Are you dreaming of pursuing your studies, conducting cutting-edge research, or mastering the German language in Germany? If so, securing the right funding is your essential first step. Look no further than the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the world’s largest funding organization of its kind.
Every year, the DAAD supports well over 100,000 German and international students and researchers across the globe, facilitating life-changing academic experiences.
Who is a DAAD Scholarship For?
DAAD scholarships are primarily targeted at highly qualified graduates, doctoral students, and postdocs. They fund study and research visits to German universities and non-university research institutions. Some programs even include funding for internships!
Diverse Funding Opportunities
The DAAD offers a broad range of programs tailored to different academic levels and applicant backgrounds:
- Research Grants for PhD Students: Available to applicants from almost all countries of origin.
- Full Doctoral Programmes: Primarily offered to applicants from developing and emerging countries.
- Master’s Degrees: Scholarships for a Master’s degree in Germany are generally available, particularly for persons from industrial countries. However, specialized study scholarship programs exist for students from developing and emerging nations, such as:
- “Study scholarships for STEM disciplines”
- “Development-related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)”
Special and Regional Programmes
- The Hilde Domin Programme: This scholarship is for students and doctoral candidates who are at risk of being denied educational or other rights in their country of origin. Note: Candidates cannot apply directly; they must be nominated by a legal entity or institution based in Germany.
- “In-Country” or “In-Region” Programmes: These valuable programs offer DAAD funding for a graduate, doctoral, or postdoc program conducted within the applicant’s home country or region.
The Application and Selection Process
Ready to apply? Here’s what you need to know:
- Check the Scholarship Database: Always begin by reading the detailed call for applications for your chosen program in the DAAD scholarship database (www.funding-guide.de). Pay close attention to all application deadlines.
- Submit via the Application Portal: The scholarship database will link you directly to the application portal.
- Selection Criteria: Applications are reviewed by independent and voluntary selection committees. They assess not only professional qualifications and the quality of the study or research project, but also the potential of the applicant. Special circumstances (e.g., disability) may also be taken into account.
What Does a DAAD Scholarship Cover?
One of the most attractive features of DAAD scholarships is that they do not have to be paid back!
Scholarships typically include:
- A Monthly Scholarship Payment: (Currently, for example, €992 for students and €1,300 for doctoral/PhD students).
- A Flat-Rate Travel Allowance.
- Insurance Coverage: In many cases, health, accident, and personal liability insurance are provided.
Depending on the specific program, additional benefits may include a one-off research allowance, family benefits, or funds for language courses. Always check the call for applications in the scholarship database for the exact benefits offered.
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