Have you ever wondered what it feels like to study in Germany? Well, guess what? Studying in Germany might not be as out of reach as you think! The DAAD Scholarship could be your key to studying in Germany completely FREE! This article How To Study in Germany for Free! All You Need to Know About the DAAD Scholarship is here to be your best friend, explaining everything about the DAAD Scholarship in plain English. We’ll cover what it is, who can apply, and some insider tips to help you write an application that seriously stands out.
Through this scholarship, the German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD, provides financial support to over 100000 researchers and students from Germany and other countries. It is the largest fundraising organization of its kind worldwide.
What is the DAAD Scholarship?
DAAD is a scholarship in Germany that targets students from developing countries. Many students from these developing countries apply and are approved for the DAAD scholarship and they get the opportunity to be enrolled in various universities in Germany. The students are awarded this scholarship to study courses that are taught in both German and English language. The scholarship is however not available for postgraduate students. To be approved for the scholarship, a student has to show proof of two years of working experience. The courses approved under the scholarship are those that have a duration of more than a year and less than three years.
Graduate students studying doctoral and postdoctoral programs can apply for the DAAD scholarship. They are primarily used for research and study travels to non-university research institutions and German universities. In certain circumstances, internships may also be supported.
Through this scholarship initiative, you can pursue a postgraduate degree in Germany to further your academic career. The German Federal Foreign Office provides funding for scholarships.
Graduates, doctorate candidates, and postdocs are the main recipients of DAAD scholarships, which are given for study and research visits to German universities and non-university research institutions.
Scholarships are specifically offered to individuals from industrialized nations for masters degrees in Germany. The Hilde Domin programme offers scholarships to students and doctorate candidates who face discrimination in their home country for educational or other reasons.
Who is Eligible for a DAAD Scholarship?
Prospective applicants will be contacted by the DAAD and invited to apply via the DAAD application portal.
PhD Candidates from practically every nation of origin are eligible to apply for Research Grants- One year Grants for Doctoral candidates – DAAD. On the basis of the OECD- DAC list, applicants from developing and threshold countries are the main recipients of grants for full PhD programmes in Germany.
If you wish to apply for a DAAD scholarship, please read the call for applications for your chosen scholarship programme in the scholarship database, paying particular attention to application deadlines. The scholarship database will take you to the application portal. Scholarship applications are reviewed by independent and voluntary selection committees, which also decide on the allocation of scholarships. Selection is based on subject related criteria. Also available are so called Sur place and Third Country programme in which students and young scientists and researchers are offered DAAD funding for a graduate programme, doctoral programme or postdoc period in their home country or region. A comprehensive overview of DAAD scholarship programme is available on our scholarship database.
What The DAAD Scholarship Covers
DAAD scholarship is doesn’t need repayment. They usually consist of a monthly scholarship payment (currently for example, €934 for graduates and €1200 for doctoral/PhD students) and a flat rate travel allowance. In many cases, DAAD also provides you with health, accident and personal liability insurance. Depending on scholarship programme, here are also additional benefits such as a one off research allowance, family benefits or funds for language courses. The benefits offered by the respective scholarship programme are described in the call for applications in the scholarship database.
What are the Benefits of a DAAD Scholarship?
Depending on the length of your chosen programme, the scholarship is intended for visits of between 10 and 24 months. The scholarship are awarded for the duration of the standard period of study for the chosen programme (up to a maximum of 24 months). Please state the entire period for which you wish to apply for a scholarship in your application. For instance, if you are planning a 2 year degree programme, you must directly indicate two years as the desired scholarship duration in your application. After the first year of study, your academic achievement will be assessed on a further funding procedure. If this shows that you will successfully complete your programme within a reasonable period of time, the scholarship will be continue as planned. A Master’s degree programme in Germany that has already started at the time of the application deadline cannot be funded. The scholarship usually begins on 1st October of the following year, or earlier if you take a German language course prior to the study programme.
Postgraduate students get a monthly allowance of 750 euros, Doctorate students get a monthly allowance of 1000 euros, Both postgraduate and doctorate students get health insurance coverage, There is also a provision where these students can receive a travel grant, The students get to study free in a German university, The students also get accomodations for free at the university.
The program provides funding for a whole postgraduate or Master’s degree programme completed at a state or state recognized university in Germany or one year of study in Germany as part of a second or Masters degree completed at your home university. The general condition is that the academic credits you gain in Germany are recognized by your home university. Moreover, the standard period of study at your home university should not be exceeded as a result of the study year in Germany.
How to Apply for a DAAD Scholarship:
For applicants from artistic disciplines and the field of architecture, the DAAD offers the following scholarship programmes:
Architecture
Music
Performing Arts
Fine Art/Design/ Film.
Who Can Apply?:
A student applying for this scholarship must have completed a Bachelor’s degree course that has a duration of less than or equal to six years. The student also applying for this scholarship also has to show proof of two years working experience. The student does not necessarily have to understand German or English as this is dependent on the course that they choose.
The student need to download the application form from the DAAD scholarship website and foll in the form with your information. The Europa’s Specimen form that will help you make a personalized CC with your hand written signature and cover letter. You also need to have a motivation letter that is hand signed and lists your working history as well as references for the same. The German university may request a research proposal, which you should send with your application.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS)
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Is there an age limit for DAAD scholarships?
No, there isn’t a set age limit for DAAD scholarships overall. But some programs may have specific age requirements set by their international partners. Most programs mainly consider the time passed since you last completed your degree. Make sure to check the “Call for Applications” on the DAAD funding portal for the program you’re interested in to see if there are any age requirements.
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Do I need to know German for a DAAD scholarship?
Not all programs require German language proficiency for applications. The language requirements depend on the course you’re applying for in Germany.
Minimum language requirement: Usually, you need an IELTS (band 6) or TOEFL (minimum scores of 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, and 80 internet-based).
Studying in German: If your program is in German, you’ll need a DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 certificate for university enrollment. But sometimes, a B1 level certificate might be enough initially.
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Can I study any subject in Germany with a DAAD scholarship?
Generally, DAAD scholarships cover a wide range of subjects, but there might be limitations for certain fields like medicine. Also, there are specific programs for areas like architecture, music, or computer science. You can use the DAAD scholarship database to find programs in your field.
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How long does it take to apply for a DAAD scholarship?
The application process duration varies depending on the program and scholarship type. It’s best to start planning and gathering documents well before the deadlines.
What are my chances of getting a DAAD scholarship? Competition for DAAD scholarships can be tough. Your chances depend on factors like your academic history, qualifications, chosen program, motivation, and how well your application fits the scholarship criteria.
To boost your chances, make sure you meet all eligibility criteria, submit a strong application, and tailor your documents to the specific program you’re applying for.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, DAAD scholarships offer valuable opportunities for individuals to pursue their academic goals in Germany across various fields and disciplines. While there isn’t a strict age limit, it’s essential to review specific program requirements carefully. Language proficiency, program suitability, and early planning play crucial roles in the application process. Despite the competitive nature of these scholarships, with careful preparation and dedication, applicants can enhance their chances of success. So, if you’re considering applying for a DAAD scholarship, remember to research thoroughly, meet all requirements, and present a compelling application tailored to your aspirations.