be available depending on the student's situation. 

Key point	Current information	What students should know
Study level	Graduates	You normally need a first academic degree, such as a Bachelor's degree
Scholarship amount	€992/month (around INR 1.09 lakh)	This is for the specific Masters scholarship, not every DAAD program
Other support	Insurance, travel allowance and €460 (around INR 50,551) yearly study allowance	Extra benefits can depend on the applicant's situation

2. DAAD Scholarships for PhD Students

DAAD also supports doctoral candidates who want to complete their research or doctorate in Germany. The Doctoral programs in Germany scholarship is one of the options listed in the official database. Its eligibility is aimed at doctoral candidates and PhD students, and the application deadline is set for each program. 

Key point	Current information	What students should know
Study level	Doctoral candidates/PhD students	The program is meant for applicants pursuing doctoral-level study
Main support	Scholarship funding and other benefits depending on the program	Do not assume the benefits are the same as a Masters scholarship
Deadline	program-specific	The official DAAD database says deadlines are updated annually

3. DAAD Scholarships for Research Students

Research students can also apply for DAAD research grants. These programs are mainly meant for doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers and other academic researchers. The exact requirements depend on the type of research grant and the applicant's academic status. 

Key point	Current information	What students should know
Eligible applicants	Doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers	Some grants are limited to specific countries
Main focus	Academic research in Germany	A clear research plan may be required
Deadline and funding	Varies by program	Check the individual DAAD listing before applying

4. DAAD Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

DAAD mainly offers scholarships for graduates, doctoral students and researchers. Still, some programs are open to undergraduate students. For example, the University Summer Courses offered in Germany for Foreign Students and Graduates accepts students in undergraduate and Masters programs. 

Program	Eligible students	Purpose
University Summer Courses	Undergraduate and Masters students	Helps students improve German language skills and learn more about German regional studies
Other DAAD options	Depends on the program	Eligibility depends on the student’s academic level, country and the specific scholarship program.  Students can check the DAAD Scholarship Database to find programmes that match their profile.
Full undergraduate degree funding	Limited	DAAD scholarships are mainly aimed at graduates, doctoral students and researchers.    Funding for a complete Bachelors degree is not generally available through DAAD.

DAAD EPOS Scholarship

The DAAD EPOS Scholarship helps students from developing and emerging countries study selected postgraduate courses in Germany. Students usually need a suitable degree, good academic results and at least 2 years of professional experience. The scholarship supports study and living costs for selected EPOS courses.

The main details of the DAAD EPOS Scholarship are given below:

Details	Information	Amount/Duration
Study level	Mainly Masters and selected PhD courses	Course-specific
Work experience	Professional experience after the first degree	Usually 2 years
Monthly scholarship	For graduates	€992 (around INR 1.09 lakh)
Doctoral scholarship	For PhD candidates	€1,400 (around INR 1.54 lakh)
Insurance	Health, accident and personal liability insurance	Included
Travel support	Available in eligible cases	Varies
Funding period	Depends on the selected course	12–42 months
Application deadline	Different for each EPOS course	Course-specific; check the latest course deadline

DAAD EPOS Scholarship Deadline: There is no common deadline for all EPOS courses. The latest DAAD list for the 2027/28 intake shows that each course can have its own deadline. As a general guide, students can expect many deadlines around August 2026 to January 2027, but they should check the exact date on their selected course website before applying. 

Check: Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany

Who is Eligible for the DAAD Scholarship

The eligibility for the DAAD Scholarship 2026 depends on the scholarship program you choose. DAAD mainly offers scholarships for graduates, doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, but some programs are also available to other students. Your country, academic level, subject, language skills and the requirements of the selected program all matter.

There is no single percentage, age limit or work experience rule that applies to every DAAD scholarship. Students should check the exact program in the DAAD Scholarship Database before applying. DAAD also asks applicants to select their country and academic status because some scholarships are open only to students from specific countries or study levels.

The main DAAD Scholarship eligibility requirements are given below.

Eligibility area	What DAAD looks for	What students should check
Academic qualification	A suitable academic qualification for the chosen program	Check the degree, grades and academic background required by the scholarship
Study level	Requirements depend on whether you are applying as a graduate, doctoral student, postdoc or for another eligible program	Select your correct academic status in the DAAD Scholarship Database
Language skills	Proof of the language used in the study or research program	Check whether German, English or both are required and which test certificates are accepted
Country and nationality	Some scholarships are available only to applicants from selected countries	Check the eligible country list for the scholarship
Work experience	Required for some programs, but not for all DAAD scholarships	Check the program-specific work experience rule
Admission	You may need admission or proof of application to a German university, depending on the program	Check the university and scholarship requirements separately
Study format	DAAD scholarships generally support full-time study or research in Germany	Distance, online and part-time programs are generally not eligible for DAAD funding

Benefits of DAAD Scholarship

The DAAD Scholarship can help students manage many of the costs of studying in Germany. The benefits are not exactly the same for every scholarship, but many DAAD programs provide a monthly payment, insurance and travel support. Some programs also offer study or research allowances, rent support and family allowances.

