DAAD Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines 2027
Offered by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Location
Germany
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
Master's
Field of study
All Fields
Application deadline
November 2, 2026
About This Scholarship
The DAAD Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines provide financial support to qualified international graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate study in Germany.
The programme is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and supports graduates who want to continue their academic education through an eligible Master’s programme at a state or state-recognised university in Germany.
Depending on the applicable country-specific call, the scholarship may support a complete Master’s degree in Germany or, in certain circumstances, one year of study in Germany as part of a Master’s programme being completed at a university outside Germany.
The programme covers a broad range of academic disciplines. Eligible fields can include languages and cultural studies, law and social sciences, mathematics and natural sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine, agricultural and environmental sciences, engineering, and other subject areas specified in the relevant DAAD call.
Applicants interested in architecture, fine art, design, film, performing arts or music should check whether a separate DAAD programme is more appropriate for their discipline.
The scholarship is intended for applicants who can present a clear and convincing study plan. DAAD's selection process considers academic qualifications, the quality of the proposed study project, motivation, language skills where relevant, and the applicant's academic and personal development potential.
For applicants seeking a full Master's degree in Germany, the programme is generally intended for studies beginning in the following winter semester. Applicants should therefore check the applicable call carefully before submitting an application.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility conditions can vary depending on the applicant's country and the specific DAAD call. Applicants should therefore confirm the requirements in the DAAD scholarship database before applying.
In general, applicants must:
Have completed a first university degree, such as a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification, by the beginning of the scholarship period.
Have an appropriate academic background for the intended Master's programme.
Demonstrate good academic performance and provide official academic records.
Have a suitable study project in Germany and explain why the selected programme is appropriate for their academic and professional development.
Apply for an eligible Master's programme at a state or state-recognised university in Germany.
Meet the admission requirements of the selected German university, including academic and language requirements.
Provide proof of the required language proficiency for the language of instruction of the intended programme.
Generally have obtained their most recent university degree within the period specified by the applicable DAAD call. The current programme information generally refers to a maximum of six years before the application deadline, subject to the detailed conditions of the relevant call.
Not have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline, according to the current programme conditions.
Provide all required academic and supporting documents, including transcripts, certificates, CV, motivation letter and recommendation documents where required.
Apply through the appropriate DAAD application procedure before the deadline specified for their country and programme.
What Can Be Funded?
The scholarship can support:
A complete Master's degree programme in Germany at a state or state-recognised university.
One year of study in Germany as part of a second or Master's degree being completed at a university outside Germany, where the applicable conditions are met and the credits obtained in Germany can be recognised by the home institution.
Applicants should note that the scholarship generally cannot be used to finance a Master's programme that has already started in Germany.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful scholarship holders may receive a comprehensive package of financial and additional support, including:
Monthly scholarship payment of €992.
Health, accident and personal liability insurance contributions according to the applicable conditions.
Travel allowance, subject to the relevant country-specific conditions.
Annual study allowance of €460 to help with study-related expenses.
Possible monthly rent subsidy where the applicable requirements are met.
Possible allowance for accompanying family members under the relevant conditions.
Additional financial support related to disability or chronic illness may be available where justified additional costs are necessary for the study project and are not covered by another source.
Green Mobility Top Up or carbon-offset support may be available under the applicable conditions.
Language-learning support, including possible funding for language courses where applicable.
Possible German language preparation before the academic programme begins. Depending on the applicant's circumstances and study programme, DAAD may provide support for a German language course before the start of the Master's programme.
Support for eligible language examinations, subject to the applicable DAAD conditions.
Applicants should note that DAAD does not generally cover tuition fees under this scholarship. Students should therefore check whether tuition fees apply to their chosen university or programme and make appropriate financial arrangements.
Scholarship Duration
The scholarship is normally awarded for 10 to 24 months, depending on the standard duration of the selected study programme.
For a two-year Master's programme, applicants may be considered for funding covering the appropriate period of study. Continuation beyond the first year is subject to satisfactory academic progress and the applicable DAAD conditions.
For the current 2027/28 cycle, the scholarship funding is expected to begin from October 2027, although a German language course may begin earlier where DAAD provides such support.
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed through a competitive selection process involving independent academic specialists.
DAAD considers several aspects of an applicant's background and proposed study project.
1. Academic Qualification
This includes previous academic achievements, the applicant's academic background, relevant knowledge and skills, and, where applicable, relevant professional or practical experience.
2. Quality of the Study Project
The proposed study project is an important part of the application. Applicants should clearly explain their academic objectives, why they selected the particular Master's programme and university, and how the proposed study fits into their academic development.
3. Motivation
Applicants should demonstrate convincing academic and personal reasons for pursuing the proposed Master's study in Germany.
4. Future Prospects
The application should show how the proposed study can contribute to the applicant's future academic or professional development.
