DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses Scholarships for 2025–2026 are now accepting applications. The DAAD seeks to train specialists from developed and newly industrialized countries through its postgraduate study programs with a focus on development. These well-trained local experts, connected with international partners, play a vital role in the sustainable development of their nations. They serve as a crucial factor for a brighter future characterized by reduced poverty, improved education, and enhanced healthcare access for all.
The scholarships are available to foreign graduates from developed and newly industrialized countries across various disciplines, with a minimum of two years of professional experience. The opportunity allows recipients to pursue postgraduate or Master’s degrees at state or state-recognized German universities, and in certain cases, doctoral degrees. This enables them to obtain a university qualification (Master’s or PhD) in Germany.
Requirements:
- Applicants must be graduates with a minimum of two years of professional experience from eligible countries.
The typical scholarship holder:
- Works for a public authority, state, or private company in a developing country, involved in planning and executing directives and projects focusing on development policies in technological, economic, or social areas.
- Possesses a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, typically completed over a four-year period
- Achieved academic excellence, typically in the upper third percentile, and possesses at least two years of relevant professional experience post-bachelor’s degree.
- Academic degrees obtained should generally not be more than six years old.
- Applicants residing in Germany for over 15 months at the application deadline are ineligible for consideration.
Language Proficiency:
- For programs conducted in German (with a scholarship covering a preparatory 6-month German language course in Germany): Applicants must pass the language examination DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 before commencing the study program. Therefore, a minimum German language proficiency level of B1 at the time of application is required, which must be evidenced by providing a valid certificate.
Note: Passing the required German language courses (DSH or TestDaF) without any prior basic knowledge of the German language (at least B1 Level) is not possible, even with the preceding six-month intensive course in Germany. Passing the language test is a formal prerequisite for admission to a specific German university.
- For courses conducted in English: Applicants must possess an IELTS certificate (Band 6) or TOEFL scores (minimum score: 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 80 internet-based).
Note: Some courses may require a different level of proficiency.
Funding Duration:
Funding duration ranges from 12 to 42 months, depending on the study program.
Scholarship Value:
- Monthly stipend of 934 euros for graduates or 1,300 euros for doctoral candidates, depending on academic level.
- Coverage for health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
- Travel expenses will be covered, unless they are already covered by the applicant’s home country or another source of funding.
Under certain conditions, scholarship holders may receive additional perks, such as:
- Monthly rent subsidy
- Monthly allowance for accompanying family members.
Selection Criteria:
- Candidates must meet the academic prerequisites and demonstrate the capability to successfully undertake a study program in Germany (achieving above-average results in their first academic examination – typically in the top third, along with proficient language skills).
- Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (typically obtained through a four-year course) in a relevant field.
- Candidates must possess a minimum of two years of professional work experience.
- Candidates must demonstrate a strong motivation for development-related activities and exhibit the potential to assume social responsibility. Additionally, they should be capable of initiating and supporting processes of change within their personal and professional spheres after completing their training or scholarship.
Application Procedure:
Applicants must compile the following documents for a DAAD scholarship application (in the specified order):
- Completed and signed checklist.
- DAAD application form “Application for a research/study scholarship.”
- A comprehensive curriculum vitae presented in reverse chronological order, detailing academic and professional experiences (use the Europass CV format).
- A letter of motivation elucidating academic, professional, and personal motivations for program participation.
- Letter of recommendation from the current employer, featuring an official letterhead, signature, and stamp, and dated accordingly.
- Certificates of employment from employers, demonstrating a minimum of two years of relevant work experience post-bachelors degree at the time of application. The certificate from the current employer should ideally include a commitment to re-employment post-return to the home country.
- Recent proof of language proficiency:
- For English: Proof of sufficient language skills as per course requirements.
- For German: Proof is only mandatory for courses taught in German.
- Copies of higher education degree certificates, along with certified translations if the originals are not in German or English.
- Copy of the complete transcript of records, accompanied by an explanation of the grading system.
For additional details,
Application Deadline: Varies by Institution
