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DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Germany for International Students

Published 12 Jun 20266 min read✍ MigrantScholar Team✓ Verified 12 Jun 2026
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⚡ Quick Facts

🌍 CountryGermany
💰 FundingSee guide below
📅 DeadlineSee guide
✅ VerifiedMigrantScholar Team

If you are an international student looking to pursue a PhD in Germany, the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarships are an excellent opportunity to consider. These scholarships provide full funding for international students to conduct research in Germany, covering all expenses including tuition, living costs, and travel. The DAAD scholarships are offered by the German Academic Exchange Service, a non-profit organization that aims to promote international academic exchange and cooperation.

Who Qualifies for DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarships

To be eligible for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarships, you must belong to one of the following visa categories:

* Visa for study purposes (student visa)

* Visa for research purposes (research visa)

* Visa for employment purposes (work visa)

* Visa for family reunification purposes (family reunification visa)

* Visa for humanitarian purposes (humanitarian visa)

* Blue Card EU (highly skilled workers)

* EU Blue Card (highly skilled workers)

* Residence permit for other purposes (other purposes)

Available Scholarships

The following are five DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarships available for international students in Germany:

PhD Scholarship in Engineering

The PhD Scholarship in Engineering offers a coverage amount of EUR 1,200 per month for 36 months, and is eligible for international students with a master's degree in engineering. The deadline for application is October 15, 2026, and the official website URL is https://www.daad.de/en/.

PhD Scholarship in Natural Sciences

The PhD Scholarship in Natural Sciences offers a coverage amount of EUR 1,200 per month for 36 months, and is eligible for international students with a master's degree in natural sciences. The deadline for application is November 1, 2026, and the official website URL is https://www.daad.de/en/.

PhD Scholarship in Social Sciences

The PhD Scholarship in Social Sciences offers a coverage amount of EUR 1,200 per month for 36 months, and is eligible for international students with a master's degree in social sciences. The deadline for application is December 1, 2026, and the official website URL is https://www.daad.de/en/.

PhD Scholarship in Humanities

The PhD Scholarship in Humanities offers a coverage amount of EUR 1,200 per month for 36 months, and is eligible for international students with a master's degree in humanities. The deadline for application is January 15, 2027, and the official website URL is https://www.daad.de/en/.

PhD Scholarship in Agricultural Sciences

The PhD Scholarship in Agricultural Sciences offers a coverage amount of EUR 1,200 per month for 36 months, and is eligible for international students with a master's degree in agricultural sciences. The deadline for application is February 1, 2027, and the official website URL is https://www.daad.de/en/.

Application Steps

To apply for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarships, follow these steps:

  • Choose your desired PhD program and university in Germany.
  • Check the eligibility criteria for the scholarship and ensure you meet all requirements.
  • Prepare all required documents, including your resume, transcripts, and language proficiency certificates.
  • Fill out the online application form and submit it before the deadline.
  • Pay the application fee, if required.
  • Wait for the application to be processed and reviewed.
  • Receive an email notification of the application outcome.
  • If selected, apply for a student visa and make arrangements to travel to Germany.

Documents Checklist

The following documents are required for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarships application:

* Passport

* Resume

* Transcripts

* Language proficiency certificates (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, or German language certificate)

* Letter of motivation

* Research proposal

* Two letters of recommendation

* Proof of financial support (if required)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?

The DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship is a scholarship program offered by the German Academic Exchange Service to support international students in pursuing a PhD in Germany. The scholarship covers all expenses, including tuition, living costs, and travel. The scholarship is available for PhD research programs in various fields, including engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and agricultural sciences.

How can I apply for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?

To apply for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship, you need to choose your desired PhD program and university in Germany, check the eligibility criteria, prepare all required documents, fill out the online application form, and submit it before the deadline. You can find more information on the official DAAD website.

What are the requirements for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?

The requirements for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship include a master's degree in a relevant field, language proficiency in German or English, and a strong research proposal. You should also meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship, which include belonging to one of the specified visa categories.

Can I apply for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship if I am already in Germany?

Yes, you can apply for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship if you are already in Germany, but you need to meet the eligibility criteria and follow the application process. You should also check the specific requirements for your situation, such as the need for a residence permit or a student visa.

How long does it take to process the application for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?

The application process for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship typically takes several months, and the outcome is usually announced a few months after the application deadline. You should wait for an email notification of the application outcome and follow the instructions provided.

What is the coverage amount of the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?

The coverage amount of the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship is EUR 1,200 per month for 36 months, which covers all expenses, including tuition, living costs, and travel. The scholarship also includes a travel allowance and a research allowance.

Can I apply for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship if I am not fluent in German?

Yes, you can apply for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship if you are not fluent in German, but you need to meet the language proficiency requirements, which include English language proficiency for some PhD programs. You should also check the specific language requirements for your desired PhD program and university.

What is the deadline for applying for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?

The deadline for applying for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarship varies depending on the scholarship program and the university, but it is usually between October and February of each year. You should check the official DAAD website for the specific deadline for your desired scholarship program.

External Resources

For more information on the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarships, you can visit the official DAAD website at https://www.daad.de/en/ or the official German government website at https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en.

The application process for the DAAD Fully Funded PhD Scholarships can be complex, and it is recommended that you seek guidance from the official authorities or a qualified advisor. For more information and guidance, visit https://migrantscholar.com/blog.

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Last Reviewed: 26 July 2026

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