WhatsAppCHAT
CALL US& CONNECT

Updated information as of : February 2026
This guide is written to clear any confusion you might have about DAAD scholarships – Germany.
If you are considering Germany for higher education and you think that DAAD is the gold standard for your funding, know this:
” DAAD scholarships are not a single scheme, not limited to toppers alone, and not restricted to one type of university or course. “
They are a structured set of funding programs designed to support international students, researchers, and professionals who show academic consistency, clarity of purpose, and long-term relevance.
This article is handy if you are:
By the end of this guide, you should have a clear, realistic understanding of how DAAD works, who it is meant for, and how to approach it strategically.
This guide is updated for the 2026 cycle. Outcomes vary by program, profile, and documentation. Always verify final details through official DAAD sources.
DAAD stands for Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, or the German Academic Exchange Service.
It is Germany’s largest publicly funded organisation for international academic exchange. DAAD is funded primarily by the German Federal Government and supports:
DAAD does not:
In simple terms:
If you are considering study in Germany, check out the TU9 universities in Germany.
DAAD was founded in 1925 by the efforts and initiatives of a single student, making it one of the oldest and most well connected academic exchange organisations in the world.
India has been a priority partner country for DAAD for decades. Every year:
Today, India is among the top 5 source countries for DAAD-funded scholars globally.
A DAAD scholarship is a financial grant, not a loan, offered to eligible international candidates to study, research, or train in Germany.
Depending on the program, DAAD scholarships may cover:
DAAD scholarships are available across levels:
For Indian students, DAAD is most commonly used for Master’s and PhD programs.
Indian students are among the largest applicant groups for DAAD worldwide.
You can apply if you are:
DAAD does not restrict funding to IITs, NITs, or central universities. Students from state universities, private institutions, and Tier-2 colleges are funded every year.
Click here to know the difference between public and private universities in Germany.
We have broken down the eligibility for DAAD Scholarships into three sections:
Note: APS is a certificate verification process introduced by Germany. It is mandatory for all Indian students going to Germany.
| Category | Requirements | Indian Student Notes | Competitive Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic | – Bachelor’s (for Master’s funding) – Master’s (for PhD/research) – Degree completed <6 years ago | – No min CGPA published – 7.5+ (75%) typical; 7.0 possible with alignment | -Consistent upward growth |
| Work Experience | – 0-2 years (most programs) – ≥2 years mandatory (EPOS, Helmut-Schmidt) | – Relevant professional/research counts – Freshers eligible for select scholarships | – Field-aligned experience – Internships/ publications |
| Language | – English: IELTS 6.5+/TOEFL 90+ (uni-specific) – German: TestDaF/DSH/Goethe B2+ – DAAD follows uni rules | – APS verifies transcripts alongside | – Above-min scores – Bilingual boosts EPOS |
| APS Certificate | – Mandatory for any German uni admission – ₹18k fee, 4-6 weeks processing | – Apply via aps-india.de before DAAD/uni application – Separate from the scholarship app | – Early APS (Feb for Oct intake) |
| Other points | – Indian citizen/resident – Age: <36 (Master’s), <40 (PhD) preferred – Not currently studying in Germany | – Motivation letter + 2 LORs critical – No visa/funding guarantee | – Clear career fit to Germany |
Yes — 7 CGPA can be enough, but only if the overall profile makes sense.
Keep in mind, DAAD evaluates:
So, a 7.2 CGPA profile with…
…can be stronger than a 9.0 CGPA profile with no direction.
DAAD rewards coherence, not perfection.
You can use the DAAD scholarship tool on their website to find all the grants available for different field.
Important: DAAD deadlines vary by program and year. Always verify via the official database.
| Program | Program level | Monthly Stipend | Typical Deadline | Key India-Specific Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPOS | Master’s | ~€934 | Oct–Dec | Work experience must be documented clearly |
| Helmut Schmidt | Master’s | ~€934 | Dec | A motivation letter is critical |
| DAAD PhD | PhD | ~€1,300 | Varies | Supervisor alignment matters |
| RISE Germany | UG | ~€934 | Dec–Jan | Faculty recommendation is key |
(Figures indicative; confirm on DAAD portal)
Yes. Engineering is one of the strongest funded areas under DAAD.
Commonly funded fields include:
DAAD does not fund “popular courses”, it funds relevant, well-aligned study plans.
Most DAAD scholarships include:
In many cases, DAAD funding reduces or replaces the need for a blocked account, but visa decisions remain case-specific.
The DAAD motivation letter is not the same as a university SOP, although if you want to know how to write an effective SOP in 2026 click here.
DAAD reviewers look for:
Avoid:
DAAD values impact, continuity, and realism.
DAAD does not publish official country-wise acceptance rates.
Based on trends and public data:
| Feature | DAAD | Erasmus | Fulbright |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Germany | Europe-wide | USA |
| Duration | Full degree | Often short-term | Full degree |
| Funding Style | Living + support | Mobility-focused | Leadership-focused |
| Best For | Long-term Germany plans | Exposure | US academics |
Always rely on:
Avoid agents or platforms promising “guarantees”.
1. Can DAAD be rejected after university admission?
Yes
2. Does DAAD cover tuition at private universities?
Rarely
3. Can I apply before admission?
Program-dependent
4. Is IELTS mandatory?
If the program requires it, yes
5. Can I work part-time on DAAD?
Yes, within visa rules
6. Is DAAD renewable?
Some programs allow extensions
7. Does DAAD fund Bachelor’s degrees?
Very limited cases
8. Is age a restriction?
No fixed age limit
9. Does DAAD prefer public universities?
Yes, mostly
10. Can average students get DAAD?
Yes, with strong alignment
DAAD is not about being flawless. It is about being consistent, prepared, and honest.
Students who approach DAAD as a long-term academic decision, not a last-minute funding option, tend to succeed more often. Understanding how DAAD evaluates profiles, how German education works, and how funding aligns with career goals makes a measurable difference.
DAAD rewards clarity over hype, preparation over panic, and intent over impulse.
For Indian students willing to plan early and think strategically, DAAD remains one of the strongest, safest, and most respected pathways to studying in Germany with financial security.
This guide is updated for the 2026 cycle. Outcomes vary by program, profile, and documentation. Always verify final details through official DAAD sources.
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | The Taj MG Road, Bangalore | 10 AM – 4 PM