By Zekeria Madadi | September 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

DAAD Scholarships 2027: Complete Guide

DAAD Scholarships 2027 offer funding opportunities for international students, graduates, researchers, and doctoral students who want to study or do research in Germany. DAAD is the German Academic Exchange Service, and its scholarship database includes many different programs. The exact requirements, funding, countries, subjects, and deadlines depend on the program.

This guide explains the main DAAD scholarship options for 2027, who can apply, what the scholarships can cover, required documents, deadlines, and how to apply.

What Is DAAD?

DAAD stands for the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst). It supports international academic exchange and offers funding for study and research in Germany.

DAAD does not have only one scholarship. It manages many different scholarship programs for different academic levels, subjects, countries, and purposes.

The official DAAD scholarship database is therefore the most important place to check your options. It allows applicants to search by country, academic level, subject, and scholarship purpose.

What Are DAAD Scholarships 2027?

DAAD Scholarships 2027 are scholarship opportunities that provide financial support for eligible international students and researchers whose funding starts in 2027.

For example, the DAAD Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines program can support a full Master’s degree in Germany. For the current 2027 call, funding is planned to start in 2027, usually from 1 October 2027, although an earlier German language course may be possible.

However, not every DAAD scholarship has the same starting date. Some programs have different schedules and application deadlines.

Who Can Apply for DAAD Scholarships 2027?

There is no single eligibility rule for all DAAD scholarships.

Your eligibility depends on the scholarship program you choose.

Some DAAD programs are for:

Bachelor’s graduates
Master’s students
Doctoral students
PhD candidates
Postdoctoral researchers
University teachers
Researchers
Professionals with work experience

For example, the general DAAD Study Scholarship for Master’s studies requires applicants to have completed their first university degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree, by the beginning of the funding period.

Some programs also have country restrictions. Therefore, being eligible for one DAAD program does not mean that you are eligible for every DAAD scholarship.

The DAAD database lets applicants select their country and academic status to find programs that may apply to them.

Can Afghan Students Apply for DAAD Scholarships?

Afghanistan appears in the DAAD scholarship database as a country that can be selected when searching for scholarship programs. However, eligibility is different for each program.

For this reason, Afghan students should not assume that every DAAD scholarship is open to them.

Before applying, check these points on the official scholarship page:

Country eligibility
Academic level
Required degree
Subject requirements
Work experience requirements
Language requirements
Application deadline
Application method

The official DAAD database should be used to confirm eligibility for the exact program you want to apply for.

What Does the DAAD Scholarship Cover?

The benefits depend on the scholarship program.

For the DAAD Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines, the 2027 information lists:

€992 per month
Payments toward health, accident, and personal liability insurance
Travel allowance upon application
€460 annual study allowance
Possible monthly rent subsidy in certain cases
Possible family allowance in certain cases
Some support for additional costs related to disability or chronic illness
Green Mobility support in eligible cases
Possible language course support

One important point is that this specific Master’s scholarship does not cover tuition fees. Applicants should therefore check the tuition situation of their chosen university and program.

Benefits are not the same for every DAAD scholarship. Always read the funding section of the exact program before applying.

How Much Is the DAAD Monthly Scholarship?

For the DAAD Master’s Study Scholarship mentioned above, the monthly scholarship payment for the 2027 program is €992.

Other DAAD programs can have different payment rates.

For example, the EPOS program lists €992 per month for graduates and a higher amount for doctoral candidates under its current information.

Therefore, applicants should not use €992 as the payment for every DAAD scholarship.

Does DAAD Pay Tuition Fees?

Not always.

This is one of the most important points for students.

For the general Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines, DAAD states that tuition fees are not covered.

Germany has many public universities where students may not pay general tuition fees, but some programs and universities can charge fees. Students should check the official university and degree-program pages before making financial plans.

Do not assume that “DAAD scholarship” automatically means all university fees will be paid.

How Long Is the DAAD Master’s Scholarship?

