Published on Kommonplace Germany | Category: Scholarships & Funding Germany

Quick Summary: Germany offers some of the world’s most prestigious scholarship and exchange programmes for international students. The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is Germany’s largest scholarship organisation funding thousands of students annually for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and research programmes. The Erasmus+ Exchange Programme funds European and partner-country students for semester exchanges at German universities. This guide covers both programmes in full — how they work, eligibility, funded courses, partner universities, and how to apply.

What Is DAAD?
How DAAD Works — Funding & Structure
DAAD Scholarship Types
DAAD Eligibility & General Requirements
How to Apply for a DAAD Scholarship
20 DAAD-Funded Courses — Bachelor’s & Master’s
What Is the Erasmus+ Exchange Programme?
How Erasmus+ Works in Germany
Erasmus+ Funding — What It Covers
15 Courses in Germany Benefiting from Erasmus+ Exchange
Erasmus+ Partner Universities in Germany
DAAD vs. Erasmus+: Key Differences
Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources on Kommonplace Germany
References & Sources

What Is DAAD?

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) translated as the German Academic Exchange Service is the world’s largest funding organisation for international academic exchange. Founded in 1925 and headquartered in Bonn, Germany, DAAD operates as a registered association of German universities and student unions.

Key Facts About DAAD

Fact	Detail
Founded	1925
Headquarters	Bonn, Germany
Annual budget	Over €700 million
Students funded annually	~100,000 individuals from 137+ countries
Offices worldwide	72 offices and information centres globally
Funded by	German Federal Foreign Office, Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), EU, and others
Programmes offered	100+ scholarship and funding programmes
Official website	daad.de

DAAD funds both:

Incoming students — international students coming to study in Germany
Outgoing students — German students going abroad

For international students, DAAD is one of the most accessible and prestigious routes to study in Germany — often covering full tuition (where applicable), monthly living stipends, health insurance, and travel costs.

🔗 Browse all scholarship opportunities in the Kommonplace Germany Scholarships Directory

How DAAD Works — Funding & Structure

DAAD operates through a network of funding programmes each designed for different academic levels, countries of origin, subject areas, and duration of stay.

The DAAD Funding Model

DAAD Scholarship Application
        │
        ├── Direct to DAAD (daad.de portal)
        │
        ├── Via German University (embedded scholarships)
        │
        └── Via Home Country DAAD Office / Embassy

What DAAD Scholarships Typically Cover

Component	Monthly/Annual Amount
Monthly stipend (Master’s)	€934/month
Monthly stipend (PhD)	€1,200/month
Monthly stipend (postdoc)	€1,750/month
Health insurance	Included (or €34/month supplement)
Travel allowance	€250–€2,150 (one-time, distance-based)
Research allowance	Up to €460/year
Study & course fees	Covered (where applicable)
Family allowance (if applicable)	Additional €276/month for dependants

⚠️ Exact amounts vary by programme and are reviewed annually. Always check the current DAAD programme page for up-to-date figures.

DAAD Scholarship Types

For International Students Coming to Germany

Programme	Level	Duration	Key Focus
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme	Master’s	2 years	Public policy, good governance (developing countries)
DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)	Master’s	1–2 years	Development-related subjects
DAAD Leadership for Africa	Master’s	Up to 2 years	Sub-Saharan African students
DAAD Research Grants	PhD / Research	1–4 years	Research in Germany
DAAD Study Scholarships	Bachelor’s / Master’s	Full degree	Subject-specific
DAAD WISE (Working Internships in Science & Engineering)	Bachelor’s	2–6 months	Engineering/science internships
DAAD Graduate School Scholarships	Master’s	1–2 years	Structured graduate schools
DAAD Bilateral Programmes	All levels	Varies	Country-specific agreements
DAAD Study Visits	All levels	Short-term	Group visits for student groups
DAAD Language Courses	Pre-degree	2–4 weeks	Intensive German language

DAAD Eligibility & General Requirements

While each DAAD programme has specific criteria, these are the general eligibility requirements for most scholarship programmes:

Academic Requirements

Criterion	Requirement
Degree level	Depends on programme (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
Academic performance	Strong academic record — typically top 30% of class
Degree relevance	Must align with chosen programme subject area
University recognition	Must be enrolled at or applying to a state-recognised university

