Germany: DAAD 2027 Master’s Scholarship Applications Open for International Graduates
Students planning to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany in 2027 have an important scholarship opportunity to explore.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has opened the application cycle for its Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines programme.
The scholarship is designed for graduates who want to continue their academic education through a postgraduate or Master's degree at a state or state-recognised university in Germany. Funding must begin in 2027 and normally starts around 1 October 2027.
Successful scholarship holders can currently receive €992 per month, along with insurance support, an annual study allowance and other eligible benefits.
For Indian and other international graduates targeting Germany for the 2027/28 academic intake, here are the most important details.
DAAD Scholarship 2027: Key Highlights
DetailInformationScholarshipDAAD Study Scholarships – Master StudiesDestinationGermanyLevelMaster's/PostgraduateMonthly scholarship€992Funding duration10–24 monthsAnnual study allowance€460Funding startUsually October 2027ApplicationOnline through DAAD PortalCurrent listed deadline30 November 2026Tuition feesNot covered by DAAD
DAAD's current programme information lists scholarship funding of €992 monthly, an annual €460 study allowance, payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance, and a travel allowance subject to applicable conditions.
What Does the DAAD Scholarship Cover?
The DAAD Master's scholarship provides substantial financial assistance to selected students.
€992 Monthly Scholarship
Successful candidates currently receive:
€992 per month
This helps students manage living expenses such as accommodation, food and everyday costs while studying in Germany.
€460 Annual Study Allowance
Scholarship holders can also receive a:
€460 annual study allowance
Insurance Support
DAAD provides payments towards:
- Health insurance
- Accident insurance
- Personal liability insurance
Travel Support
A travel allowance may also be available upon application and according to DAAD's applicable conditions.
In certain circumstances, additional support may be available for rent, accompanying family members and German-language preparation.
Does DAAD Cover Tuition Fees?
Students should understand one important condition:
DAAD does not cover university tuition fees under this scholarship programme.
Therefore, applicants should check the tuition fees and semester contributions charged by their selected German university before applying.
This means the scholarship offers significant financial support, but it should not automatically be described as covering every possible study expense.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is intended for graduates who want to pursue further academic education in Germany.
Applicants must generally have completed their first academic degree, such as a Bachelor's degree, by the time scholarship funding begins.
Important conditions include:
- Your most recent university degree should generally not be more than six years old at the application deadline.
- You should meet the academic requirements of your chosen Master's programme.
- You must provide evidence of proficiency in the programme's language of instruction.
- Applicants who have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline are generally not eligible under this programme.
Is IELTS Required?
For an English-taught Master's programme, applicants need to provide acceptable proof of English-language proficiency.
DAAD currently lists examples such as:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge English
- TOEIC
- Duolingo English Test
- onSET English
For German-taught programmes, certificates such as TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat, telc Deutsch and onSET Deutsch may be accepted.
However, your chosen university may have its own minimum score and accepted-test requirements, so both DAAD and university criteria must be checked.
DAAD Scholarship 2027 Deadline
The current programme listing accessed for this application cycle shows an application deadline of:
30 November 2026
Selection is expected around February–March 2027, with funding beginning from approximately October 2027.
DAAD notes that deadlines are updated annually and may depend on the applicant's country/profile.
Therefore, students should always select their correct country and applicant status in the official DAAD Scholarship Database before submitting an application.
Check the official DAAD Scholarship Database
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare their documents carefully before starting the online application.
The current DAAD requirements include:
- Complete CV in tabular format — maximum 3 pages
- Motivation letter — normally 1–3 pages
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor's degree certificate, if available
- Proof of English or German language proficiency
- Recent recommendation letter from a university teacher
- Information about preferred Master's programmes
- University admission letter, if already received
- Explanation of the university grading system
- School-leaving certificate with grades
- Relevant work, internship or extracurricular certificates, if applicable
If your degree is not yet complete, DAAD allows the final university certificate to be submitted later, provided it is available before funding begins.
Do You Need University Admission Before Applying?
Not necessarily.
Students can submit the DAAD scholarship application even if they have not yet received their German university admission letter.
However, admission to the selected university must be secured before the scholarship funding period begins.
DAAD also makes it clear that students are responsible for applying separately to their chosen German university within its admission deadlines.
So students should work on both applications simultaneously:
1. DAAD scholarship application
2. German university admission application
How to Apply for DAAD Scholarship 2027
The application is completed online through the DAAD Portal.
Step 1
Search for the correct DAAD scholarship programme.
Step 2
Check your country-specific eligibility and deadline.
Step 3
Shortlist suitable Master's programmes in Germany.
Step 4
Prepare your CV, motivation letter, academic records and language certificate.
Step 5
Arrange a recommendation letter from a university teacher.
Step 6
Complete the online DAAD application and upload all required documents.
Step 7
Submit everything before the deadline.
DAAD states that incomplete applications cannot be considered and advises applicants not to wait until the final day because technical problems may occur.
Why Indian Students Should Consider Germany in 2027
Germany continues to attract international students because of its strong universities, globally recognised qualifications and wide range of English-taught Master's programmes.
The DAAD scholarship can make studying in Germany more affordable by offering monthly financial support and additional benefits.
However, competition is expected to be strong.
Students interested in the 2027 Germany intake should start preparing now by:
- Shortlisting universities
- Checking Master's eligibility
- Preparing IELTS/PTE or German-language tests
- Improving their CV
- Preparing a strong motivation letter
- Arranging academic recommendations
Final Takeaway
The DAAD Scholarship 2027 is an important opportunity for eligible international graduates planning to pursue Master's studies in Germany.
With €992 per month, a €460 annual study allowance, insurance contributions and possible travel and additional support, the programme can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.
Students targeting Germany for 2027/28 should start preparing early and verify their exact eligibility and deadline through the official DAAD Scholarship Database before applying.
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