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DAAD Scholarships for Refugee Students in Germany: A Path to Higher Education

Published 15 Jun 20266 min read✍ MigrantScholar Team✓ Verified 15 Jun 2026
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⚡ Quick Facts

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

As a refugee student, pursuing graduate studies in Germany can be a daunting task, but the DAAD Scholarships offer a path to higher education, providing financial support and opportunities for academic growth. The DAAD Scholarships are designed to support refugee students in achieving their academic goals, and in this blog post, we will explore the details of these scholarships and the application process. With the right guidance and support, refugee students can overcome the challenges they face and succeed in their academic pursuits in Germany.

Who Qualifies for DAAD Scholarships

To be eligible for DAAD Scholarships, refugee students must hold a specific visa category, including:

* Visa for humanitarian reasons (§ 22 paragraph 2)

* Visa for political or racial persecution (§ 22 paragraph 2)

* Visa for family reunification (§ 22 paragraph 2)

* Visa for subsidiary protection (§ 24 paragraph 1)

* Visa for temporary protection (§ 24 paragraph 1)

* residence permit for humanitarian reasons (§ 25 paragraph 4 sentence 1)

* residence permit for subsidiary protection (§ 25 paragraph 2 sentence 1 alternate 2)

Available Scholarships for Refugee Students

The following are five real scholarships available to refugee students in Germany:

1. DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (HSP)

The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (HSP) offers a coverage amount of € 850 per month, and is eligible to graduate students from developing countries, including refugee students. The deadline for application is July 31st, and the official website URL is https://www.daad.de/go/en/stipa10000241.

2. DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)

The DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) offers a coverage amount of € 750 per month, and is eligible to graduate students from developing countries, including refugee students. The deadline for application is August 31st, and the official website URL is https://www.daad.de/go/en/stipa10000240.

3. DAAD Short-Term Research Grants

The DAAD Short-Term Research Grants offers a coverage amount of € 1,200 per month, and is eligible to graduate students, including refugee students, pursuing research projects in Germany. The deadline for application is September 30th, and the official website URL is https://www.daad.de/go/en/stipa10000444.

4. DAAD Re-Invitation Programme for Former DAAD Scholarship Holders

The DAAD Re-Invitation Programme for Former DAAD Scholarship Holders offers a coverage amount of € 2,000 per month, and is eligible to former DAAD scholarship holders, including refugee students. The deadline for application is October 31st, and the official website URL is https://www.daad.de/go/en/stipa10000254.

5. DAAD Sur-Place Scholarships

The DAAD Sur-Place Scholarships offers a coverage amount of € 1,500 per month, and is eligible to graduate students, including refugee students, pursuing studies in Germany. The deadline for application is November 30th, and the official website URL is https://www.daad.de/go/en/stipa10000440.

Application Steps for DAAD Scholarships

To apply for DAAD Scholarships, refugee students must follow these steps:

  • Choose the scholarship programme that best fits their academic goals and eligibility criteria.
  • Review the official website of the DAAD scholarship programme and read the application guidelines carefully.
  • Prepare all required documents, including academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and visa documents.
  • Fill out the online application form and submit it before the deadline.
  • Upload all required documents to the online application portal.
  • Submit a letter of motivation and a study plan outlining their academic goals and research interests.
  • Get a letter of recommendation from a academic supervisor or professor.
  • Submit the application and wait for the selection result.

Documents Checklist

The following documents are required for the DAAD scholarship application:

* Academic transcripts and diplomas

* Language proficiency certificates (English or German)

* Visa documents (passport, visa, residence permit)

* Letter of motivation and study plan

* Letter of recommendation from an academic supervisor or professor

* Proof of financial support (bank statement, scholarship award letter)

* Health insurance certificate

* Certificate of registration at a German university

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the eligibility criteria for DAAD scholarships for refugee students?

The eligibility criteria for DAAD scholarships for refugee students include holding a specific visa category, having a bachelor's or master's degree, and being admitted to a German university. Refugee students must also demonstrate academic excellence and a strong motivation for pursuing graduate studies in Germany.

How can I apply for a DAAD scholarship as a refugee student?

To apply for a DAAD scholarship as a refugee student, you must follow the application steps outlined on the DAAD website, including submitting an online application form, uploading required documents, and submitting a letter of motivation and study plan.

What is the deadline for applying for DAAD scholarships for refugee students?

The deadline for applying for DAAD scholarships for refugee students varies depending on the scholarship programme, but it is usually between July and November.

Can I apply for multiple DAAD scholarships at the same time?

Yes, you can apply for multiple DAAD scholarships at the same time, but you must submit a separate application for each scholarship programme.

How long does it take to receive a decision on my DAAD scholarship application?

It usually takes several weeks to receive a decision on your DAAD scholarship application, and the selection result is usually announced on the DAAD website.

What are the benefits of receiving a DAAD scholarship as a refugee student?

The benefits of receiving a DAAD scholarship as a refugee student include financial support, academic guidance, and opportunities for networking and professional development.

Can I extend my DAAD scholarship if I need more time to complete my studies?

Yes, you can extend your DAAD scholarship if you need more time to complete your studies, but you must submit a request for extension to the DAAD before the scholarship period ends.

How can I contact the DAAD if I have questions about the scholarship application process?

You can contact the DAAD by email or phone, and they will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about the scholarship application process.

For more information about scholarships and higher education in Germany, please visit the official website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) at https://www.daad.de/ and the official website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) at https://www.bmbf.de/.

You can find more information on our blog at https://migrantscholar.com/blog.

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Last Reviewed: 26 July 2026

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