DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseas

DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseas offer opportunities for students worldwide, providing financial support to pursue studies at renowned universities across various countries. These scholarships make higher education overseas more accessible and rewarding, opening doors to new academic horizons and empowering you to deepen your expertise or explore fresh fields of study.

Host Country	Germany and other Nation
Host Institute	Various worldwide
Level	Masters
Eligible Nationality	All
Fellowship Type	Fully Funded
Duration	One or two years of study (maximum 24 months)
Opening Date	Open
Closing Date	Different for different regions( Upto 18 March 2026)

Overview of Deutsche Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)

The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) is one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to promoting academic exchange and enabling students to pursue higher education abroad. Whether you are a recent graduate eager to broaden your horizons or a professional aiming to sharpen your skills, DAAD scholarships provide the chance to study at prestigious universities worldwide.

DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseas

Many students dream of earning their Master’s degree abroad, as it offers the chance to study at top universities, immerse themselves in a new culture, and build a global network. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) makes this dream possible through a variety of scholarships. Among them, the DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseas stand out, covering the full cost of one- or two-year programs. Open to students, researchers, and professionals from nearly all academic disciplines—including engineering, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences—these scholarships provide a unique pathway to academic and professional growth on an international scale.

Advantages of the DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseas

The scholarship provides the following benefits:

Monthly Stipend: A monthly allowance determined by the host country. Applicants can use the scholarship calculator to estimate the amount. (Applicable to students and graduates for the 2026/2027 academic year, subject to specific conditions.)
Travel Allowance: Financial support for travel expenses, calculated based on the host country. For more information, see Section D, point 5 of the Important Scholarship Information.
Insurance Coverage: Comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance.

Once funding begins, you may also be eligible for the following additional benefits:

Tuition Fee Support: Partial reimbursement of tuition fees up to a specified limit. Refer to Section D, point 4 of the Important Scholarship Information.
Language Course Support: Funding for a language course in the local language or the language of instruction/work.
Family Allowances: Financial assistance for accompanying spouses, partners, or children. See Section D, point 7 for details.
In-country Travel Grant: Support for project-related travel within the host country (requires a cost estimate and a letter of support from your academic supervisor). Note: accommodation costs are not included.
Support for Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses: Upon request, financial assistance may be provided for additional, justified costs related to a disability or chronic illness that are essential for completing the project and not covered by other sources. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility Requirement for DAAD Scholarships

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

A broad range of candidates can apply for the DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseas, including:

Recent graduates aiming to enroll at an international university to pursue a master’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
Professionals seeking a formal degree to enhance their expertise and career prospects.
Students of all nationalities, including those who are not German citizens.

Academic Qualification Requirements

To be eligible for the DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseas, applicants must meet the following educational requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree: Hold a bachelor’s degree from a German state or state-recognized university, or an equivalent international qualification, earned after at least three years of study.
Alternative Degrees: Other eligible qualifications include a Master’s, Magister, Diploma, First or Second Law Examination, First or Second State Examination for Teaching, Third Section of the Medical Examination, or Second Section of the Pharmaceutical Examination.
Accredited Programs: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university offering cooperative education programs also meets the eligibility criteria.

Special Eligibility Criteria for International Applicants

If you have completed your studies in Germany, you may apply for funding to pursue a full Master’s program or to continue into the second year of a Master’s program already underway in your current country of residence. For most foreign graduates, applications are generally limited to Master’s programs in countries other than their current place of residence. Funding for a Master’s degree in your present country will only be granted in exceptional cases where the circumstances are directly connected to your research.

What Benefits Do DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseas Provide?

Scholarship Duration

The DAAD scholarship can support your studies for up to 24 months, depending on the duration of your Master’s program. This means you may receive funding for the entire length of either a one-year or two-year Master’s degree.

Monthly Allowance

One of the key benefits of the DAAD fellowship is its monthly allowance, which is determined by the host country. This support is designed to cover living expenses during your stay, allowing you to focus on your studies without the strain of additional financial pressures.

