LOCATION: Germany
The DAAD promotes the training of specialists from developing and emerging countries through its development-related postgraduate programs. The scholarships offer international graduates from developing and emerging countries in all academic disciplines and with at least two years of professional experience the opportunity to pursue a postgraduate or Master’s degree and, in exceptional cases, a doctoral program, at a state-run or state-recognized German university and to obtain a university degree (Master’s/PhD) in Germany.
ELIGIBILITY:
Graduates with at least two years of professional experience from the following countries: List of eligible countries
Individual scholarships for studies exclusively in degree programs in Germany, which are listed below: List of all postgraduate study programs with application deadlines 2027/28
The ideal candidates
They work either in a government agency, a state institution, or a private company in a developing country and are accordingly involved in the planning and implementation of projects with a focus on development cooperation.
Have a bachelor’s degree (usually four years) in the relevant field.
Have completed their studies with above-average results (top third of the rankings) and have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience after their bachelor’s degree at the time of the application deadline.
The respective university degree should generally not be more than six years old.
Applicants who have been in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application cannot be considered.
Language skills:
For German-language degree programs, DSH 2 or TestDaF 4 at the start of studies; proof of German language proficiency at level B1 with a current certificate is required at the time of application.
Please note: Some German-language or bilingual degree programs require very good German language skills at the time of application. Detailed information can be found in the respective program descriptions.
It should be expressly pointed out that without basic knowledge (at least B1 level) of German, it is not possible to successfully pass the language exam (DSH or TestDaF) required for the degree program, even with the preceding six-month intensive language course in Germany. Passing the language exam is a formal requirement for enrollment at the German university.
For English-language degree programs: Proof of adequate English language skills, in accordance with the requirements of the respective degree program. Please refer to the individual degree program descriptions for detailed information.
BENEFIT:
Scholarship benefits:
Monthly stipend rate depending on level of education: 992 euros for graduates and 1,300 euros (1,400 euros from February 2026) for doctoral candidates.
Benefits for health, accident and personal liability insurance
A subsidy towards travel expenses, provided the costs are not covered by the home country or another party.
Furthermore, the following additional benefits may be granted under certain conditions:
Monthly rent subsidies
Monthly allowances for accompanying family members
Duration of funding: 12 to 42 months (depending on the course of study)
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