DAAD Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines

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MSc

August 31, 2026

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The DAAD Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines offer international graduates the opportunity to continue their academic education in Germany through a postgraduate or Master’s degree programme. Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, this scholarship supports students who wish to study at a state or state-recognised German university and develop their academic, professional, and personal potential in an international learning environment.

The scholarship can fund either a full Master’s or postgraduate degree programme in Germany, or one year of study in Germany as part of a Master’s or second degree completed at the applicant’s home university, provided that the credits earned in Germany are recognised by the home institution. Funding is usually available for 10 to 24 months, depending on the duration of the chosen programme, and includes a monthly stipend, insurance support, travel allowance, and other possible benefits.

Advice from Darrab Education: This is an excellent opportunity, but students should remember that scholarships are highly competitive. To maximise your chances, do not rely on one scholarship only. Prepare a strong CV, improve your motivation letter, meet the language requirements early, and apply to as many suitable scholarships and universities as possible. The more well-prepared applications you submit, the higher your chance of receiving a funded opportunity.

Applicants must have completed their first university degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, by the time the funding period begins.
The most recent university degree should usually not be older than six years at the time of the application deadline.
Applicants must apply for admission to their chosen German university by the university’s deadline.
If the applicant has not yet received admission at the time of the DAAD application, the admission letter must be submitted before the funding period begins.
The DAAD Scholarship Award Letter is only valid if the applicant is admitted to the host university named in the application.
Applicants cannot be considered if they have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.
Funding is not available for a Master’s degree programme that has already started in Germany.
Applicants must provide proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction of their chosen study programme.
The language of instruction may be German, English, or both German and English, depending on the selected programme.
If the programme includes a study or work placement period outside Germany, this period can usually be funded only if it is essential for the scholarship objective, does not take place in the applicant’s home country, and does not exceed the allowed duration.

Full curriculum vitae in tabular form, maximum 3 pages.
Letter of motivation, 1 to 3 pages, explaining the academic and personal reasons for the planned study project in Germany.
Letter of admission to the study programme at the host university in Germany, if already available. If admission has not yet been received, it must be submitted before the funding period begins.
Form “Information about your preferred master programmes” if applying for a second degree or Master’s programme in Germany.
Proof that credits earned in Germany will be recognised by the home university, if the applicant is planning one year of study in Germany as part of a degree completed abroad.
Current transcript of records showing individual grades.
University degree certificate showing final grades. If the applicant has not yet completed the degree at the time of application, the certificate must be submitted by the time funding begins.
Proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction of the selected programme. The certificate should generally be no older than three years.
One recent letter of recommendation from a university teacher, providing information about the applicant’s academic qualifications.
Proof of English language ability if the degree programme is taught in English. According to the listed requirements, accepted scores may include TOEFL minimum 550, TOEFL iBT minimum 79, or IELTS minimum 6.5. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator are also accepted.
Valid identification document, such as a passport, ID card, driver licence, or student identity card, showing the applicant’s photograph, full name, date of birth, and country of origin.
School leaving certificate with all individual grades.
German or English translations of documents submitted in the applicant’s national language.
Optional supporting documents, such as employment certificates, proof of internships, or evidence of extracurricular engagement.

Choose a suitable Master’s or postgraduate programme at a state or state-recognised university in Germany.
Check the admission requirements, language requirements, application deadlines, and enrolment procedures of your chosen university.
Apply separately for admission to the German university, as the DAAD scholarship application does not replace the university admission process.
Register on the DAAD portal during the official application period.
Complete the online DAAD application form.
Upload all required documents to the DAAD portal in the “Attachments” section.
Submit the application before the deadline. Applications for this scholarship are usually possible between 1 June and the stated application deadline.
Make sure your application is complete, as incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Monthly stipend: Scholars receive 992 euros per month to support living expenses in Germany.
Insurance coverage: DAAD provides payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
Travel allowance: A travel allowance may be provided upon application, depending on DAAD rules.
Annual study allowance: Scholars receive an annual study allowance of 460 euros for study-related costs.
Rent subsidy: Under certain circumstances, scholars may apply for a monthly rent subsidy after the start of funding.
Family allowance: Under certain conditions, scholars may apply for a monthly allowance for accompanying family members.
Disability or chronic illness support: Additional funding may be available for justified extra costs related to a disability or chronic illness, subject to individual review.
Green Mobility Top Up: DAAD may support climate-friendly travel or reimburse carbon offset payments for air travel.
German language support: DAAD may cover an online language course after receipt of the Scholarship Award Letter, a German language course before the start of the study programme, an allowance for a personally chosen German course during the scholarship period, and reimbursement of TestDaF or DSH test fees in eligible cases.

Who can apply for this DAAD scholarship?

International graduates who have completed a first university degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, can apply if they wish to pursue Master’s or postgraduate study in Germany.

Is this scholarship open to all academic disciplines?

Yes, the programme is open to all academic disciplines. However, applicants from architecture, fine art/design/film, performing arts, and music should apply through the separate DAAD scholarship programmes dedicated to those fields.

Can I apply if I have not yet received admission from a German university?

Yes. You can apply before receiving admission. However, you must submit the admission letter before the funding period begins. The DAAD Scholarship Award Letter is only valid if you are admitted to the host university named in your application.

Can I apply if I already started my Master’s degree in Germany?

No. DAAD does not fund Master’s degree programmes that have already started in Germany.

How long is the scholarship duration?

The scholarship usually lasts between 10 and 24 months, depending on the standard duration of the chosen programme. For a two-year Master’s programme, applicants should request two years of funding in the application.

What is the monthly stipend?

The scholarship provides 992 euros per month.

Does DAAD cover tuition fees?

No. DAAD clearly states that tuition fees are not covered.

Do I need a language certificate?

Yes. Applicants must provide proof of proficiency in the language of instruction of their chosen programme. This may be German, English, or both, depending on the selected degree programme.

What English language scores are accepted?

For English-taught programmes, the listed requirements include TOEFL minimum 550, TOEFL iBT minimum 79, or IELTS minimum 6.5. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator are also accepted.

Can I apply if I have been living in Germany?

Applicants cannot be considered if they have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.

When is the application deadline?

The current listed deadline is 31 August 2026. Selection is expected in February 2027, and funding begins in October 2027.

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