DAAD Scholarships for International Developing Countries

The DAAD offers a variety of scholarships to students of all stripes. Here, we’ll focus on a scholarship available to students from international developing countries.

The Scholarship for International Developing Countries targets foreign students, early-stage researchers, and masters or doctoral students wishing to take courses at a German university. The scholarship is funded through Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Eligibility:

Special consideration is given to students who have already demonstrated interest in the development field. The DAAD wants to support those who plan on pursuing social responsibility throughout their careers. Women and applicants from disadvantaged groups are especially targeted for admission. The DAAD says all applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record.

Because this scholarship targets those who come from developing countries, applicants must be from a country on this list from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Development Assistance Committee. Applicants must have completed at least a bachelor degree prior to their request for this postgraduate scholarship. They may not be older than 36 at the time of application. Some courses of study require that a bachelor’s degree has not been completed more than six years prior to application. The minimum grade point average (GPA) for students wishing to start their masters studies is 2.75 and 3.00 for those interested in a PhD. For more details, see the website on each study program. Applicants should have at least two years work experience following the completion of their undergraduate degree. German language requirements are different depending on the program of study, but at least an A2 or B1 level is recommended.

Application Materials:

Applicants must submit proof of their current work situation,and ideally include letters of reference from employers and a guarantee of reemployment following the academic program. The DAAD requires applicants write a statement of motivation, along with additional materials. The full DAAD application can be accessed here.

Scholarship Award:

The DAAD awards students 750 euro monthly, as well as annual research grants. The scholarship includes health, accident and liability insurance in Germany and a traveling allowance.

Duration:

Awards run 12 to 36 months depending on the program of study.

How to Apply:

DAAD application forms are available at German embassies, DAAD offices abroad, universities and on the DAAD website.

Deadlines vary depending on how the application is submitted. Applications from Cameroon, Myanmar and Nigeria must be submitted directly to the German embassy. The general closing date for DAAD regional offices is July 31. The DAAD office in Bonn closing date is August 31 and universities generally accept applications until October 15. Deadlines differ university to university. Check the deadlines here.

The selection process usually takes place between November and February for the following academic year.

Other DAAD scholarship resources:

The DAAD also offers a very helpful scholarship database for many different types of students interested in programs at German universities.