Language Requirements

Language	Certificate
English	IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ (for English-taught programmes)
German	TestDaF TDN 4, DSH-2, or Goethe C1 (for German-taught programmes)
Note	Some programmes accept strong B2 English

Personal Requirements

Criterion	Detail
Nationality	Varies by programme — many open to all nationalities; some country-specific
Age	Most Master’s scholarships: under 36; PhD: under 40 at time of application
Work experience	Some programmes require 2+ years professional experience
Motivation	Strong motivation letter demonstrating academic and career goals
References	2 academic or professional recommendation letters

How to Apply for a DAAD Scholarship

Step 1 — Find Your Programme

Visit daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/ and use the scholarship database to filter by your:

Country of origin
Academic level (Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD)
Subject area
Duration needed

Step 2 — Check Programme-Specific Requirements

Each programme has its own page with exact eligibility criteria, documents required, and application deadlines.

Step 3 — Prepare Your Application Documents

Document	Notes
✅ Completed DAAD application form	Via the DAAD portal (portal.daad.de)
✅ Curriculum Vitae (CV)	Academic and professional; max 3 pages
✅ Motivation letter / Study plan	Typically 2–3 pages; explain goals, project, and why Germany
✅ Academic transcripts	All degrees, certified and translated
✅ Degree certificates	Certified copies
✅ Language certificates	IELTS/TOEFL or TestDaF/DSH as applicable
✅ 2 Reference letters	From professors or professional supervisors
✅ University admission letter	If already admitted (some programmes require this)
✅ Research proposal	Required for PhD and research grants
✅ Portfolio	For arts, design, architecture programmes
✅ Passport copy	Valid for planned stay duration

Step 4 — Submit Online via DAAD Portal

Most applications are submitted at portal.daad.de. Some bilateral programmes require submission through your home country’s DAAD office or German Embassy.

Step 5 — Selection & Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (in-person or video call). DAAD evaluates academic excellence, personal motivation, and the project’s relevance to development goals.

Step 6 — Scholarship Award & Visa

If awarded, DAAD issues an award letter. Use this as supporting financial proof in your German student visa application — it replaces the need for a blocked account.

Key Application Deadlines

Programme	Typical Deadline
DAAD Development-Related Programmes (EPOS)	October 1 (for following year)
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme	October 1
DAAD Research Grants (incoming)	October 15
DAAD Study Scholarships	Varies — check individual programme
DAAD WISE Internships	October 1 / February 1
Country-specific bilateral programmes	Varies — check your local DAAD office

20 DAAD-Funded Courses — Bachelor’s & Master’s

BACHELOR’S LEVEL

#	Programme	University	Location	DAAD Programme
1	Global Environmental and Sustainability Sciences	Leuphana University Lüneburg	Lüneburg	DAAD Study Scholarships
2	International Business Administration	Frankfurt School of Finance & Management	Frankfurt	DAAD Development-related Courses
3	Digital Media	Leuphana University Lüneburg	Lüneburg	DAAD Study Scholarships
4	Psychology (English)	Leuphana University Lüneburg	Lüneburg	DAAD Study Scholarships
5	Computer Science	RWTH Aachen University	Aachen	DAAD WISE / Study Scholarships
6	Economics	University of Mannheim	Mannheim	DAAD Study Scholarships
7	Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical)	TU Munich	Munich/Garching	DAAD WISE Internship Programme
8	Natural Sciences (Biology/Chemistry/Physics)	Heidelberg University	Heidelberg	DAAD Study Scholarships
9	Architecture	TU Berlin	Berlin	DAAD Study Scholarships
10	Agricultural Sciences	University of Hohenheim	Stuttgart	DAAD Development-Related Courses

MASTER’S LEVEL

#	Programme	University	Location	DAAD Programme
11	Global Food, Nutrition and Health (M.Sc.)	Freie Universität Berlin	Berlin	DAAD EPOS Development-Related
12	International Media Studies (M.A.)	Deutsche Welle / University of Bonn	Bonn	DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme
13	Water Resources Engineering (M.Sc.)	TU Dresden	Dresden	DAAD EPOS / Development-Related
14	Sustainable Development Management (M.A.)	Leuphana University Lüneburg	Lüneburg	DAAD Scholarships
15	Computational Science and Engineering (M.Sc.)	TU Munich	Munich	DAAD Research & Study Scholarships
16	Public Policy and Good Governance (M.A.)	University of Erfurt / Partner unis	Erfurt	DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme
17	Integrated Water Resources Management (M.Sc.)	University of Cologne / TH Köln	Cologne	DAAD EPOS
18	Development Economics (M.Sc.)	Georg-August-Universität Göttingen	Göttingen	DAAD EPOS
19	Health Sciences and Public Health (M.Sc.)	University of Bremen	Bremen	DAAD EPOS
20	AI & Data Science (M.Sc.)	Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT)	Deggendorf	DAAD Research Grants / Bilateral

