DAAD Scholarships
Each year, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides support to over 100,000 students and researchers from Germany and around the world. Indian students can get a chance to pursue their master's, doctoral, and post-doctoral studies at a minimum cost. Recipients of DAAD scholarships for master's get a monthly allowance of at least EUR 934 (INR 94,000), while the doctoral and postdoctoral recipients get EUR 1,200 (INR 1.21L) and EUR 2,400 (INR 2.41L), for the duration of their studies in Germany.
The DAAD International Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications. With a €934 monthly stipend, travel allowance, insurance, and more, this program remains one of the most competitive and rewarding scholarships for international students in Germany.
Some of the important features of DAAD Scholarships are:
- Eligible applicants must have completed their prior degree with a minimum aggregate of 85%.
- Each candidate must have at least 2 years of work experience, be it in the field of research, employment, or graduate assistantship.
- Payments for health insurance and travel expenses are also covered for all the recipients of DAAD scholarships.
- Applicants must receive an invitation letter from their supervisors at an eligible German university.
- Applications close on 24 September, 25 September, and 10 November 2025.
- Eligible students are advised to apply early through the official DAAD portal to secure their chance.
DAAD Scholarships Benefits for Indian students
The section outlines the benefits of DAAD Scholarships for Indian students:
- Flat-rate travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Accident and personal liability insurance
- Research Allowance
- Family benefits
- Subsidy for monthly rent
- Funds for a preparatory language course
Note: Considering EUR 1 = INR 100.20 as of July 15, 2025.
Highlights
| Scholarship Type | Merit-Based |
| Offered by | Government bodies |
| Organization | N/A |
| Application Deadline | Nov 10 ,2025 |
| Number of Scholarships | 100000 |
| Amount | ₹97,858-₹251,623 ($1,094-$2,813) |
| Renewability | Yes, Yearly |
| International Student Eligible | Yes |
| Scholarship Website Link | https://static.daad.de/media/daad de/pdfs_nicht_barrierefrei/in-deutschland-studieren-forschen-lehren/2022_daad_stipendienprogramme_en_web.pdf |
Eligibility Criteria
- Language Skills: Proficiency in English with a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5. While knowledge of the German language is not mandatory, it is highly recommended.
- Academic Grades: A minimum of 8.5 CGPA or 85% (or equivalent, depending on the degree being pursued) is required.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): Applicants for exchange or short-term research programs must obtain a NOC from their home institution.
- Work Experience: A minimum of 2 years of work experience, which can include research, teaching, or graduate assistantship roles.
- Research Proposal/SOP: Submission of a 500-1000 word research proposal or Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Germany. In some cases, a CV may suffice.
Note: Applicants must also provide proof of accommodation for visa insurance purposes as part of the application process.
Application Process
- Complete the online application form and upload the documents.
- Send a copy of the application form to the DAAD office via post.
STEP I
Beginning with the online application process, it is simple, direct, and takes about 30 minutes. Applications are to be made via the DAAD Portal, which opens around 6 weeks before the scholarship application deadline(s). Once you have completed the application form, upload the following supplementary documents:
- Online Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae
- No Objection Certificate filled in and stamped by the previous institution
- Invitation Letter of German Supervisor
- University Degree & Certificates
Note: The first and last names in the application form should be identical to the name in the applicant’s passport.
STEP II
After submitting the form and uploading the supporting documents, candidates will be directed to another page, where they can verify their application package and download a PDF file. Mail the following documents to your nearest DAAD office:
- One copy of the Application Summary, which is generated in the portal (PDF)
- Recent reference from a previous university teacher
Indian students must post their application package for DAAD scholarships to the regional address mentioned below:
Regional Office New Delhi
c/o DLTA Complex, R.K. Khanna Stadium, 1 Africa Avenue
110029 New Delhi
Telephone: +91 (11) 6646-5500
Fax: +91 (11) 6646-5555
E-mail: info.newdelhi@daad.de
Selection Process
- Project Quality
- Academic Performance
- Duration of Research/Fieldwork
- Research Proposal/Work Experience
Although formal interviews are not conducted, some programs may require you to provide a personal introduction. This will depend on the scholarship type and your location.
Grant Details
| Name of Scholarship | Benefits | Eligibility Criteria | Award Duration | Deadlines for Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate School Scholarship Program | Monthly allowance: 1,300 EUR (INR 1.31L) Health and travel expenses Annual research allowance: EUR 460 (INR 46,000) |
Being nominated while commencing a PhD Project at a German university | up to 4 years | N/A |
| Bilateral Exchange of Academics | Outward and return journey cost Disability or chronic illness EUR 2,150 (INR 2.16L) for professors EUR 2,000 (INR 2L) for assistant professors, assistant teachers, and lecturers |
Travelling to a German institution for a short-term research stay | 14 days to 3 months | October 7, 2025 (Next deadline to be updated) |
| Development-Related Postgraduate Course | Monthly allowance: EUR 934 (INR 94,000) (Master’s) EUR 1200 (INR 1.21L) (Doctoral) Monthly rent Health and travel expenses |
Beginning PG-level course in the field of development Minimum 2 years of work experience |
12 to 36 months | Course-specific |
| DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Program | Early Career: EUR 2400 (INR 2.41L) per month Established Researcher: EUR 2,760 (INR 2.8L) per month |
Doctoral/postdoctoral students working in the field of Aeronautics, Space, Transportation, and Energy | up to 36 months | To be declared |
Also Check: Study in Germany
In addition to DAAD scholarships, several other grant programs funded by DAAD are available to Indian students. These include the Helmut-Schmidt-Program, IIT Master Sandwich Scholarships, and Semester Scholarships for Students of Indian Institutes of Management (IIM). Other notable programs are the Study Scholarship for Foreign Graduates in Performing Arts and study visits for groups of foreign students to Germany.
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