DAAD scholarships for international students are one of the most important funding routes for studying or doing research in Germany. This overview explains which types of DAAD funding exist, who can apply, what the applications usually require and how to find the right programme in the scholarship database. The information reflects the situation in October 2026.
Short answer: DAAD scholarships for international students are offered for Master’s and doctoral study, research stays, language courses and short programmes. Each programme sets its own eligibility, deadlines and rates, so the scholarship database is the place to check them. In winter semester 2025/26, about 426,200 international students and doctoral candidates were enrolled in Germany (DAAD, press release of 14 October 2026).
Key points at a glance
- DAAD is the German Academic Exchange Service. It funds international students and researchers, and it is not a single scholarship.
- Each programme has its own eligibility rules, deadlines and monthly rate, so read the call for your exact case.
- Many programmes ask for an admission or an offer from a German university, and some require a specific degree stage.
- Applications usually run months before the start of the programme, so plan the timeline backwards.
- Scholarships are not the only route. Check whether your university or a foundation also offers funding.
What types of DAAD scholarships are there?
DAAD funds several groups and purposes. The table below gives an overview of the main categories. The exact name, rate and target group depend on the programme, so use it as a map rather than a final answer.
| Category | Typical target group | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Study scholarships | Graduates who want a Master’s or a postgraduate degree | Degree level, subject list, language requirement, admission status |
| Doctoral scholarships | Candidates for a PhD in Germany | Supervisor and university, research plan, deadline per field |
| Research stays | Researchers and postgraduate students for a short stay | Length of stay, host institution, country eligibility |
| Language courses and summer schools | Students who need preparation before their degree | Course dates, language level, travel and cost coverage |
The rates for each programme are published in the call documents. They differ by programme and sometimes by country, so do not compare rates between two calls without checking the rules for each one.
How do I find a DAAD scholarship that fits me?
The DAAD scholarship database lists current programmes and lets you filter by country, subject and degree. Use this step-by-step approach to avoid wasting time on calls that do not match your profile:
- Decide your degree level and your target start date. A Master’s programme starting in October needs a different timeline than a PhD.
- Filter the scholarship database by your country of residence or citizenship and by subject.
- Read the eligibility section first. Calls often set limits on prior study in Germany or on the degree you already hold.
- Note the deadline and the required documents for each call in one list.
- Check whether your target university accepts the DAAD application or requires a separate one.
What do DAAD applications usually require?
The documents differ by programme, but most applications ask for the same core items. Collect them early, because certificates and language tests can take several weeks.
- Your academic transcripts and degree certificates, with official translations where required.
- A motivation letter that explains your project and your reasons for choosing Germany.
- A CV in tabular form with dates and gaps explained.
- Proof of German or English language skills, depending on the course.
- Letters of reference or recommendation, if the call asks for them.
- An admission letter or an offer from a German university, where the call requires it.
How many international students are in Germany, and what does that mean for competition?
According to DAAD, about 426,200 international students and doctoral candidates were enrolled in Germany in the winter semester 2025/26. This is around six percent more than in the previous year. The figure combines students and doctoral candidates, so it is not a count of scholarship holders. For you, the practical point is that more people compete for limited places, and early preparation matters more than a last-minute application.
Example (assumption): You want to start a Master’s programme in October 2027. A realistic planning timeline could begin with the research phase in the spring of 2026, the language test in the summer and the application in the autumn. Adjust the dates to the deadline of your exact call.
Which timeline works for a DAAD application?
| When | Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Roughly 12 months before the start | Shortlist programmes and calls | Gives you time to meet language and document requirements |
| About 9 months before | Contact the university and check admission | Many calls require an admission or an offer |
| About 6 months before | Order certificates and start the language test | Official documents can take several weeks |
| Before the deadline | Submit the complete application | Incomplete applications are often not reviewed |
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a DAAD scholarship from Morocco?
Many DAAD calls are open to applicants living abroad, but eligibility depends on the programme and sometimes on your country. Read the call for your country and your degree stage. Some funding is allocated through local partner offices or German missions, so check whether you need to apply through them.
Do I still have to pay tuition fees?
Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, but this is not a general rule for everyone. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students tuition for most programmes, and some Master’s programmes charge fees in any state. Check the fee information of the university for your course and your nationality before you apply, because a scholarship may or may not cover them.
Is a scholarship taxable in Germany?
The tax and social insurance treatment of a scholarship depends on its type and amount. Read our overview on whether a scholarship is taxable and check the official rules for your situation.
Does a scholarship change my health insurance?
A scholarship does not automatically change your health insurance duties. Your insurance status depends on your enrolment and your residence status. The rules for international students are explained in health insurance for international students in Germany.
Can I combine two scholarships?
Combining funding is often restricted. Many scholarships exclude other funding from the same purpose, and some count another grant against your rate. Ask the funding body in writing before you accept a second offer.
What should I do next?
- Open the DAAD scholarship database and save three programmes that match your degree and nationality.
- Write down the deadline and the documents for each programme in one list.
- Contact your target university to confirm your admission status.
- Order transcripts, certificates and language proofs as early as possible.
- Submit your application before the deadline and keep the confirmation.
Related reading
- Studying in Germany from Morocco: insurance, blocked account, visa
- Scholarships for students: types, providers and requirements
- Is a scholarship taxable? Tax and social insurance
- Health insurance for international students in Germany
- Funding study abroad: BAföG, Erasmus and scholarships
If you want a personal assessment of your own situation, you can find out how we work at academycon.de. This page explains the process only and does not replace an individual consultation.
Sources:
- DAAD press release on international students, 14 October 2026, for the figure of 426,200 students and doctoral candidates in winter semester 2025/26
- DAAD, German Academic Exchange Service, scholarship database and programme calls, status October 2026
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