5. Language Skills
The required language proficiency depends on the language of instruction of the selected programme.
6. Extracurricular and Social Engagement
Relevant extracurricular activities, voluntary work and social engagement may also be considered as part of the overall assessment.
Required Application Documents
The exact documentation can vary according to the applicant's country and programme. Applicants should check their specific DAAD call for the current requirements.
Commonly required documents include:
Curriculum Vitae (CV) in tabular format.
Motivation letter explaining the academic and personal reasons for the proposed study project.
University degree certificate showing the completed qualification and final result, where already available.
Current academic transcript showing individual grades.
Proof of language proficiency appropriate to the intended programme.
Letter of recommendation from a university teacher, using the DAAD recommendation procedure where required.
Admission letter from the German university, where already available or as required by the applicable call.
Additional supporting documents, such as employment certificates, evidence of relevant professional experience or evidence of extracurricular activities, where applicable.
Applicants whose documents are not in German or English should check the applicable translation and certification requirements before submission.
Language Requirements
Language requirements depend on the selected Master's programme.
For programmes taught in English, applicants may need to provide an accepted English-language qualification such as IELTS, TOEFL or another certificate recognised by the selected university.
For programmes taught in German, applicants may need recognised evidence of German-language proficiency, depending on the university and programme.
Applicants should not assume that the same language certificate or score is accepted by every German university. The specific Master's programme should be checked for its own language requirements and accepted certificates.
Application Process
Step 1: Check the Country-Specific DAAD Call
Applicants should begin by searching the official DAAD scholarship database and selecting their relevant country. This is important because eligibility requirements, deadlines and application arrangements can vary by country.
Step 2: Identify a Suitable Master's Programme
Research Master's programmes at German state or state-recognised universities. Consider the curriculum, entry requirements, language of instruction, tuition arrangements and university application deadline.
Step 3: Check University Admission Requirements
The DAAD scholarship application does not replace the university admission process. Applicants must separately satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen German university.
Step 4: Prepare the Scholarship Documents
Prepare the CV, motivation letter, transcripts, degree certificates, language certificate, recommendation and any other documents required by the relevant DAAD call.
Step 5: Register on the DAAD Portal
Applicants should create an account on the official DAAD application portal during the relevant application period.
Step 6: Arrange the Recommendation
Where required, applicants should generate the DAAD recommendation form through the application portal and provide it to an appropriate university teacher for completion.
Step 7: Complete the Online Application
Enter the required information and upload the documents in the formats specified by DAAD.
Step 8: Review the Application
Before submission, applicants should carefully check their personal information, academic records, programme details, uploaded documents and deadline.
Step 9: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit the complete application through the DAAD application portal before the deadline applicable to the applicant's country and scholarship call.
Application Deadline
2 November 2026 is the deadline listed for the applicable current DAAD Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines call.
However, applicants should not assume that 2 November 2026 is the deadline for every country. DAAD publishes country-specific versions of this scholarship, and deadlines can differ between countries.
Applicants should therefore search the official DAAD scholarship database using their country of origin or residence and confirm the exact deadline displayed for their individual call before submitting an application.
Important Information for Applicants
Admission and scholarship applications are separate processes. Receiving or applying for a DAAD scholarship does not automatically constitute admission to a German university. Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen institution.
The university admission deadline may differ from the DAAD deadline. Applicants should check both deadlines and begin the university application process early.
Tuition fees are generally not covered by this scholarship. Applicants should check the fee structure of their selected programme and determine whether additional funds will be required.
Eligibility is country-specific. Not every international applicant is necessarily eligible for this particular DAAD call. Applicants should confirm that their country is included in the applicable programme announcement.
The selected Master's programme matters. Applicants should ensure that their intended programme fits the subject and study requirements specified by the relevant DAAD call.
Applicants should use current information. Previous DAAD scholarship cycles may have different deadlines, funding arrangements or eligibility conditions. The current official call should always take precedence over older information.
Who Should Consider This Scholarship?
The DAAD Study Scholarships may be relevant to graduates who:
Want to pursue a Master's degree in Germany.
Have a strong academic background.
Have identified a suitable German Master's programme.
Can demonstrate the required language proficiency.
Can present a clear and realistic study plan.
Can explain why the selected programme is important to their academic or professional development.
Want to gain experience within Germany's higher-education and research environment.
Can demonstrate relevant academic, professional or extracurricular engagement.
How to Apply
Applicants should apply through the official DAAD application portal after confirming the scholarship call applicable to their country.
Before submitting an application, applicants should:
Confirm their country-specific eligibility.
Confirm the applicable deadline.
Identify an eligible Master's programme in Germany.
Check the university's separate admission requirements and deadline.
Prepare all required scholarship documents.
Complete the DAAD online application.
Upload the required documents.
Review the application carefully.
Submit the application before the applicable deadline.
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