DAAD scholarships | An overview

If you’re looking to study, research, or learn German in Germany and require financial assistance, your search ends here! DAAD Scholarships 2024 offers the perfect solution. Read on to discover more about these opportunities!

What is DAAD scholarships: An Overview

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is the world’s largest funding agency, assisting over 100,000 students and researchers from Germany and around the globe. The DAAD scholarship for Indian students offers incredible opportunities, including Research Grants for doctoral candidates and a full PhD program for applicants from developing countries.

For 2024, Indian students can apply for 25 of the 188 DAAD scholarship programs. These scholarships offer a chance to pursue Master’s, Doctoral, and Post-doctoral studies in Germany at a significantly low cost. Recipients of DAAD scholarship for Master’s programs receive a monthly allowance of at least 934 EUR (approximately 1,050 USD), while PhD recipients enjoy a monthly stipend of 1,200 EUR (about 1,348 USD) throughout their studies in Germany. Keep reading to discover more about the benefits and requirements of DAAD Scholarships 2024!

Benefits of the DAAD Scholarship 2024

The DAAD Scholarship Germany 2024 offers a wide range of benefits, making studying in Germany an attractive option for international students. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Monthly Stipend: Postgraduate students receive 750 EUR per month, while doctoral students receive 1,000 EUR.
• Health Insurance: Postgraduate and Doctoral students receive comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Travel Allowance: International students are eligible for a travel allowance to cover their journey to and from Germany.
• Tuition-Free Education: Most German universities charge little to no tuition fees, allowing students to study for free.
• Accommodation: Free accommodation is provided at the university for scholarship recipients.
• Support for Disabilities: The DAAD covers up to 10,000 euros in extra costs for scholarship holders with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
• Family Benefits: Scholarships offer allowances for spouses and children, as well as insurance benefits, for programs lasting over six months.

The DAAD scholarship offers various types of funding, including short-term research grants, doctoral scholarships, postdoctoral fellowships, and study scholarships, making it accessible to many students and researchers.

DAAD Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2024

To apply for a DAAD Scholarship 2024, candidates must meet several key requirements, though specific criteria may vary by program. Here’s an overview of the general eligibility factors for the DAAD scholarship for Indian students:

• Language Proficiency:
  • Strong English skills are essential, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (internet-based).
  • While German language skills are not mandatory, they are highly recommended, especially for German-taught programs. For courses taught in German, you will need a DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 certificate for enrollment and at least B1-level German proficiency at the time of application.
• Academic Qualifications:
  • A minimum CGPA of 8.5 or 85% (or equivalent, depending on the program) is required.
  • Applicants for this scholarship must have completed a Bachelor’s degree program with a duration of six years or less.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC):
  • Applicants for exchange or short-term research programs must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their home institution.
• Work Experience:
  • At least 2 years of relevant work experience in areas such as research, teaching, or as a graduate assistant is mandatory.
• Research Proposal or SOP:
  • A 500-1000 word research proposal or Statement of Purpose (SOP) is usually required. 

 Documents Required for DAAD Scholarship 2024

Whether you’re applying for a DAAD scholarship for undergraduate or postgraduate studies, most DAAD programs require a similar set of documents. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for the DAAD Scholarships  application:

• • Filled online application form
  • Admission offer letter from your chosen university
  • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Academic transcripts
  • Form detailing your preferred degree program
  • Statement of Purpose or Letter of Motivation
  • Declaration form (if required)
  • Language test scores (German/English)
  • Certificates of employment (if applicable)
  • Work samples or portfolio (if required)
  • Proof of extracurricular activities (if applicable)

How to Apply for the DAAD Scholarships 2024:

Applying for the DAAD Scholarship 2024 can open doors to fully-funded study opportunities in Germany. Follow these simple steps to ensure your application stands out and meets all the requirements. 

• • Download and fill out the DAAD application form from the official website.
  • Create a personalized CV using the Europas Specimen form with your hand-signed cover letter.
  • Write a motivation letter, signed and detailing your work experience and references.
  • Submit a research proposal if requested by the university.
  • Attach recommendation letters from your university and a professional reference from your employer (optional: letter of guaranteed reemployment).
  • Take the required language tests: IELTS for English-taught courses (scores set by universities), or a German language test for German-taught courses (Note: TOEFL is not accepted).
  • Apply directly to the university for your chosen degree.
  • Check additional document requirements for your course or scholarship.
  • Submit your application online or by post, depending on the university’s process.

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DAAD Scholarships 2024-25 Application Deadlines

The DAAD Scholarships provide excellent opportunities for international students to pursue their higher education in Germany, particularly through the DAAD scholarship for Master’s programs. Below is a comprehensive list of universities and their respective application deadlines for the academic year 2024-25.