The general DAAD Study Scholarship for Master’s studies can support a program for 10 to 24 months, depending on the normal length of the selected degree program.

The scholarship can normally cover the standard study period, up to 24 months. If the Master’s program lasts two years, the applicant should request the full two-year period in the application.

After the first year, DAAD checks academic progress before continuing the funding as planned.

What Subjects Are Covered?

DAAD has scholarship programs in many academic areas.

Depending on the program, subjects can include:

Engineering
Computer Science
Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Biology
Environmental Sciences
Agriculture
Economics
Business
Social Sciences
Law
Medicine
Public Health
Languages
Cultural Studies
Arts
Music
Architecture

The general Master’s Study Scholarship covers many academic fields, while some programs are designed for specific subjects.

This means students should search for a scholarship based on their subject and academic level, rather than looking only for a program called “DAAD Scholarship.”

DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2027/28

One important DAAD program is Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS).

EPOS supports selected postgraduate courses in Germany for graduates from eligible developing and newly industrialised countries. It is mainly designed for professionals who have relevant work experience and want to study subjects related to development.

A typical EPOS applicant should have:

A Bachelor’s degree
Strong academic results
At least two years of relevant professional experience after the first degree
A suitable academic background
The required language skills
Eligibility under the selected EPOS course and country rules

The EPOS 2027/28 list includes programs in areas such as:

Development Economics
Development Management
Environmental Risks
Hydro Science and Engineering
Sustainable Energy
Urban Planning
Tropical Forestry
Agricultural Economics
Environmental Governance
Natural Resources Management
Water Resources Management
Public Health and other development-related fields

EPOS deadlines are different for each study program. Students must check the deadline of their selected course.

DAAD STEM Scholarships

DAAD also has a Study Scholarship for STEM disciplines.

This program can support selected full-time Master’s degree programs in STEM fields. The current 2027 information states that funding can run from 10 months up to 24 months, depending on the standard length of the Master’s program.

The listed monthly payment is €992, with insurance support and other possible benefits according to the program rules.

Students interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics should check the exact program requirements before applying.

DAAD Research Grants

DAAD also offers research funding for doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers.

For example, the Research Grants in Germany program has different requirements for doctoral students and postdocs. The current program information lists different deadlines and funding start dates for different calls.

This shows why applicants should not search for only one “DAAD deadline.” Different DAAD programs can have completely different dates.

DAAD Scholarships 2027 Deadlines

There is no single deadline for all DAAD Scholarships 2027.

For the general Master’s Study Scholarship, the current DAAD database shows different deadlines depending on the specific country and program call. Examples in the database include deadlines in November and December 2026, with selection taking place in 2027 and funding starting in the winter semester 2027/28.

For EPOS, deadlines are set by the individual postgraduate courses.

Important

Do not use one deadline for every DAAD scholarship.

The correct deadline is the deadline shown on the official DAAD page for your selected scholarship or, for some programs such as EPOS, the relevant university/course page.

DAAD Scholarships 2027 Application Requirements

Requirements depend on the program.

For the general Master’s Study Scholarship, applicants normally need:

A completed first university degree
Good academic preparation
A suitable study plan
Required language skills
Admission to the German university before the scholarship begins
Required application documents
Eligibility for the selected country and program

DAAD also states that, as a general rule, the most recent university degree should not be more than six years old at the application deadline for this program.

However, this rule should not be applied to every DAAD program. Always check the exact call.

English Language Requirements

Language requirements depend on the study program.

If the Master’s program is taught in English, applicants must provide proof of the required English level. DAAD lists certificates such as:

IELTS
TOEFL iBT
Cambridge English
PTE Academic
TOEIC
Duolingo English Test
Other accepted certificates depending on the program and country

If the program is taught in German, German language proof may be required.

Some German-taught programs can include a German language course before the main study period.

Is IELTS Always Required?

No single IELTS rule applies to every DAAD scholarship.

The exact language proof depends on:

The DAAD scholarship
The university
The degree program
The language of instruction
The applicant’s country-specific requirements

DAAD specifically says applicants should check the requirements of their chosen program and university.