Travel Stipend

In addition to the monthly stipend, DAAD provides a travel grant to cover transportation costs to and from the host institution. The amount varies depending on the host country and is especially valuable for students who need to travel long distances to reach their study destination.

Health, Accident, and Personal Liability Insurance

DAAD ensures that all scholarship recipients receive comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance. This coverage is vital for students studying abroad, providing protection and peace of mind against unexpected situations.

Extra Benefits

Once funding through the DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseas begins, you may apply for several additional benefits:

Tuition Fee Subsidy: Partial coverage of tuition fees, up to a specified limit.
Language Course Support: Financial assistance for language courses, either in the host country’s language or the language of instruction/work.
Family Benefits: Support for spouses, partners, or children accompanying you during your studies.
In-country Travel Grant: Funding for project-related travel within the host country. Note: accommodation expenses are not covered.

Deadline for Applications

The application deadlines for the DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseas vary by region:

Western Europe, Iberian Peninsula: 30 September 2025
Northern & Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus: 30 September 2025
Southern Europe, East-Central Europe, Southeastern Europe, Turkey: 02 December 2025
China, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Taiwan: 11 September 2025
USA, Canada: 01 October 2025
Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, North Africa: 18 September 2025 and 18 March 2026
South/Southeast Asia, Oceania: 11 September 2025 and 19 February 2026
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea: 19 February 2026

All applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. (CET or CEST) via the DAAD website. To avoid last-minute technical issues, it is recommended to apply several days before the deadline. For letters of reference sent by mail, the postmark will serve as proof of timely submission.

Required Documents

When applying for the DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseas, you must upload the following documents:

Completed online application form
Tabular curriculum vitae (CV)
Letter of motivation
Graduation certificate with detailed transcript of grades
Certificate of university entrance qualification
Proof of language proficiency
Current and supportive letter of recommendation

Application Procedure

The DAAD portal is the official platform for submitting your application, offering a convenient and accessible process for candidates worldwide. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process successfully.

Step 1: Create an Account on the DAAD Portal

The first step is to register on the DAAD portal. Here’s how:
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official DAAD website and open the Registration or Portal Login page.
- Create Your Account: If you are a first-time user, provide your name, email address, and contact details to set up an account.
- Verify Registration: After submitting your information, you will receive a confirmation email. Click the verification link to complete your registration and activate your account.

Step 2: Apply Online via the DAAD Portal

Once your account is active, you can begin your online application:
- Find the Scholarship Program: Use the search function in the DAAD portal to locate the specific Master’s degree scholarship you wish to apply for.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the form with accurate and up-to-date details about your educational background, work experience, and intended Master’s program.
- Upload Required Documents: Prepare and upload all necessary documents, including your CV, academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and motivation letter. Ensure each file meets the DAAD’s format and size requirements.
- Generate the Letter of Recommendation Cover Page:
  - In the portal, select the Generate form letter of recommendation option to create a writable PDF cover page.
  - Send this form to your university lecturer, requesting that they complete it and attach a self-written letter of recommendation as specified.
  - Upload both the completed form and the letter in the Attachments section under Letters of Recommendation in your application.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

After filling out the form and uploading all documents, carefully review every detail for accuracy before submission. Once satisfied, submit your application through the portal.

Step 4: Receive Confirmation

After submission, DAAD will send you a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application. This email will also outline the next steps in the selection process.

Learn more.

Summary

The DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies Overseaser far more than financial support—they open pathways to academic growth, professional advancement, and cultural enrichment. Whether your goal is to deepen your expertise in a specific field, build an international network, or experience life in a different part of the world, the DAAD scholarship provides the resources and guidance to help you succeed.

If you are passionate about studying abroad and meet the eligibility criteria, don’t hesitate to apply. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immense, and the experience will shape your future in ways you might never have imagined.