DAAD International Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 Applications Open for Indian Students

Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager

Content Strategy Manager | Updated On - Oct 1, 2025

New Delhi, September 30, 2025 – The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), widely known as the German Academic Exchange Service, has opened applications for the DAAD International Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 in Germany. This prestigious, fully funded scholarship invites international students, including Indians, to apply for Master’s, MPhil, and short postgraduate courses at recognized German universities. The DAAD scholarship is considered one of the top German government scholarships for international students.

What does the DAAD Scholarship offer?

The DAAD International Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 provides comprehensive financial support, covering tuition, cost of living in Germany, and travel expenses:

Benefit	Details
Monthly Stipend	€934 (approx. ₹83,500)
Travel Allowance	Round-trip airfare
Health & Accident Insurance	Full coverage during stay
Study & Research Subsidy	Funding support for academic projects
Rent Subsidy	Provided if applicable
Family Allowance	Financial support for spouse/children
German Language Courses	Optional 2–6 months

Check Out: Study in Germany Guide for Indian Students

Key Dates for DAAD Scholarship 2026

Applications must be submitted before the official deadlines. The application deadlines for DAAD scholarships 2026 for Indian Students are as follows:

Application Round	Deadline
Round 1	September 24, 2025
Round 2	September 25, 2025
Round 3	November 10, 2025

Duration of the scholarship ranges from 12–24 months, depending on the program.

Check Out: Top Universities in Germany

Eligible Fields of Study

Indian and international students can apply in disciplines such as:

Visual Communication and Film
Fine Arts
Architecture
Design
Music

Each field has unique prerequisites, particularly for creative programs that require a portfolio.

Check Out: German Student Visa

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students

Requirement	Details
Degree Level	Bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian institution
Academic Status	Recent graduates or students awaiting results can apply
GPA Equivalent	Minimum 65–70% (on Indian scale)
Language	IELTS/TOEFL proof of English proficiency
Portfolio	Mandatory for Art, Design, Music fields

Required Documents

Bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcripts
Updated CV/Resume
Motivation letter
Two Letters of Recommendation
Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Passport copy
Portfolio (for Art/Design/Music applicants)

Why Indian Students Should Apply for DAAD Scholarships?

Germany is among the most affordable and popular destinations for Indian students, with over 43,000 Indian enrollments in 2024. The DAAD Scholarship 2026 stands out because it:

Eliminates financial barriers with full funding
Offers international exposure through research and language learning
Provides career pathways with post-study work opportunities in Germany and the EU
Is backed by the German government, ensuring global recognition and credibility

The DAAD International Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications. Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in Germany are strongly encouraged to apply before the deadlines of September 24, September 25, and November 10, 2025.

This fully funded scholarship in Germany offers an unmatched opportunity for Indian graduates to study at some of the country’s top universities, gain international experience, and prepare for global careers.