The DAAD scholarship is available for students in all fields and at every academic level—from undergrads to recent graduates and master's students, as well as doctoral and postdoctoral scholars, plus faculty members. DAAD has a big global presence with about 50 information centers and around 450 lecturer roles. This scholarship is one of the best options out there for international students looking to study in Germany. Each year, students are chosen based on their merits to receive a DAAD scholarship for master's or PhD programs at German universities. For Indian students aspiring to study in Germany, the application is generally open between August and October. |
Are you wondering for an academic pursuit in Germany, but monetary limitations hinder your wish? You don't need to worry now. Let's talk about DAAD Germany scholarships and how they can help students with the costs of studying abroad. In this article, we'll go over the different international programs, the scholarships available, who can apply, and more.
The full form of DAAD is German Academic Exchange Service. In German, it reads like Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst. Every year, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) helps more than 100,000 students and researchers from Germany and other countries. Indian students can apply for financial support to study for their master’s, PhD, or post-doctoral degrees without breaking the bank. Those who receive DAAD scholarships for master’s programs get a monthly allowance of at least 992 EUR (about 88,467 INR), while PhD students get 1,300 EUR (around 1,15,935 INR) for the duration of their studies in Germany.

The DAAD is a merit-based scholarship offered by government bodies. It is a renewable scholarship and one can do it yearly. The best point is that international students are eligible for it. If you are an Indian student, consider the following presented below:
DAAD Scholarships: Important Highlights
General Eligibility Criteria for DAAD Scholarships
When it comes to DAAD, there are around 100 scholarship programs to apply for international students. The eligibility to apply differs depending upon the program and other factors. In general, students should fulfill the following eligibility prerequisites.
Requirement | Details |
Language Expertise | You need to have a good grasp of English with at least a 6.5 on the IELTS. Knowing German isn't a must, but it's a plus. |
Academic Grades | You'll need a CGPA of at least 8.5 or 85%, depending on what degree you're going for. |
No Objection Certificate (NOC) | If you're applying for exchange or short-term research programs, you’ll need a No Objection Certificate from your home school. |
Work Experience | Also, you should have at least 2 years of work experience, which can include research, teaching, or being a graduate assistant. |
Research Proposal/SOP | Lastly, you'll need to submit a research proposal or Statement of Purpose that's between 500 and 1000 words. Sometimes, a CV might be enough. |
Take note: Applicants need to show proof of where they'll be staying for visa insurance when applying.
Are you wondering about DAAD Eligibility specifically for Indian students? If you are an Indian student, consider the following presented below: Go through presentation to understand the nuances below:
Takeaways: A Bachelors' degree course is a must that may last 6 years or less than that for Indian students. Showing evidence of 2 years of work experience is compulsory. Proficiency and knowledge of German or English largely depends upon the course chosen.
The benefits of DAAD Scholarships for Indian students are wide and comprehensive. Same is presented below:

What Scholarships are Available for Indian Students?
The subsequent presentations below shows available scholarships for Indian Students with details on “Who Can Apply”.
The following are the Scholarships available for Science, Tech, and Engineering Students in India.
The following are the Scholarships available for Study Visits, Summer Courses & Leadership Programs
How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships?
You can fill out the online application form and upload your documents. To apply online, follow the steps below:
- Go to the official website of DAAD.
- Navigate to DAAD Scholarships for Indian Students.
- Select your preference for program and go through the prerequisites.
- After that, you need to do registration for an account on the DAAD Portal.
- Choose the scholarship. You can download the application form.
- Mention all the required details. Make sure your details are correct.
- Upload all the documents required.
- Apply and wait for further process before the last.
Documents Required for DAAD Scholarships
DAAD Scholarship Amount
DAAD Scholarship funding overview is tabulated below:
What is the Selection Process for DAAD Scholarships?
Each DAAD scholarship has a selection committee that looks closely at applications. These committees can be located in the applicant's home country, like India for Indian students, or in Germany, depending on the scholarship. When deciding who to choose, they mainly focus on a few key things:
- The quality of the project
- Your academic background
- How long your research or fieldwork will take
- Your research proposal and work experience
While they don't usually hold formal interviews, some programs might ask for a personal introduction based on the type of scholarship and where you're applying from.
DAAD Scholarships Timeline for for Indian Students
The important deadlines for DAAD is tabulated below:
An Overview of DAAD WISE (Working Internships in Science and Engineering)
DAAD WISE (Working Internships in Science and Engineering) is a well-known internship program by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for Indian students studying science and engineering.
- It offers selected students a chance to do a research internship lasting 2 to 3 months at a leading German university or research center, usually during their summer break from May to July.
- The program aims to provide research experience, promote cultural exchange, and support professional growth on an international level.
- To qualify for DAAD WISE, students should be in their 4th to 6th semester of a 4-year bachelor’s degree program or from 4th to 7th semester of a 5-year program in fields like engineering, math, or natural sciences.
- Applicants need an invitation from a German professor or host institution. The scholarship includes a monthly stipend (around €861), health insurance, and travel support.
- DAAD WISE helps students improve their academic and research abilities while paving the way for future studies or jobs in international STEM fields.