University	Degree	Program Duration	Application Deadline
HS Rhein-Waal	MA	18 months	01.10.2024
HfT Stuttgart	MSc	18 months	15.10.2024
TU Dresden	MSc	24 months	15.10.2024
TU Darmstadt	MSc	24 months	15.10.2024
BHU Weimar	MSc	24 months	15.10.2024
U Hannover	MSc	24 months	30.09.2024
U Oldenburg	MSc	24 months	15.10.2024
TU Dresden	MSc	24 months	10.10.2024
U Stuttgart	MSc	24 months	01.08. – 30.09.2024
U Stuttgart	MSc	24 months	30.09.2024
TU Berlin	MSc	18 months	31.08.2024
KIT Karlsruhe	MSc	24 months	30.10.2024
TU Dortmund	MSc	24 months	01.10.2024
TU Dresden	MSc	24 months	30.10.2024
U Giessen / U Hohenheim	PhD	38 months	30.11.2024
U Heidelberg	MSc	12 months	15.05. – 15.10.2024
Charité Berlin / FU Berlin / HU Berlin	MSc	12 months	15.10.2024
Munich Intellectual Property Law Center (MIPLC)	LL.M.	12 months	15.10.2024
TU Dresden	MA	24 months	30.09.2024

German universities that accept DAAD scholarships

Numerous universities in Germany accept DAAD scholarships, allowing you to find a university that aligns with your academic goals. Below are some prominent universities and international programs supported by DAAD that offer these scholarships.

DAAD programs	Universities
Development Cooperation	Ruhr-Universität Bochum Universität Bonn Hochschule Rhein-Waal
Economics/Business Administration/ Political Economics	HTW Berlin Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Universität Leipzig
Engineering and related sciences	Technische Universität Dresden Europa-Universität Flensburg Universität Stuttgart Universität Oldenburg Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart
Mathematics	Technische Universität Kaiserslautern
Regional and Urban Planning	Technische Universität Berlin Technische Universität Dortmund Universität Stuttgart
Agricultural and Forest Sciences	Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn Technische Universität Dresden Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Universität Hohenheim
Natural and Environmental Sciences	Universität Bremen Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Universität Greifswald Technische Hochschule Köln
Medicine/Public Health	Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Freie Universität Berlin Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Social Science, Education, and Law	Technische Universität Dresden Munich Intellectual Property Law Center (MIPLC)
Media Studies	Deutsche Welle Akademie Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn Hochschule Bonn Rhein-Sieg

DAAD Scholarships 2024

DAAD Scholarships offer scalable opportunities for Indian students to pursue higher education in Germany. Here is the list of DAAD scholarships for Indian students:

• Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes in Germany
  This scholarship allows you to pursue a doctoral degree in Germany, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.
  Eligibility: Applicants must have above-average qualifications, having completed a Master’s, Diploma, or, in exceptional cases, a Bachelor’s degree by the start of the funding period.
  Benefits:
• • Monthly stipend of €1,300
  • Health, accident, and liability insurance
  • Travel allowance
  • Annual research allowance of €460

Application Deadline for DAAD Scholarship 2025: October 21, 2024
Selection Date: February 2025
Funding Starts: October 2025

• Research Grants – Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle
  This program enables you to pursue a bi-national doctoral degree between your home university and a university in Germany.
  Eligibility:
  • Sandwich model: Must have a Master’s or Diplom degree (or in rare cases, a Bachelor’s) by the start of the funding period.
  • Cotutelle model: Must be admitted to a doctoral program by the start of the funding period.

Benefits:

• • Monthly stipend of €1,300 during your stay in Germany (no payments for time spent at your home university)
  • Health, accident, and liability insurance
  • Travel allowances for up to three round trips (if not covered by other sources)
  • Research allowance of €460
  • Travel and accommodation expenses for supervising university professors (one trip of up to 10 days)

Application Deadline for DAAD Scholarship 2025: October 21, 2024
Selection Date: February 2025
Funding Starts: October 2025

• Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP)
  DAAD aims to increase the number of international doctoral candidates in structured graduate schools at German universities.
  Eligibility: Highly qualified doctoral candidates and young academics who have completed a Master’s or Diplom degree, or in exceptional cases a Bachelor’s degree, by the time the scholarship begins, depending on the graduate school.
  Benefits:
  • Monthly stipend: €1,300
• Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists
  This program facilitates networking and experience exchange through short-term research stays in Germany, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.
  Eligibility: University teachers and established academics who have typically completed a doctoral degree and work at a university or research institute in their home country.
  Benefits:
  • Monthly stipends:
  • €2,000 for assistant teachers, assistant professors, and lecturers
  • €2,150 for professors
• Travel allowance (unless covered by another source)
• Health, accident, and liability insurance
• Annual research allowance of €460

Application Deadlines for DAAD Scholarship 2025:

• October 7, 2024: Selection in February 2025; funding starts May 2025
• April 3, 2025: Selection in June 2025; funding starts August 2025

