DAAD Scholarship 2026: Application, Eligibility, Requirements

DAAD Scholarship 2026 opportunities provide a life-changing pathway for international students and researchers to pursue their academic dreams in Germany without the burden of tuition fees. As one of the world’s prestigious funding programmes, it offers comprehensive financial support for Master’s and PhD candidates across various disciplines. If you are aiming to enhance your professional skills at a top-tier German university, understanding the specific application cycles and eligibility criteria is the first step toward securing your future.

What is DAAD Scholarship?

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a large funding organization. It helps over 100,000 German and international students and researchers. DAAD scholarships support study, research, or language courses in Germany. Here, we explain how to prepare for the DAAD Scholarship 2026 application process. It is important for students seeking academic funding.

DAAD Scholarship 2026 Full List Programs

DAAD scholarships target graduates, doctoral students, and postdocs. Funding covers study and research visits to German universities and research institutions. Some programs also fund internships. The DAAD scholarship 2026 full list programs includes various options.

Choosing the right course is a vital step in your application. The DAAD scholarship 2026 full list programs covers a vast range of disciplines across Germany’s top universities. Whether you are interested in technical sciences or the arts, there is likely a funded path for you.

The primary categories included in the 2026 list are:

• Engineering and Technology: Including Renewable Energy, Sustainable Systems, and Civil Engineering.

• Economics and Law: Focused on Development Economics, Public Policy, and International Law.

• Natural Sciences: Covering Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, and Agricultural Research.

• Arts and Social Sciences: Including Fine Arts, Music, Architecture, and Humanities.

Pro Tip: To view the most up-to-date DAAD scholarship 2026 full list programs, always use the official DAAD Scholarship Database. You can filter results by your country of origin, subject of interest, and your current academic level (Graduate, PhD, or Postdoc).

Research Grants

DAAD offers research grants for PhD students from most countries. A full doctoral program grant in Germany is primarily for applicants from developing and emerging countries.

Master's Degree Scholarships

Scholarships for Master's degrees are available. Some specific study programs target students from developing and emerging countries. Examples include "Study scholarships for STEM disciplines" and "DAAD EPOS scholarships 2026 eligible countries."

DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2026 Eligible Countries

The EPOS programme is specifically designed for young professionals from developing and newly industrialised countries. To be eligible for the 2026 intake, your home country must be included in the OECD DAC List (Development Assistance Committee).

Who Can Apply?

The DAAD EPOS scholarships 2026 eligible countries are generally grouped into the following regions:

• Africa: Including countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

• Asia: Including India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Thailand.

• Middle East: Including Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine.

• Latin America & Caribbean: Including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.

• Eastern Europe & Central Asia: Including Ukraine, Georgia, and Uzbekistan.

Important Note: You must be a resident of an eligible country and have at least two years of relevant professional experience after your Bachelor's degree to qualify for the EPOS scholarship.

DAAD Scholarship 2026 Work Experience Requirements

For many DAAD programmes, particularly those focused on development and practice, professional history is just as important as academic grades. The DAAD scholarship 2026 work experience requirements are designed to ensure that recipients can apply their German education to real-world challenges in their home countries.

Specific Requirements by Programme

• EPOS (Development-Related) Courses: Applicants must have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience at the time of application. This experience must be gained after completing your Bachelor’s degree.

• Helmut-Schmidt Programme: While not always mandatory, having relevant professional or political engagement significantly strengthens your application for Public Policy and Governance.

• Research Grants and PhDs: For doctoral candidates, "work experience" often translates to research assistantships, teaching roles, or published scholarly work.

Hilde Domin Programme

This scholarship is for students and doctoral candidates at risk in their home country. Candidates cannot apply directly. Institutions in Germany nominate them.

In-Country or In-Region Programmes

These programs fund graduate, doctoral, or postdoc periods. Funding is for study in the applicant's home country or region.

Eligibility and Selection

Selection committees review applications. They assess professional qualifications and the study or research project's quality. Applicant potential is also important. Special circumstances like disability may be considered. DAAD scholarship eligibility for Indian students follows these general guidelines. Always check program-specific criteria.

DAAD Language Requirements

Specific language skills are often needed. These requirements vary by program and host institution. Applicants must confirm the required language proficiency (German or English) for their chosen course.

DAAD Required Documents

Typical application documents include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Academic transcripts and degrees

• Motivation letter

• Research proposal or study plan

• Letters of recommendation

• Proof of language proficiency
  Each scholarship program specifies its exact document list.

DAAD Scholarship 2026 Work Experience Requirements

Some programs, especially postgraduate courses with practical relevance, requires a minimum of 2 years of professional experience (for EPOS and relevant postgraduate courses).  Applicants should check individual program descriptions carefully.

Financial Benefits

DAAD scholarships do not need to be repaid. They include a monthly payment (e.g., €992 for students, €1,300, increasing to €1,400 from February 2026 for doctoral students). A flat-rate travel allowance is also provided. Health, accident, and personal liability insurance are often included. Additional benefits may cover research allowances, family benefits, or language courses.

DAAD Scholarship 2026 Key Rules

To maintain the high standards of German higher education, the DAAD implements a rigorous set of regulations that every applicant must follow. These rules ensure that funding is awarded to the capable candidates while keeping the application process transparent and merit-based. Understanding these core principles is essential for a successful submission in the 2026 cycle.

Application Submission

Applicants must submit their applications through the DAAD scholarship database portal. Adhering to application deadlines is crucial.

Selection Committee

Independent and voluntary committees review applications. They make decisions based on merit and potential, not just academic records.

Non-Refundable Nature

All DAAD scholarships are grants. Recipients do not have to pay back the funds received.