So students should not assume that DAAD always requires IELTS or that DAAD always accepts an alternative test.

Required Documents for DAAD Scholarships 2027

The document list changes by scholarship.

For the general Master’s Study Scholarship, the DAAD application can require:

Online application form
CV
Motivation letter
University admission letter
Academic transcripts
University degree certificate
Proof of language skills
Recommendation letter from a university teacher
Other relevant documents, if needed

For example, DAAD currently asks for a motivation letter of 1–3 pages for this Master’s scholarship.

Employment certificates and proof of extracurricular activities can also be uploaded as optional supporting documents when relevant.

DAAD Motivation Letter

The motivation letter is an important part of the application.

A good motivation letter should clearly explain:

Your academic background
Why you chose the subject
Why you chose the study program
Why you want to study in Germany
Your academic interests
Your professional experience
Your future goals
How the study program fits your career plan

Do not write a general letter that could be sent to any university.

Your letter should match the exact program you are applying for.

DAAD’s selection criteria include the quality of the study project, its connection to the applicant’s academic path, motivation, and future academic, professional, and personal development.

DAAD CV Requirements

For the general Master’s Study Scholarship, DAAD asks for a full CV in tabular form, with a maximum length of three pages.

Your CV should normally show:

Education
Work experience
Internships
Research experience
Training
Language skills
Academic activities
Volunteer or social activities
Relevant skills

Keep the information clear and easy to check.

Do You Need University Admission Before Applying?

This depends on the program.

For the general DAAD Master’s Study Scholarship, you can apply before receiving the final admission letter, but you must obtain admission before the funding period begins. The scholarship award is only valid if you are admitted to the host university named in your application.

This means students should carefully check both:

DAAD deadline

and

University admission deadline

They may not be the same.

How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships 2027

The basic process is:

Step 1: Find a DAAD Scholarship

Use the official DAAD Scholarship Database and search by:

Country
Academic level
Subject
Study purpose
Scholarship type

DAAD says its database contains scholarship programs for international students and researchers as well as selected funding opportunities from other organisations.

Step 2: Read the Full Call

Read the complete scholarship description.

Check:

Eligibility
Country restrictions
Academic requirements
Work experience
Language requirements
Funding
Deadline
Documents
Application method

Step 3: Find a Suitable German University

Search for a Master’s program that matches your education and career plans.

Check the university’s official website for:

Admission requirements
Language requirements
Application deadline
Tuition fees
Required documents

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your:

CV
Motivation letter
Degree certificate
Transcript
Language certificate
Recommendation letter
Work certificates
Other required documents

Documents in languages other than German or English may need translations according to the program instructions.

Step 5: Apply Through the Correct System

For the general Master’s Study Scholarship, applications are submitted online through the DAAD portal. The current instructions say applicants should register, prepare the documents, upload PDF files, complete the application form, and submit it online.

Some DAAD programs use a different application process.

For example, EPOS applications are sent to the selected course directly, according to the course’s own application instructions.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Do not wait until the final day.

The DAAD portal closes at the stated deadline, and incomplete applications cannot be considered for the general Master’s Study Scholarship.

How DAAD Selects Applicants

DAAD scholarships are reviewed by independent selection committees.

For the general Master’s Study Scholarship, the selection criteria include:

Academic achievements
Previous study record
Language knowledge
Relevant internships or work experience
Quality of the study project
Preparation for the selected program
Connection between the study plan and academic career
Motivation
Future academic and professional plans
Extracurricular and social activities

This means an application is not based only on grades.

The exact selection rules can differ between programs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the wrong scholarship

DAAD has many programs. Make sure the program matches your country, degree, subject, and academic level.

Using the wrong deadline

There is no single deadline for all DAAD scholarships.

Writing a general motivation letter

Your motivation letter should explain why the specific program fits your background and goals.

Ignoring the university deadline

The DAAD deadline and university admission deadline can be different.