 

• Study Visits for Academics – Artists and Architects
  This program promotes artistic cooperation with German host institutions, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.
  Eligibility: University teachers from the following disciplines:
• Architecture (Interior Design, Monument Conservation, Urban Planning, etc.)
• Fine Arts, Film, Design, Visual Communication
• Performing Arts (Drama, Dance, Music, etc.)
  Benefits:
• Monthly stipends:
  • €2,000 for assistant teachers, assistant professors, and lecturers
  • €2,150 for professors
• Travel allowance

Application Deadlines for DAAD Scholarship 2025:

• October 7, 2024: Selection in February 2025; funding starts May 2025
• April 3, 2025: Selection in June 2025; funding starts August 2025

 

• Study Scholarships – Postgraduate Studies in Architecture
  This scholarship program enables you to further your education in Germany with a postgraduate or continuing course in architecture, fostering experience exchange and networking.
  Eligibility: You must have a first university degree in Architecture or related fields by the time you begin the scholarship-supported program.
  Benefits:
• Monthly stipend: €992
• Travel allowance
• One-time study allowance
• Coverage for health, accident, and liability insurance

Application Deadline for DAAD Scholarship 2025: September 25, 2024
Selection Date: February/March 2025
Funding Starts: October 2025

• Study Scholarships – Postgraduate Studies in Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication, and Film
  This scholarship program offers the opportunity to continue your education in Germany with a postgraduate or complementary course in Fine Arts, Design, Visual Communication, and Film, promoting experience exchange and networking.
  Eligibility: You must have a first university degree in the arts.
  Benefits:
• Monthly stipend: €992
• Travel allowance
• One-time study allowance
• Coverage for health, accident, and liability insurance

Application Deadline for DAAD Scholarship 2025: November 11, 2024

 

• Study Scholarships – Postgraduate Studies in Music
  This scholarship program allows you to pursue postgraduate or continuing studies in music in Germany, promoting experience exchange and networking.
  Eligibility: You must have a first university degree in Music by the start of the scholarship-supported program; if not, you should have completed all training options for your instrument in your home country.
  Benefits:
• Monthly stipend: €992
• Travel allowance
• One-time study allowance
• Coverage for health, accident, and liability insurance

Application Deadline for DAAD Scholarship 2025: September 26, 2024
Selection Date: February 2025
Funding Starts: October 2025

 

• Bilateral Exchange of Academics (to Germany)
  To enhance international relations and research cooperation, DAAD supports the exchange of scientists and academics between Germany and partner countries, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
  Eligibility: This program is for university teachers and experienced academics with a doctorate who are working at a university or research institute in their home country.
  Benefits:
• Monthly stipend:
  • €2,000 for assistant teachers, assistant professors, and lecturers
  • €2,150 for professors

Application Deadline for DAAD Scholarship 2025: October 7, 2024
Selection Date: February 2025
Funding Starts: May 2025

 

• Study Scholarships – Postgraduate Studies in the Performing Arts
  This scholarship program supports postgraduate or continuing education in the Performing Arts in Germany, facilitating experience exchange and networking.
  Eligibility: You must have a first university degree in the Performing Arts by the time you start the scholarship-supported program.
  Benefits:
• Monthly stipend: €992
• Travel allowance
• One-time study allowance
• Coverage for health, accident, and liability insurance

Application Deadline for DAAD Scholarship 2025: October 14, 2024
Selection Date: February/March 2025
Funding Starts: October 2025

Key Takeaways

• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarships offer a wealth of opportunities for students, graduates, and researchers aiming to advance their academic careers in Germany.
• DAAD scholarships provide a monthly stipend of at least €934 for Master’s students and €1,200 for Ph.D. candidates, along with comprehensive health insurance, travel allowances, and accommodation assistance.
• Additionally, the DAAD scholarship includes language courses designed to enhance students’ German language proficiency, which can significantly benefit their academic and professional prospects.

Additional benefits may include a one-time research allowance, family support, or funding for language courses, depending on the specific scholarship program. If you’re an aspiring international student looking for information about universities worldwide, feel free to reach out to us!

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FAQs

Q1. Can you work while you are on your DAAD scholarship?

Answer- Yes, you can work while on your DAAD scholarship, but you must obtain prior approval from the DAAD. Additionally, you will need consent from your supervisor or course coordinator. It’s important to ensure that any part-time employment does not interfere with the main objectives of your scholarship.

Q2. Is there an age limit for the DAAD Scholarship program?

Answer- In general, there is no age limit for applying to the DAAD Scholarship program. However, to be eligible, you must have obtained your last university degree no more than 6 years ago.

Q3. Can you apply for multiple DAAD scholarships?

Answer- Yes, it is possible to apply for multiple DAAD scholarships as long as the scholarships are for different programs.