The main DAAD Scholarship benefits include:

• Monthly scholarship payment: Many DAAD study scholarships currently provide €992 per month (around INR 1.09 lakh) for students. Doctoral programs can provide €1,400 per month (around INR 1.54 lakh). The amount depends on the scholarship program and study level.
• Health and other insurance: Many DAAD scholarships include payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance. This can reduce the amount students need to pay for insurance during their stay in Germany.
• Travel allowance: DAAD may provide a travel allowance to help with travel costs. This is usually paid as a fixed amount, and the exact amount depends on the scholarship and the applicant's country. In some programs, students need to apply for this benefit.
• Study allowance: Some DAAD scholarships provide an additional study allowance. For example, the current ERP Study Scholarship provides €460 per year (around INR 50,553) as a study allowance. This benefit is program-specific and should not be treated as a standard payment for every DAAD scholarship.
• Research allowance: Doctoral scholarships can include money for research-related costs. The current DAAD doctoral program lists an annual research allowance of €460 (around INR 50,553).
• Rent support: Some scholarship holders may be able to receive a monthly rent subsidy after funding starts. This depends on the scholarship rules and the student's situation.
• Family allowance: In some cases, DAAD provides an additional allowance for scholarship holders travelling or living with eligible family members. This is not included in every scholarship and is subject to specific conditions.

How to Apply for DAAD Scholarship

The DAAD Scholarship application process is mostly done on the internet. First you have to find a scholarship that fits your level of study, your country and your subject. Next look at the rules that say who can apply and get ready, with the papers that are needed. Most of the time applications are sent through the DAAD Portal. Some programs use a different way to get the application.

Follow these steps to apply for a DAAD Scholarship:

1. Find a Suitable DAAD Scholarship:

• Start by searching the DAAD Scholarship Database. You can look for scholarships based on your country your academic level and your field of study. Before you apply read the full scholarship description. 
• Make sure to check the eligibility rules the amount of funding the required documents, the application method and the deadline. DAAD advises applicants to read the call, for applications carefully because the rules can differ between programs.

2. Check the Eligibility Criteria:

• Once you find a suitable scholarship, check if you meet all the requirements.
• Look at your academic qualification, country, study level, language skills and work experience if required. Some scholarships are open only to applicants from certain countries or for specific study levels.
• Do not apply only because you meet the general DAAD requirements. The selected scholarship may have extra conditions.

3. Check the Application Deadline:

• DAAD scholarships do not have one common deadline. Each program has its own application period.
• Check the latest deadline on the scholarship page before starting your application. DAAD also advises applicants to check the current information because program details and deadlines can change.
• It is better to start early. Some documents, such as recommendation letters or admission letters, can take time to arrange.

4. Prepare the Required Documents:

• Get all your documents ready before filling in the online application.
• Common documents include your CV, degree certificates, transcripts, motivation letter, language certificate and recommendation letter. Research-based scholarships may also ask for a research proposal. The exact list depends on the program.
• Make sure the documents are clear and in the required language and format.

5. Register on the DAAD Portal:

• For programs that use the DAAD Portal, create an account and complete the registration.
• After registration, you can access the application form for your selected scholarship. DAAD program instructions explain where the form and document upload sections are located in the portal.
• Keep your login details safe so you can return to the application later.

6. Fill in the Application Form:

• Complete the online DAAD application form carefully.
• Enter your personal details, education history, study plans and other information asked in the form. Check your answers before moving to the next section.
• Do not leave required fields blank. Also make sure the information in your form matches the information in your certificates and other documents.

7. Upload Your Documents:

• Upload each document in the correct section of the DAAD Portal.
• For example, a current DAAD application call lists the CV, Letter of Recommendation  and university degree certificates as mandatory attachments. The exact documents can change depending on the program.
• If a recommendation form is required, some DAAD programs let you generate the form through the portal and send it to your university teacher. Once completed, you can upload it to the required section.

8. Submit the Application Before the Deadline:

• After uploading all documents, review the complete application and submit it before the deadline.
• Do not wait until the last minute. DAAD states that applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application on time. Some programs clearly state that late or incomplete applications cannot be considered.
• After submission, keep a copy of your application and important documents for your records.

9. Wait for the Selection Process:

• After the deadline, your application is reviewed according to the rules of the selected scholarship.
• DAAD scholarships are reviewed by independent selection committees. They may look at your academic background, the quality of your study or research plan and your overall potential. 
• The selection process and waiting time can be different for each scholarship.

10. Follow the Result and Next Steps:

• If you are selected, DAAD will provide information about the scholarship and the next steps.
• You may need to provide additional documents or complete other formalities before the scholarship starts. Read all messages from DAAD carefully and follow the instructions given for your program.