🔗 Search all DAAD-funded programmes: daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/studying-in-germany/ 🔗 Browse partner universities: daad.de/en/find-a-course/

What Is the Erasmus+ Exchange Programme?

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s flagship education, training, youth, and sport programme — one of the most successful student mobility programmes in history. Since its founding in 1987, Erasmus+ has funded over 12 million students across Europe and beyond.

Key Facts About Erasmus+

Fact	Detail
Full name	Erasmus+ (European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students)
Founded	1987
Managed by	European Commission, implemented by national agencies
Budget (2021–2027)	€26.2 billion
Countries participating	33 Programme Countries + 100+ Partner Countries
Students funded (2023)	Over 900,000 annually
Funding type	Grant (non-repayable)
Official website	erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

Programme Countries (Eligible for Full Erasmus+ Mobility)

All 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Turkey.

Partner Countries

Students from non-EU countries (including many in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East) can also participate through International Credit Mobility (ICM) agreements between their university and a German partner university.

How Erasmus+ Works in Germany

Germany is one of the top Erasmus+ host countries in Europe — receiving over 40,000 Erasmus+ students per year and sending a similar number abroad.

The Erasmus+ Student Exchange Process

Step 1: Check if your home university has an Erasmus+ agreement with a German university
        │
Step 2: Apply through your home university's International Office (not directly to the German university)
        │
Step 3: Receive nomination from your home university
        │
Step 4: Apply to the German host university with your study plan
        │
Step 5: Receive a Learning Agreement signed by both universities
        │
Step 6: Travel to Germany — receive your Erasmus+ monthly grant
        │
Step 7: Complete your exchange semester(s) — credits transferred home

Types of Erasmus+ Mobility in Germany

Type	Who It’s For	Duration
Student Exchange (KA131)	EU/Programme Country students	3–12 months
International Credit Mobility (KA171)	Partner Country students (non-EU)	3–12 months
Erasmus+ Traineeship	All students	2–12 months (work placement)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s	All nationalities	Full Master’s degree (1–2 years)

Erasmus+ Funding — What It Covers

Monthly Grant Amounts (2024–2025, Receiving from Germany)

Student’s Home Country	Monthly Grant (Study)	Monthly Grant (Traineeship)
Programme Countries (EU)	€350–€800/month	+€150 top-up
Partner Countries (non-EU)	€700–€1,000/month	+€150 top-up
Students with fewer opportunities	Additional €250/month	Additional €250/month

⚠️ Exact grant amounts depend on which country you are travelling from and the specific Erasmus+ agreement. Check with your home university’s International Office.

Additional Erasmus+ Support

Support	Detail
OLS Language Support	Free online language learning tool (German, English, and others)
Disability/Special Needs	Additional top-up grants available
Fewer Opportunities	Additional €250/month for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
Green Travel Bonus	Extra €50/month if you travel by train, bus, or car-share instead of flying
Credit Recognition	ECTS credits earned in Germany must be recognised by your home university
No Tuition Fees	Erasmus+ students are exempt from tuition at German host universities

15 Courses in Germany Benefiting from Erasmus+ Exchange

These programmes at German universities are among the most popular for Erasmus+ incoming exchange students:

