DAAD scholarships are not one single programme. The German Academic Exchange Service manages multiple funding routes for graduates, Master’s applicants, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers and university academics. For 2026–27, applicants must identify the correct programme, applicant country, academic status, funding purpose and deadline in the official DAAD Scholarship Database. This guide separates the major routes, current funding levels, important 2027-cycle changes and the application strategy that prevents applicants from using the wrong deadline or funding assumptions.
DAAD Scholarships 2026–27: Current Status
| DAAD scholarship portfolio | Active; individual programmes have separate application periods |
|---|---|
| Master’s Study Scholarships 2027/28 | Current 2027 cycle exists; country-specific deadlines apply |
| EPOS 2027/28 | Active programme; deadlines are attached to individual eligible postgraduate courses |
| Doctoral Programmes in Germany | 2027 funding calls available for eligible applicant countries |
| Research Grants in Germany | 2027 research stays for doctoral candidates and early postdocs; deadlines vary by applicant country |
| DLR-DAAD | Research fellowship programme continues with offer-specific availability |
| PRIME 2027 | New call planned; deadline expected in April 2027 for funding beginning in 2028 |
| GSSP | No new programme call due to DAAD programme consolidation |
| Last verified | 10 October 2026 |
Which DAAD Programme Fits Your Profile?
| Your Profile | DAAD Route to Check First |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s/Master’s student | University Summer Courses and selected short-term/student programmes |
| Graduate seeking a Master’s | Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines or subject-specific Study Scholarships |
| Professional from a developing/emerging country | EPOS Development-Related Postgraduate Courses |
| Graduate seeking a full doctorate in Germany | Doctoral Programmes in Germany where eligible for the applicant country |
| Doctoral candidate outside Germany | Research Grants in Germany or suitable bilateral/special research routes |
| Early postdoc | Research Grants in Germany, DLR-DAAD, PRIME or other specialist calls |
| University faculty / established researcher | Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists, Bilateral Exchange of Academics or specialist programmes |
DAAD Master’s Study Scholarships 2027/28
The Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines route supports graduates who want to continue their academic education in Germany with a postgraduate or Master’s degree. The general programme is distinct from separate DAAD scholarship routes for architecture, music, performing arts, fine art/design/film and some other fields.
| Who can apply? | Applicants who have completed a first academic degree by the time funding begins, subject to applicant-country eligibility |
|---|---|
| What can be funded? | A full postgraduate/Master’s programme in Germany or, in defined cases, one study year in Germany within a Master’s programme completed at the home university |
| Funding duration | 10 to 24 months, depending on the programme |
| 2027 funding start | Usually 1 October 2027, or earlier where DAAD funds a preparatory German-language course |
| Monthly scholarship | €992 |
| Other standard benefits | Insurance support, travel allowance upon application and annual study allowance; additional benefits may apply under specified conditions |
| Tuition fees | DAAD states that standard Study Scholarships do not generally cover tuition fees |
| Deadline | Country-specific; there is no universal 2027/28 deadline |
EPOS: Development-Related Postgraduate Courses 2027/28
EPOS is one of DAAD’s best-known routes for experienced professionals from development and newly industrialised countries. It supports selected postgraduate programmes in Germany rather than every Master’s degree.
| Target group | Graduates from eligible development/newly industrialised countries |
|---|---|
| Professional experience | At least 2 years |
| Eligible programmes | Only postgraduate courses specifically included in the DAAD EPOS list |
| Funding duration | 12 to 42 months, depending on the course |
| Graduate monthly rate | €992 |
| Doctoral monthly rate | €1,400 from February 2026 |
| Additional support | Insurance and travel support; rent/family support may apply under specified conditions |
| 2027/28 deadlines | Course-specific; applicants must check the individual EPOS programme |
EPOS selection also considers academic performance, relevant professional experience, development-related motivation and the applicant’s ability to contribute professionally after the programme.
DAAD Doctoral Programmes in Germany
This route supports eligible graduates and doctoral candidates pursuing a doctorate in Germany. Availability is country-specific, so applicants must confirm that the programme appears for their country in the official database.
| Target applicant | Highly qualified graduates and doctoral candidates from eligible countries |
|---|---|
| Monthly scholarship | €1,400 |
| Standard additional support | Insurance support, travel allowance upon application and annual research allowance; rent/family support may apply |
| Funding period | Normally structured around the doctoral project; eligible extensions can apply under programme rules |
| Academic requirement | Strong academic record plus a convincing doctoral project and appropriate supervision/admission arrangements |
| Deadline | Country-specific |
Research Grants in Germany: Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs
The current Research Grants in Germany programme supports a research project at a German state/state-recognised university or non-university research institute in agreement with a scientific supervisor in Germany.
| Doctoral candidates | Research stay of 2 to 12 months |
|---|---|
| Postdocs | Research stay of 2 to 6 months |
| Doctoral timing rule | The doctorate should generally have started no more than 3 years before the application deadline |
| Postdoc timing rule | Doctorate normally completed no more than 4 years before the application deadline |
| Residence rule | Applicants generally cannot have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline |
| Monthly scholarship | €1,400 |
| Additional support | Insurance support and travel allowance; research allowance and rent support can apply for longer funding periods |
| 2027 funding | Current call requires funding to begin in 2027; exact deadlines vary by applicant country |
This programme is for a defined research stay. It does not fund an entire doctorate at a German university under this specific Research Grants route.