Document Requirements for DAAD Scholarship 

The DAAD scholarship document requirements depend on the program you choose. There is no single document list for every DAAD scholarship. Most applicants need their academic records, CV, motivation letter and language proof. Some scholarships also ask for a recommendation letter, admission letter, research proposal or proof of work experience.

The main DAAD Scholarship requirements and documents are given below:

Requirement	What you need	When it is needed
Academic transcripts	Degree certificate and academic transcripts	For most study scholarships
CV	Updated CV showing your education and experience	Required for many programs
Motivation letter	Letter explaining your study plans and reasons for applying	Required for many scholarships
Language proof	Certificate for the language of instruction	Depends on the program
Recommendation letter	Letter from a university teacher or other approved person	Required by many programs
Admission letter	Admission from the German university or host institution	Required where stated by the program
Research proposal	Detailed plan of your research project	Mainly for research and doctoral scholarships
Work experience proof	Documents showing your professional experience	Required for programs such as EPOS
Passport or ID	Copy of your passport or identity document	Required by many programs

DAAD Scholarship Application Deadlines 2026

There is no single DAAD Scholarship deadline 2026 for all students. The deadline depends on the scholarship, course, study level and country. Some DAAD scholarships also have different deadlines for each course. So, students should check the exact scholarship page before applying.

The table below gives the latest available deadlines. Where DAAD does not give one fixed date, an estimated deadline is shown for guidance.

DAAD Scholarship	Study Level	Application Deadline 2026
Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines	Masters	16 November 2026
EPOS Development-Related Postgraduate Courses	Masters/PhD	Many 2026/27 applications closed in 2025
Doctoral programs in Germany	PhD	31 August 2026
University Summer Courses in Germany	Undergraduate/Masters	Estimated: September 2026
Research Grants in Germany	PhD/Postdoctoral	Usually August 2026 to February 2027

Note: Estimated dates are only for guidance. The actual deadline can change, so always check the latest DAAD scholarship listing before submitting an application. The DAAD Scholarship Database lets students search for programs based on their country and other details.

DAAD Scholarship Selection Process

The DAAD Scholarship selection process is based on the applicant’s academic record, study or research plan, motivation and future goals. The applications are reviewed by independent selection committees. The exact criteria can change depending on the scholarship program. 

The selection process usually includes these steps:

1. Application check: DAAD checks whether the application is complete and meets the basic requirements.
2. Pre-selection: For some programs, applications may first be reviewed by a pre-selection committee.
3. Academic review: An independent selection committee checks the applicant’s academic qualifications and study or research plan.
4. Motivation check: The committee looks at why the student wants to study or research in Germany and how it fits their future plans.
5. Project assessment: For research scholarships, the quality, relevance and feasibility of the research proposal are considered.
6. Interview: Some DAAD programs may invite shortlisted applicants for an interview or presentation.
7. Final decision: The selection committee makes the final decision on the scholarship. 

How to Check DAAD Scholarship Application Status

After submitting a DAAD Scholarship application, students can check updates through the DAAD Portal. The portal also sends notifications about the application. The exact way results are shared can depend on the scholarship program.

To check your DAAD Scholarship application status, follow these steps:

1. Open the DAAD Portal and log in with your registered account.
2. Go to your application or funding overview to see the details of your submitted application.
3. Check the portal notifications for any new message from DAAD.
4. Look for the selection result when the selection process is completed. The result may be shared through the portal or as explained in your scholarship program.
5. Check your email regularly because DAAD may send an email when a new portal message is available.
6. Contact DAAD if needed if you have a technical problem with the portal. DAAD provides program-specific contact details for scholarship questions.

Common Reasons for Rejection of DAAD Scholarship

Getting a DAAD Scholarship is competitive, and meeting the basic eligibility rules does not always mean getting the scholarship. DAAD selection committees look at the full application, including academic performance, language skills, study or research plans, motivation and future goals. An incomplete application can also be rejected without being reviewed.

Some common reasons why a DAAD Scholarship application may not be selected are:

Reason	What It Means	How to Avoid It
Incomplete application	Required documents are missing	Check every document before submitting
Weak academic record	Grades or academic progress may not be strong enough	Show your academic strengths clearly
Poor study or research plan	The plan may not be clear, relevant or realistic	Explain your goals, course and plan properly
Weak motivation	The application does not clearly explain why you want to study in Germany	Give clear academic and career reasons
Language skills not enough	Your language level may not meet the program requirement	Submit the required language proof
Missing admission or required documents	Important documents may be missing or not submitted on time	Follow the exact program document list
Poor fit with the program	Your background or study plan may not match the chosen program	Choose a course that fits your previous studies and goals

Conclusion

The DAAD Scholarship 2026 can help international students reduce the cost of studying or researching in Germany. There are different scholarships for Masters students, PhD candidates and researchers, and each program has its own eligibility rules, benefits and deadline.

Before applying, check the official DAAD scholarship details, prepare all the required documents and submit the application before the deadline. A clear study or research plan, good academic record and strong motivation can also help your application stand out.

If you are still unsure, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.