DAAD Scholarship for Indian Students 2026-2027: Complete Application Guide

Which DAAD scholarships fit Indian students?

How much does DAAD pay?

Most German public universities charge no tuition, so the scholarship mainly covers living costs. Where a programme does charge fees, check whether DAAD covers them.

DAAD scholarship eligibility for Indian students

It depends on the programme. For a Master's through EPOS, DAAD asks for a Bachelor's (usually four years) with results in the upper third, at least two years of related work experience after it, and degrees normally not more than six years old. For doctoral programmes, DAAD asks for above-average results and a completed Master's.

Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS), Master's (DAAD):

• A Bachelor's degree, usually a four-year course, in an appropriate subject
• Far above-average results (upper third)
• At least two years of related professional experience after the Bachelor's, at the time of application
• Academic degrees normally not more than six years old
• For German-taught courses, at least German B1 when you apply; for English-taught courses, language proof as the course requires
• Not resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline
• Your country must be on DAAD's list of eligible countries for EPOS. Check the list for your intake year

Doctoral Programmes in Germany (DAAD India):

• Above-average qualifications and a completed Master's or Diplom, or in exceptional cases a Bachelor's, at the latest when the funding starts
• Knowledge of the language of instruction or working language
• Selection looks at your grades and how they developed, the quality of your research proposal and preparation, and your motivation and career plans

For the other programmes in the table above, read the eligibility on each programme's own page in the DAAD India scholarship database.

What does DAAD usually expect across programmes?

When should I apply?

DAAD deadlines fall up to a year before you start. A typical plan for the doctoral programmes, with funding starting the following October:

For EPOS and the Helmut-Schmidt Programme, you apply to the course, which runs its own selection and recommends candidates to DAAD. Course deadlines are often 9-14 months before the start.

How do I make my application stronger?

• Pick the right programme for your profile. A fresh graduate applying to a programme that needs 2 years of experience is rejected on eligibility.
• Write a DAAD letter, not a university SOP. EPOS courses are development-related, so explain what problem in India you have worked on and how the course helps you work on it.
• Show leadership and impact. Projects you led, initiatives you started, community work, with specific results.
• Prepare the documents exactly as asked. Signed references, the required format for transcripts, and translations where needed. Incomplete applications are not considered.
• For a PhD, start with the supervisor. A supervisor in Germany who knows your proposal makes a real difference. Write to them personally, about their work.
• Prepare for an interview. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed about their motivation, plans and knowledge of the course.

Does a DAAD scholarship replace the blocked account?

A scholarship from a German public funding organisation can be used as proof of financing for the visa, so you may not need a blocked account for the amount it covers. If your scholarship pays less than the required €11,904 a year, you may need to show the rest. Confirm with the German missions in India before your appointment. See our blocked account guide.

What other scholarships can I apply for?

If DAAD does not fit yet, look at:

• Deutschlandstipendium: €300 a month, awarded by your university after you enrol
• University scholarships: many universities have their own merit or need-based awards
• Foundation scholarships: such as the political foundations, for students who are already admitted or enrolled

See our full list of scholarships for Indian students and use the scholarship calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the DAAD scholarship per month?

DAAD's doctoral programmes pay €1,400 a month, according to the DAAD India scholarship database. Master's programmes such as EPOS pay about €992 a month. Insurance, travel and other allowances are added depending on the programme.

Can a fresh graduate get a DAAD scholarship for a Master's?

Rarely. The main DAAD Master's programmes for Indians, EPOS and the Helmut-Schmidt Programme, expect professional experience, at least 2 years for EPOS. Fresh graduates should look at university scholarships and the Deutschlandstipendium.

What is the DAAD deadline for Indian students?

It depends on the programme. On DAAD India's database, doctoral programmes close on 28 October, research grants on 7 October and 4 March, and summer course scholarships on 30 October. EPOS deadlines are set by each course.

Do I need IELTS for a DAAD scholarship?

You need proof of the language of instruction. For English-taught courses that is usually IELTS or TOEFL, at the level the course sets. For the visa from India, the German missions accept IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge.

Does DAAD cover tuition fees?

Most German public universities charge no tuition. Where a course charges fees, check the programme page, because cover depends on the programme.

Do I need APS if I get a DAAD scholarship?

Yes, Indian applicants still need an APS certificate for the visa. Start it in parallel with your scholarship application.

Sources

• DAAD India: Scholarship database (doctoral programmes, research grants, summer courses: amounts and deadlines checked October 2026)
• DAAD: Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
• German Missions in India: Student visa
• DAAD: Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS), scholarship database entry
• DAAD India: Doctoral Programmes in Germany

Planning your Master's in Germany?

Use the free German University Shortlister to find Safe, Target and Ambitious public universities for your CGPA.