The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully funded scholarships to asylum seekers in Germany, providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education in the country. These scholarships are designed to support master's and PhD students who are seeking asylum in Germany, helping them to achieve their academic goals and build a better future. As of 2026, the DAAD has introduced several new scholarship programs specifically for asylum seekers, making it an exciting time for those looking to further their education.
Who Qualifies for DAAD Scholarships
To be eligible for DAAD scholarships, asylum seekers must hold a specific visa category, including:
* Subsidiary protection status (§ 4 Abs. 1 S. 2 AufenthG)
* Refugee status (§ 3 Abs. 1 AsylG)
* Temporary permission to stay (§ 55 Abs. 1 AsylG)
* Deportation ban (§ 60 Abs. 5 AufenthG)
* Residence permit for humanitarian reasons (§ 24 Abs. 1 AufenthG)
Available Scholarships
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
The Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 750 euros, as well as a one-time payment of 1,500 euros for travel and other expenses. To be eligible, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and have at least two years of work experience. The deadline for application is August 31, 2026, and more information can be found at https://www.daad.de/en/.
Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (HSP)
The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (HSP) scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 850 euros, as well as a one-time payment of 1,500 euros for travel and other expenses. To be eligible, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and have at least two years of work experience. The deadline for application is July 31, 2026, and more information can be found at https://www.daad.de/en/.
Master's Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG)
The Master's Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance (PPGG) scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 750 euros, as well as a one-time payment of 1,500 euros for travel and other expenses. To be eligible, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and have at least two years of work experience. The deadline for application is August 31, 2026, and more information can be found at https://www.daad.de/en/.
PhD Scholarships for International Students
The PhD Scholarships for International Students provide a monthly stipend of 1,200 euros, as well as a one-time payment of 1,500 euros for travel and other expenses. To be eligible, applicants must hold a master's degree and have a strong research proposal. The deadline for application is September 30, 2026, and more information can be found at https://www.daad.de/en/.
Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates
The Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 1,200 euros, as well as a one-time payment of 1,500 euros for travel and other expenses. To be eligible, applicants must hold a master's degree and have a strong research proposal. The deadline for application is October 31, 2026, and more information can be found at https://www.daad.de/en/.
Application Steps
- Check the eligibility criteria for the scholarship program you are applying for.
- Review the application requirements and deadlines.
- Prepare your application documents, including your CV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts.
- Submit your application through the DAAD online portal.
- Wait for the application to be reviewed and processed.
- If selected, receive an email with instructions on how to proceed with the scholarship.
- Apply for a visa and make travel arrangements to Germany.
- Register at the German university and begin your studies.
Documents Checklist
* CV
* Motivation letter
* Academic transcripts
* Bachelor's or master's degree certificate
* Proof of language proficiency (English or German)
* Proof of work experience (if required)
* Research proposal (if required)
* Passport copy
* Visa application documents (if required)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the deadline for applying for DAAD scholarships?
- Can I apply for multiple DAAD scholarships at the same time?
- Do I need to have a confirmed university placement to apply for a DAAD scholarship?
- How long does it take to process a DAAD scholarship application?
- Can I apply for a DAAD scholarship if I am already studying in Germany?
- What is the monthly stipend for DAAD scholarships?
- Do I need to speak German to apply for a DAAD scholarship?
- How do I apply for a visa to study in Germany?
External Links
For more information on DAAD scholarships and visa requirements, please visit the official DAAD website at https://www.daad.de/en/ and the German Federal Foreign Office website at https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en.
To learn more about scholarship opportunities and application processes, visit our blog at https://migrantscholar.com/blog.
Related Guides
- Germany scholarships for migrants
- DAAD scholarships
- scholarships for refugees
- fully funded scholarships
- scholarship deadlines 2026
- scholarship glossary
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Last Reviewed: 26 July 2026