DAAD 2020-2021 Postgraduate Scholarships for Development-Related Courses – Germany

Published: 03 Jun 2020 1,803 views

The scholarships offer foreign graduates from development and newly industrialised countries from all disciplines and with at least two years’ professional experience the chance to take a postgraduate degree at a state or state-recognised German university, and in exceptional cases to take a doctoral degree, and to obtain a university qualification (Master’s/PhD) in Germany.

With its development-oriented postgraduate study programmes, the DAAD promotes the training of specialists from development and newly industrialised countries. Well-trained local experts, who are networked with international partners, play an important part in the sustainable development of their countries. They are the best guarantee for a better future with less poverty, more education and health for all.

 Each chosen course has its deadline (Sept-Dec).  Please consult scholarship brochure for more information

DAAD Masters Scholarship

Benefits of DAAD Masters Scholarship

1. Depending on academic level, monthly payments of 750 euros for graduates or 1,000 euros for doctoral candidates
2. Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover
3. Travel allowance, unless these expenses are covered by the home country or another source of funding

Requirements for DAAD Masters Scholarship

1. Candidates fulfil the necessary academic requirements and can be expected to successfully complete a study programme in Germany (above-average result for first academic exam – top performance third, language skills)
2. Candidates have a Bachelor degree (usually a four-year course) in an appropriate subject
3. Candidates have at least two years’ professional experience
4. Candidates can prove their motivation is development-related and be expected to take on social responsibility and initiate and support processes of change in their personal and professional environment after their training/scholarship

Selection Criteria: 

1. The last academic degree (usually a Bachelor’s degree) should have been completed no longer than six years previously
2. At least two years’ relevant professional experience
3. Language skills: Depending on chosen study programme; please check scholarship brochure or the website of your chosen study programme.

Selection Process

1. Step 1: You send your complete application(s) directly to the according postgraduate course.
2. Step 2: A selection committee suggests potential candidates for a DAAD scholarship.
3. Step 3: The suggested candidates will be contacted by DAAD to upload their complete application to the DAAD Portal.
4. Step 4: The selection process will be finalized, and the suggested candidates will be informed accordingly.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that you have a copy of each document of your application ready, as those documents (as PDF files) have to be uploaded to the DAAD Portal in case you are suggested for a DAAD scholarship!

Application Documents

1. Signed DAAD application form with current date
2. Personally signed CV
3. Personally signed Letter of Motivation (with reference to current occupation and choice of postgraduate programme(s), two pages maximum) with current date.
4. Personally signed Letter of Motivation (with reference to current occupation and choice of postgraduate programme(s), two pages maximum) with current date.
   IMPORTANT: When applying for more than one postgraduate course (maximum 3 courses), you have to submit one motivation letter explaining why you are applying for these specific courses and why you chose that priority.
5. Letter of recommendation from your current employer; the letter must have letterhead, a signature and official stamp and must be of current date (not in a sealed envelope)
6. Certificate(s) of Employment from the employer(s) that proof a minimum of two years of relevant working experience (after the bachelor degree) at the time of application and if possible, a guarantee of re-employment from your current employer upon returning home.
7. Proof of Language Skills:
   English – IELTS or TOEFL (Note: The institutional TOEFL is not accepted)
   German – required for courses taught in German
8. Copies of Academic Degrees (certified translation if necessary)
9. Copies of Academic Transcripts, incl. grading-scale (certified translation if necessary)
10. Applicants from the People’s Republic of China are asked to submit an APS Certificate with their application documents.

Application Deadline

How to Apply