#	Programme	Host University	Location	Exchange Duration	Subject Area
1	European Studies & International Relations	Humboldt University Berlin (HU Berlin)	Berlin	1–2 semesters	Social Sciences
2	Sustainability Science	Leuphana University Lüneburg	Lüneburg	1–2 semesters	Environmental Studies
3	Business Administration & Economics	University of Mannheim	Mannheim	1–2 semesters	Business
4	Computer Science & Engineering	TU Munich	Munich / Garching	1–2 semesters	STEM
5	Architecture & Urban Planning	TU Berlin	Berlin	1–2 semesters	Architecture
6	German Language & Culture	Goethe University Frankfurt	Frankfurt	1 semester	Humanities
7	International Business	University of Cologne (Uni Köln)	Cologne	1–2 semesters	Business
8	Engineering & Applied Sciences	RWTH Aachen University	Aachen	1–2 semesters	Engineering
9	Life Sciences & Biotechnology	Freie Universität Berlin	Berlin	1–2 semesters	Natural Sciences
10	Psychology & Social Sciences	University of Heidelberg	Heidelberg	1–2 semesters	Social Sciences
11	Media Studies & Communication	Ludwig Maximilian University Munich (LMU)	Munich	1–2 semesters	Media & Humanities
12	Law (European & International Law)	University of Hamburg	Hamburg	1 semester	Law
13	Cultural Studies & the Arts	Leuphana University Lüneburg	Lüneburg	1–2 semesters	Arts & Humanities
14	Mathematics & Physics	University of Göttingen	Göttingen	1–2 semesters	Natural Sciences
15	Health Informatics & Digital Health	Deggendorf Institute of Technology	Pfarrkirchen	1 semester	Health & Technology

Erasmus+ Partner Universities in Germany

Germany has Erasmus+ agreements with universities across all of Europe and many partner countries. Here are the major German universities with the broadest Erasmus+ networks:

Top German Universities by Number of Erasmus+ Partners

University	Erasmus+ Partners	Location	Strong Faculties
TU Munich (TUM)	200+	Munich	Engineering, Sciences, AI
LMU Munich	180+	Munich	Humanities, Sciences, Medicine
Freie Universität Berlin	200+	Berlin	Social Sciences, Life Sciences
Humboldt University Berlin	170+	Berlin	Humanities, Social Sciences
RWTH Aachen	150+	Aachen	Engineering, Technology
University of Heidelberg	130+	Heidelberg	Medicine, Sciences
University of Mannheim	160+	Mannheim	Business, Economics
University of Cologne	140+	Cologne	Law, Business
TU Berlin	150+	Berlin	Architecture, Engineering
Goethe University Frankfurt	130+	Frankfurt	Finance, Law, Humanities
Leuphana University Lüneburg	80+	Lüneburg	Sustainability, Psychology
University of Hamburg	120+	Hamburg	Sciences, Law, Humanities
University of Göttingen	110+	Göttingen	Natural Sciences, Agriculture
Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT)	60+	Deggendorf	Engineering, AI, Health
University of Freiburg	100+	Freiburg	Environment, Life Sciences

🔗 Find Erasmus+ agreements for your home university: erasmusplus.eu 🔗 German Erasmus+ National Agency: erasmusplus.de

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programmes in Germany

These are fully funded Master’s degrees co-organised by consortia of European universities, including German partners:

Programme	German Partner(s)	Subject
Erasmus Mundus in Digital Communication Leadership (DCL)	University of Hamburg	Media & Communication
TEMA — Territory, Environment, Materials & Architecture	TU Berlin	Architecture
Global Markets, Local Creativities (GLOCAL)	University of Glasgow consortium incl. German partners	Cultural Studies
Food Identity	Includes German university partners	Food Sciences
MARIHE — Management of Research and Innovation in Higher Education	University of Tampere consortium + German partners	Education Management

🔗 Browse all Erasmus Mundus programmes: eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters_en

DAAD vs. Erasmus+: Key Differences

Feature	DAAD	Erasmus+
Origin	German government programme	European Union programme
Who can apply	International students worldwide	EU/Programme Country students primarily (+ Partner Country via ICM)
Degree types	Full degree scholarships	Exchange semesters + Erasmus Mundus full degrees
Monthly stipend	€934–€1,750 (depending on level)	€350–€1,000 (depending on home country)
Travel allowance	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (distance-based)
Health insurance	✅ Included	⚠️ Student is responsible — must arrange separately
Language support	✅ German language courses funded	✅ OLS online language tool (free)
Application route	Direct to DAAD or via university	Via your home university’s International Office
Tuition fees	Covered where applicable	Exempt at German host university
Credit transfer	N/A (full degree)	✅ ECTS credits transferred to home university
Competitiveness	Very competitive — merit-based	Moderately competitive — quota-based
Best for	Full degree funding	Semester exchange experience