Postdoctoral Funding: Research Grants, DLR-DAAD and PRIME
Research Grants in Germany
Early postdocs can use the Research Grants programme for 2–6 months where they meet the PhD-age, residency and host requirements.
DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme
| Programme | Joint DAAD–German Aerospace Center (DLR) research fellowship route |
|---|---|
| Graduate students | 9 months; current published monthly rate €992 |
| Doctoral students | Up to 36 months; current published programme rate differs from the standard DAAD rate |
| Postdocs | 7–24 months; offer-specific research positions |
| Senior/visiting researchers | Shorter research stays available under programme types D/E |
| Deadline | Offer-specific; applicants must use the current DLR-DAAD fellowship advertisement |
PRIME 2027
| Purpose | International mobility programme for postdocs planning a research career in Germany |
|---|---|
| Nationality | No general nationality restriction, subject to destination-country restrictions |
| New 2027 eligibility rule | Applicant must have studied or worked in the German higher-education/research system for at least 3 of the previous 5 years |
| PhD timing | Application generally possible up to 6 years after completion of the first PhD, subject to permitted extensions |
| Call publication | Autumn 2026 |
| Application deadline | DAAD states it will be in April 2027; exact date to be confirmed |
| Funding start | For the 2027 application round, funding is planned from 2028 |
DAAD Funding for University Faculty and Established Researchers
DAAD offers several short research-mobility routes for academics. Eligibility and deadlines can depend on applicant country and bilateral arrangements.
| Faculty Route | Current Framework |
|---|---|
| Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists | Typically 1–3 months at a German university or research institute for university teachers/established academics who usually hold a doctorate |
| Bilateral Exchange of Academics | Research visit of roughly 14 days to 3 months, subject to participating-country bilateral exchange rules |
| Assistant professors / lecturers | Standard DAAD faculty scholarship rate generally €2,000/month |
| Professors | Standard DAAD faculty scholarship rate generally €2,150/month |
| Travel | Programme-dependent; some bilateral routes allocate travel responsibility differently |
| Deadline | Country- and programme-specific |
Faculty applicants should not assume that a short research visit is available in every country every year. The Scholarship Database must show the route for the applicant’s origin/status.
DAAD Scholarship Amounts in 2026–27
DAAD’s standard rates depend on academic level and programme. Special programmes can publish different amounts, so the individual call always overrides the general figures.
| Academic Level | Typical Current DAAD Rate |
|---|---|
| Master’s-level scholarship holder | €992/month |
| Doctoral candidate | €1,400/month from February 2026 |
| Postdoc under standard DAAD rate | €1,400/month; specialist programmes may pay differently |
| Assistant professor / lecturer | €2,000/month under standard faculty research-stay guidance |
| Professor | €2,150/month under standard faculty research-stay guidance |
What else may be included?
- health, accident and personal-liability insurance support;
- travel allowance under the relevant programme rules;
- study or research allowance;
- rent subsidy under specified conditions;
- allowance for accompanying family members under specified conditions;
- German-language preparation in selected programmes;
- disability/chronic-illness support where approved.
DAAD India: Current 2026–27 Examples
DAAD India’s Scholarship Database demonstrates why applicants should filter by country rather than relying on global deadline lists.
| India-Facing Programme Example | Status / Deadline Visible on 10 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Programmes in Germany | 21 October 2026; selection around February 2027; funding from October 2027 |
| Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle | 21 October 2026; selection around February 2027; funding from October 2027 |
| University Summer Courses | 30 October each year, 23:59 CET; applications open from 1 September |
| Research Grants in Germany | Country-filtered DAAD India listing shows separate rounds rather than one annual universal deadline |
| DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship | Current offers use offer-specific deadlines and availability |
DAAD Deadline Strategy: Avoid the Most Common Mistake
DAAD updates deadlines annually, and the same programme can show different deadlines for different applicant countries.
| Wrong approach | Search “DAAD scholarship deadline 2027” and use the first date found online |
|---|---|
| Correct approach | Choose applicant country → academic status → programme → read the current application-procedure tab |
| EPOS | Check the specific postgraduate course; deadlines are course-specific |
| Master’s Study Scholarship | Country-specific deadline; the 2027/28 programme is not governed by one worldwide date |
| Research Grants | Country-specific rounds can differ substantially |
| PRIME 2027 | DAAD currently says the deadline will be in April 2027; wait for the exact call date |
General DAAD Eligibility: What Usually Matters
There is no universal DAAD eligibility checklist, but the following factors recur across many programmes.
| Applicant country | Some scholarships are available only to applicants from specified countries |
|---|---|
| Academic status | Student, graduate, doctoral candidate, postdoc and faculty routes are different |
| Degree age | Some programmes restrict how long ago the previous degree/PhD may have been completed |
| Academic performance | Selection committees evaluate academic achievement and suitability for the proposed project |
| Language | Proof must match the study/research language and programme requirements |
| Professional experience | Essential for programmes such as EPOS |
| German host | Research routes usually require a suitable German academic host/supervisor |
| Residence in Germany | Some programmes restrict applicants who have already lived in Germany beyond a specified period |
| Project quality | Study/research proposal quality and feasibility are central selection factors |
DAAD Application Documents
Do not assume every DAAD programme requests exactly the same documents. The current call controls the checklist.
