Every year, the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD awards thousands of scholarships to students, graduates, and doctoral candidates.
As Deutsche Welle notes, all participants have a chance to win the competition; the main thing is to correctly prepare the necessary documents. We offer readers the most important information about DAAD programs and deadlines for submitting scholarship applications.
Typically, such programs require a standard set of documents: a completed application form, a resume, a motivation letter, a recommendation from a university professor, a copy of the diploma with transcript, international language certificates, references from employers, certificates of participation in conferences and internships. However, requirements may vary. What nuances should applicants keep in mind?
Master's Scholarship
DAAD offers several scholarships for postgraduate studies. In addition to the support program for graduates of all specialties, the foundation has special offers for economists and representatives of creative professions – artists, architects, designers, musicians, actors, and directors.
The scholarship for postgraduate studies for university graduates of all specialties is 750 euros per month and includes partial reimbursement of travel expenses and health insurance. Applicants can be not only graduates who received their diploma no more than six years ago, but also final-year students at universities in Ukraine and other former Soviet countries.
Before submitting an application, it is necessary to choose three master's programs at different public universities in Germany and ensure that the language certificate and the previously obtained diploma from a domestic university meet the universities' requirements. Applications for the next academic year are usually accepted until the end of November of the current year by mail and on the online portal. The committee announces the competition results in the spring and invites potential applicants for a final interview.
Language Course Scholarship
Those who have not yet completed their bachelor's degree can go to Germany for summer university courses. Applicants must be over 18 years old and have completed at least their second year of study. In addition, applications are accepted from young German language teachers who are under 32 years old.
The scholarship amount is 850 euros plus reimbursement of travel expenses. The amount depends on the applicant's place of residence. Residents of Ukraine receive 250 euros. The foundation pays for health insurance for all participants.
Before participating in the competition, candidates choose any language or area studies course at a public university that takes place in Germany during the summer and lasts more than 18 days. Applicants must already have a German language proficiency at level B1 and hold an internationally recognized certificate. An exception is made for students of technical and natural science faculties at regional universities – they can apply even with level A2.
The committee selects students with good academic performance and convincing motivation. Documents are accepted until December 1 via the DAAD online portal and by mail.
Doctoral Scholarships
For young scientists, DAAD provides short-term (up to 6 months) and annual scholarships (7-10 months). To begin, doctoral candidates or master's students must find a supervisor in Germany who agrees to oversee their research project. In addition to written confirmation from the German university or research center, a recommendation from a former thesis supervisor or university professor is required.
Before submitting an application, applicants must prepare a project description and a work schedule. Otherwise, the package of documents does not differ from the standard set. Applications are accepted until November 15 (short-term scholarship) and until October 1 (annual scholarship).
The scholarship amount ranges from 750 to 1000 euros per month, depending on the status of the scholarship holder. In addition, the foundation may partially reimburse housing and travel expenses. If necessary, before starting work on the project, DAAD pays for language courses and participation in a German language proficiency exam, for example, for TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe-Zertifikat certificates.