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

For DAAD Applications

📝 Start early — DAAD applications require substantial preparation. Start at least 6 months before the deadline
🎯 Be specific in your motivation letter — explain exactly why your project or study plan matters for your home country
📚 Strong academic record is essential — DAAD is highly competitive; target the top third of your class
🤝 Get strong reference letters — from professors who know your work well, not just your name
🇩🇪 Show connection to Germany — explain why Germany specifically, and what you will bring back to your home country
📧 Contact the DAAD office in your country — they offer pre-application counselling and may know which programmes suit your profile best
🔄 Apply to multiple programmes — different DAAD programmes have different quotas and criteria

For Erasmus+ Applications

🏛️ Check your home university’s Erasmus+ agreements — you can only go to a university your institution has a bilateral agreement with
⏰ Apply through your International Office early — internal deadlines at your home university often precede the official Erasmus+ deadline by months
📋 Prepare a strong Learning Agreement — list the exact courses you plan to take in Germany and confirm credit equivalences before you travel
🌍 Consider ICM if you’re from a non-EU country — International Credit Mobility opens Erasmus+ to students worldwide
🚆 Opt for green travel — you receive an extra €50/month if you avoid flying

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply for both DAAD and Erasmus+ at the same time? Generally, you cannot receive both simultaneously for the same period of study. DAAD scholarships and Erasmus+ grants cannot be combined for the same mobility period. However, you may be eligible for one after the other for different stages of your studies.

Q: I am not from the EU — can I get an Erasmus+ grant to study in Germany? Yes — through International Credit Mobility (KA171). Your home university must have an Erasmus+ ICM agreement with a German university. Contact your home university’s International Office to check.

Q: Does a DAAD scholarship replace the need for a blocked account? Yes. A DAAD scholarship award letter is accepted by German embassies as proof of financial resources. You do not need to open a separate blocked account.

Q: Is German language proficiency required for DAAD scholarships? Not always. Many DAAD-funded Master’s programmes are taught in English. However, DAAD does offer German language course funding to help scholars learn before or during their studies.

Q: What GPA do I need for a DAAD scholarship? DAAD does not publish a minimum GPA, but successful applicants typically rank in the top 25–30% of their class. Academic excellence is a key selection criterion.

Q: How long does DAAD scholarship selection take? From application deadline to notification is typically 3–5 months. Plan your visa and travel arrangements accordingly.

Q: Can I work part-time during a DAAD scholarship? Yes, but with limits. DAAD scholars can work up to 20 hours/week during term time. Additional income should be declared and may affect some subsidiary benefits.

Q: What happens to my Erasmus+ grant if I extend my stay? Extensions must be agreed upon before the exchange ends. Additional funding may or may not be available depending on your home university’s Erasmus+ budget.

Related Resources on Kommonplace Germany

🔗 Scholarships & Funding Germany — Full Directory 🔗 How to Apply for a German Student Visa 🔗 Find Universities in Germany — Kommonplace Directory 🔗 Blocked Accounts — Expatrio vs. Fintiba 🔗 Health Insurance for International Students 🔗 Cost of Living in Germany for Students 🔗 Opening a German Bank Account 🔗 Visa Application Support — How Kommonplace Germany Helps

References & Sources

DAAD Official Resources

DAAD — Official Homepage: daad.de/en
DAAD Scholarship Database: daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme: daad.de/en/find-a-programme/detail/helmut-schmidt-programme
DAAD EPOS Development-Related Postgraduate Courses: epos-daad.de
DAAD WISE Programme: daad.de/en/find-a-programme/detail/wise
DAAD Application Portal: portal.daad.de
DAAD Find a Course: daad.de/en/find-a-course/

Erasmus+ Official Resources

Erasmus+ Official Website: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
Erasmus+ German National Agency (DAAD): erasmusplus.de
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: eacea.ec.europa.eu
European Commission — Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2024: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide

German University & Study Resources

DAAD — Study in Germany Portal: study-in-germany.de
Hochschulkompass — University Database: hochschulkompass.de
uni-assist — Application for International Students: uni-assist.de
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF): bmbf.de/en
Leuphana University Lüneburg — International: leuphana.de/en
TU Munich — Scholarship Office: tum.de/en/studies/fees-and-financial-aid
Deggendorf Institute of Technology — International: th-deg.de/en

This article is part of the Kommonplace Germany platform — your all-in-one resource for living, studying, and thriving in Germany. For Internationals. By Experience.

Last updated: July 2026

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