DAAD as a body offering scholarships is not a new topic to many, but there is still a need to do some introduction before delving into the application processes of the various grants available under them.
Primarily, DAAD is concerned with offering scholarships to postgraduates, ranging from students with first-degree degrees and doctoral degrees to those pursuing postdoctoral programs.
According to a source, the platform supports more than 100,000 German and international researchers and students across the globe annually. This makes DAAD the world’s most sought-after funding organization of its kind.
Without some kind of embellishment, readers should have seen the generosity of this sponsor. Nonetheless, you should note from here that they do not offer grants to researchers or students who plan on studying or doing their research outside Germany.
To enjoy an offer from DAAD, you’re required to run or conduct your study or research at a German research institution(s).
Now that you have an idea of what DAAD is about, let’s get a picture of its worth.
DAAD Scholarship Worth
Recipients of awards from DAAD are not usually paid a fixed price. The amount or worth of the scholarship you enjoy may be largely determined by what you choose to study, your level of study, and your circumstances.
For instance, aside from what seems like the average monthly stipend from this body, they give room for recipients to enjoy health and personal liability insurance and some flat-rate allowance, among others—in most cases.
Generally, the monthly grant from DAAD ranges from anywhere between €934 and €1,200+, depending on the recipient’s level of study. Needless to say, PhD students are the highest paid.
Not to leave our comment out of it, though, this grant means so much and can go a long way in making your program a success. The fund is something you want to benefit from.
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DAAD Scholarship Eligibility Criteria/Requirement
If it feels like DAAD is something you want to get, it is time to remove the emotions and face reality: are you eligible for their offer? What should you know about the requirements for getting this grant?
On the official website for the body, the requirements are lengthy and split into sections of “professional qualifications”, “potential of the applicants”, etc. In summary, you should meet the following criteria to be eligible for a scholarship from DAAD:
- Preference is given to students with high academic performance, although there is no fixed grade or GPA a student must hit to merit this.
- A proposal is required from applicants. Your proposal is a piece of writing by you that is expected to make clear the goal of your project.
- The application form you receive should be filled out in either English or German, unless instructed otherwise.
- A letter of motivation will be required from you. This letter shall contain your personal and professional reasons for choosing to conduct your planned research or study in Germany.
The letter is expected to be anywhere between a page and three pages. We recommend that you keep to this rule of thumb.
- You should submit a letter confirming academic supervision. The supervisor you get for your project (usually a PhD holder) should write this letter for you.
- Also, applicants are to submit a reference letter. A university teacher versed in your field and knowledgeable about your project can help you with this.
- Applicants who already have a scholarship from the DAAD, the European Union, or another organization in Germany will be regarded as ineligible for DAAD scholarships.
- The DAAD Scholarship programs only allow recipients to study full-time within Germany. You are not eligible to take the offer if you plan on studying outside Germany or studying part-time.
Additionally, note that:
With an application later than is stipulated by the body, one could still be considered for the offer.
Usually, this works when you have an excuse that shows you couldn’t meet up due to some serious circumstances like prolonged illnesses, some form of disability (or other health problems), having to care for care-dependent relatives, childbearing, and conditions alike.
The body doesn’t turn a blind eye to the fact that some of these cases are just not foreseen circumstances of things controllable by their victims.
Consequently, if you make it known while applying that you experienced something of this nature (with the inclusion of proof—basically medical reports), it is expected that your disadvantage will attract some advantages from DAAD.
The last text field, “Other comments/information,” on the online application page is there for this purpose. So, that’s where to give some special notes you’d like your sponsors to look up.
In the same vein, do not try to get around the requirements for this offer. For instance, write anything you’re required to write all by yourself. Those that others are required to write for you should not also be written by you. We hope this simple rule will be easy for you to observe.
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How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships
No particular set of application procedures is peculiar to DAAD scholarships because they vary depending on the type of scholarship.
But generally, you get to know the application procedures for the scholarship of your choice by visiting the scholarship database (here) and reading the “Application Procedure” section of the Call for Applications.
Opening Date: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies
The opening and closing dates for scholarships on DAAD vary depending on what scholarship one wants to apply for. To confirm the deadline for the program of your choice, check the platform’s “Application Procedure” tab on the portal.
Why choose DAAD scholarships?
We have highlighted several benefits people applying for DAAD Scholarships enjoy, but there is more to those, and they give more reasons you should be interested in receiving an award from the body.
- First, you can apply at any age, as most grants under DAAD do not stipulate age limits for applicants.
- Further, you can seek a postgraduate scholarship with DAAD while you’re still pursuing your first degree. You just need to make sure your certificate will be ready before the start of the funding period. So, generally, you should apply in your final year of study, in case you don’t want to miss an opportunity while you haven’t gotten your first degree.
- On a final note, your transcripts and certificates do not initially have to be certified before your application can be considered by DAAD. A certified copy would be requested if you’re eventually considered. You know how this can help you!
There are more reasons to apply for DAAD scholarships; some of those reasons may even be personal and peculiar to you. Any scholarship from DAAD is worth your time and effort, you can be sure.