What is the DAAD Study Scholarship for Master's Studies?
The DAAD Study Scholarship supports graduates with a first academic degree who wish to continue their academic training in Germany with a postgraduate course of study. The scholarship usually begins on 1 October 2027, or earlier if you take a German language course prior to the study programme. It is open to all academic disciplines and enables international students to complete a full Master's degree at state or state-recognised German universities.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world's largest funding organization for international academic exchange, funding more than 100,000 German and international students, researchers, and academics every year with a total annual budget exceeding EUR 600 million.
What does it cover?
- EUR 992 per month for master's students
- Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover
- Travel allowance (upon application only)
- Annually study allowance of €460
- Coverage of the semester contribution fee (EUR 150-350 per semester), as most German public universities charge no tuition fees for international students
- Monthly rent subsidy (under certain circumstances, after start of funding)
- Monthly allowance for accompanying family members (under certain circumstances, after start of funding)
Depending on the length of your chosen programme, the scholarship is intended for visits of between 10 and 24 months, awarded for the duration of the standard period of study for the chosen programme (up to a maximum of 24 months).
Who is eligible?
- You must have completed a first degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) recognised in Germany by the time the funding period begins in October 2027
- As a rule, your most recent university degree should not date back more than 6 years at the time of the application deadline
- Your application cannot be considered if you have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline
- The average grade of your Bachelor's degree must be at least 90 per cent (or equivalent) — this reflects above-average academic performance
- Open to applicants from developing and emerging countries as well as industrialised nations, though some DAAD programmes prioritise specific regions
- Funding is not possible for a Master's degree programme that has already begun in Germany. Funding is only available for degree programmes starting in the winter semester of the following year
Application timeline
- June 2026: The portal opens in June 2026 — applicants can register and begin filling out the application form
- October–November 2026: Deadlines fall between October and November 2026 depending on the applicant's country of origin. Check your exact deadline by visiting the call for applications in the DAAD scholarship database and selecting your country of residence. The DAAD portal closes at 24.00 hrs (CET or CEST) on the last application day
- February–March 2027: Selection date in February-March 2027
- October 2027: Start of the funding from October 2027
How to apply
- Identify your programme: Research German Master's programmes in your field at state or state-recognised universities. Note that university admission deadlines may fall before the DAAD deadline, so start early.
- Register on the DAAD portal: After registering on the DAAD portal, complete the online application in full, then upload the application documents to the DAAD portal in the section 'Attachments'. The portal is at portal.daad.de.
- Prepare required documents: Documents include a full curriculum vitae in tabular form (max. 3 pages), statement about academic and personal reasons for the planned study project in Germany (letter of motivation), academic transcripts and degree certificates, letters of recommendation, language proficiency certificates (German or English, depending on your programme), and proof of contact with your intended German university.
- Upload all documents: Application documents may be scanned in non-certified form and uploaded to the DAAD portal. The DAAD reserves the right to request certified copies of the documents. If documents are in your national language, include German or English translations.
- Submit before the deadline: If possible, please do not send your application on the final date in case technical problems occur. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Application tips
- Start early: Language tests, transcript requests, and recommendation letters take time. Begin preparation at least 3-4 months before the deadline.
- Tailor your motivation letter: Keep the motivation letter structured and concise (1-2 pages). Use clear paragraphs for your background, motivation, goals, and post-study plans. Explain why Germany, why this programme, and how it serves your long-term career in your home country.
- Sign documents by hand: The DAAD requires hand signatures on the CV and motivation letter. Digital or typed signatures are not accepted.
- Demonstrate academic excellence: Your transcripts, research experience, publications, and recommendation letters should clearly show you are in the top tier of your graduating class.
- Check programme-specific deadlines: DAAD deadlines vary between programs and can be as early as September. Do not assume all programs share the same deadline.
- Don't wait until the last day: Do not submit on the final day — the portal performs completeness checks on submission, and technical support is not available outside office hours or on weekends.
FAQs
Do I need to speak German to apply?
Not necessarily. Many Master's programmes in Germany are taught in English, and DAAD funds these too. If your programme is English-taught, you provide English proficiency proof (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, PTE, etc.). The language of instruction for study programmes in Germany is German for many programmes, so check your chosen programme's requirements.
Can I work while on a DAAD scholarship?
DAAD scholars on a student visa can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year, the same as other international students in Germany. The DAAD expects scholars to focus on their studies, and employment should not interfere with academic progress.
What if I already have a Master's degree?
If you already hold a Master's degree by the application deadline, you generally cannot apply for this programme. However, in exceptional cases where a second Master's is essential for your career development, you may apply but must provide strong justification.
Are Nigerian students eligible?
Yes. The DAAD Study Scholarship is open to graduates from developing and emerging countries, including Nigeria, as well as some industrialised countries. Nigeria is a priority region for DAAD, and many Nigerian students have successfully won this scholarship.