Assuming DAAD pays every cost

Funding depends on the scholarship. For example, the general Master’s Study Scholarship does not cover tuition fees.

Uploading incomplete documents

For the general Master’s Study Scholarship, incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Waiting until the last day

Technical problems can happen. DAAD itself advises applicants not to wait until the final day if possible.

DAAD Scholarships 2027 Application Timeline

A simple preparation plan is:

6–12 months before the deadline

Search for scholarships
Choose your subject
Find suitable German universities
Check eligibility
Check language requirements

3–6 months before the deadline

Prepare your CV
Prepare your motivation letter
Request recommendation letters
Prepare academic documents
Take a language test if required

1–2 months before the deadline

Check every document
Check translations
Check the university application
Create or complete your DAAD account
Upload documents

Before the deadline

Review the complete application
Submit it online
Save confirmation and copies of your documents

This timeline is a planning guide. The real dates depend on the scholarship and university.

DAAD Scholarships 2027 for Master’s Students

For students who want a Master’s degree, several DAAD programs may be relevant.

The general Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines program can fund a full postgraduate or Master’s program at a state or state-recognised German university, subject to its eligibility rules.

Students with relevant professional experience should also check EPOS, especially if their intended Master’s program is development-related.

STEM students can also check the separate DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM disciplines.

The right program depends on your own academic background and the exact course you want to study.

DAAD Scholarships 2027 for PhD Students

DAAD also provides research and doctoral funding.

The requirements are different from Master’s scholarships. For example, some Research Grants in Germany are intended for doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers and have specific rules about the age or stage of the doctorate.

PhD applicants should therefore search the DAAD database using:

Research / Doctorate / PhD

and then check the exact program.

Is DAAD Scholarship Fully Funded?

Some DAAD scholarships provide a broad package of financial support, but “fully funded” should not be understood as meaning every possible cost is covered in every program.

For example, the general Master’s Study Scholarship provides €992 per month, insurance support, a possible travel allowance, and other benefits, but it does not cover tuition fees.

The actual benefits depend on the selected DAAD program.

Can You Apply for More Than One DAAD Scholarship?

You should check the rules of each program.

Some programs have their own rules about multiple applications. EPOS, for example, allows applicants to apply for up to three courses under its current rules, with courses listed in order of priority.

Do not assume that this rule applies to every DAAD scholarship.

Official DAAD Scholarship

The official DAAD Scholarship Database is the main place to search for current opportunities.

DAAD Scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions About DAAD Scholarships 2027

What is the DAAD Scholarship 2027?

DAAD Scholarships 2027 are different scholarship programs offered through DAAD for international students, graduates, researchers, and doctoral candidates. The exact requirements and benefits depend on the program.

How much does DAAD pay Master’s students?

For the general DAAD Study Scholarship for Master’s studies, the listed payment for the 2027 program is €992 per month. Other benefits can include insurance support, a travel allowance, and an annual study allowance.

Does DAAD pay tuition fees?

Not for every program. The general Master’s Study Scholarship does not cover tuition fees. Students should check the fees of their chosen university and program.

Can Afghan students apply for DAAD Scholarships?

Afghanistan is included as a selectable country in the DAAD scholarship database, but eligibility depends on the individual scholarship program.

Do I need IELTS for DAAD?

There is no single IELTS rule for all DAAD scholarships. You need to prove the language level required by your selected study program and scholarship.

What is the DAAD deadline for 2027?

There is no single deadline. Different DAAD programs and country groups have different deadlines. EPOS courses also have their own deadlines. Always check the exact official call.

Can I apply without university admission?

For the general Master’s Study Scholarship, you can apply before receiving the final admission letter, but you must obtain admission before the funding period begins.

How long does the DAAD Master’s scholarship last?

The general Master’s Study Scholarship supports between 10 and 24 months, depending on the normal length of the selected program.

Where can I apply for DAAD Scholarships?

The application method depends on the scholarship. The general Master’s Study Scholarship uses the DAAD online portal, while some programs such as EPOS require applications to be sent directly to the selected course.

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