Documents commonly requested
- DAAD online application form;
- curriculum vitae, often with a stated page limit;
- motivation letter;
- degree certificates and transcripts;
- language-proficiency evidence;
- one academic recommendation where required;
- research proposal/work plan for research routes;
- German host confirmation for relevant research programmes;
- admission evidence where required;
- employment/professional-experience proof for programmes such as EPOS.
How to Apply for the Correct DAAD Scholarship
- Open the official DAAD Scholarship Database.
- Select the country from which you are applying.
- Select your academic status. Student, graduate, doctoral candidate, postdoc or faculty.
- Filter by funding purpose and discipline.
- Open the exact scholarship entry.
- Read every tab. Overview, requirements, application procedure and submission route.
- Confirm the funding start and deadline for your country.
- Prepare only the requested documents.
- Apply through the route stated in the call. This may be the DAAD Portal, a postgraduate course, university or nomination process.
- Retain submission evidence and monitor communication.
How DAAD Selects Scholarship Holders
DAAD scholarship applications are generally reviewed by independent selection committees. Exact scoring differs by programme, but selection commonly considers:
| Academic qualification | Grades, academic trajectory, subject preparation and relevant achievements |
|---|---|
| Study/research project | Quality, feasibility, preparation and fit with the German host/programme |
| Motivation | Why Germany, why this programme and how the funding fits the applicant’s future development |
| Language readiness | Ability to complete the proposed programme or research effectively |
| Professional/research potential | Experience, publications, internships or professional record as relevant |
| Engagement and potential | Extracurricular/social commitment and future contribution can be considered |
CareerAidHub Application Strategy
1. Search by profile, not by the word “DAAD”
Start with your academic stage, country, subject and funding purpose. That is faster than trying to compare dozens of unrelated DAAD programmes.
2. Separate admission from scholarship selection
For study programmes, university admission may be a separate process. Track both deadlines independently.
3. Budget beyond the headline scholarship rate
Compare rent, insurance, semester contribution, tuition where applicable, deposits, family costs and visa-related expenses against the actual programme benefits.
4. Build the proposal around the programme objective
A generic “Germany is a leading research country” motivation is weak. Explain why the specific host, programme or project is necessary for your academic/professional trajectory.
5. Use only the current call
DAAD changes rates, eligibility rules and deadlines. PRIME’s 2027 eligibility change and the absence of a new GSSP call are good examples of why an old blog post can mislead an otherwise strong applicant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one DAAD scholarship deadline for 2027?
No. Deadlines differ by scholarship programme and frequently by applicant country. Always select your country/status in the official DAAD Scholarship Database.
How much is the DAAD Master’s scholarship in 2026–27?
The standard Master’s-level DAAD scholarship rate is generally €992 per month. Some programmes may use different funding structures.
How much does DAAD pay doctoral candidates and postdocs?
The current standard DAAD rate is generally €1,400 per month for doctoral candidates and postdocs from February 2026, but specialist programmes such as DLR-DAAD can publish different rates.
Does DAAD pay tuition fees?
Not generally under the standard Master’s Study Scholarship. Applicants must check whether the selected university charges tuition and whether the specific scholarship call provides an exception.
Is every DAAD scholarship fully funded?
No universal “fully funded” claim is accurate. Benefits vary and DAAD notes that the monthly scholarship may not cover all living costs in expensive locations.
What professional experience is required for EPOS?
EPOS generally requires at least two years of professional experience and is limited to eligible applicants and listed development-related postgraduate courses.
Can postdocs apply for DAAD funding?
Yes. Routes include Research Grants in Germany, DLR-DAAD and PRIME, depending on eligibility, research area and career stage.
What changed for PRIME 2027?
Applicants must now have studied or worked in the German higher-education/research system for at least three of the previous five years. DAAD says the 2027 deadline will be in April 2027.
Is GSSP open for a new DAAD programme call?
No. DAAD states that there will be no new Graduate School Scholarship Programme call because of programme consolidation. Applicants may still encounter scholarship opportunities connected with previously selected graduate schools, but this should not be confused with a new GSSP programme call.
Where should Indian applicants check DAAD deadlines?
Use the DAAD India Scholarship Database and select India as the applicant origin/status. This is more reliable than using a deadline quoted for another country.
Official and Primary Sources
Editorial note: DAAD deadlines, country eligibility, funding rates and submission routes can change independently by programme. Always verify the exact current Scholarship Database entry before submitting an application or making a financial decision.
