DAAD Scholarship Germany 2026: Requirements & How to Apply

Are you a South African student dreaming of pursuing a fully funded Master’s or PhD degree in Europe? The DAAD Scholarship (German Academic Exchange Service) could be your golden ticket.

Germany is home to some of the most respected universities in the world. And the best part? The DAAD provides generous funding for international students, including South Africans, to study in Germany without financial worries.

This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the DAAD Scholarship 2026: eligibility, courses, step-by-step application instructions, deadlines, documents, and the official application link.

What Is the DAAD Scholarship?

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the largest international funding organization for students and researchers. It offers thousands of scholarships every year for international students to study in Germany, particularly at the postgraduate level.

For South African applicants, the most relevant program is the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS), which targets professionals committed to development goals in their home country.

What Does the DAAD Scholarship Cover?

If selected for the DAAD Scholarship 2026, you’ll receive comprehensive funding that typically includes:

Full tuition fees (where applicable)
Monthly stipend: approximately €934 (Master’s), €1,300 (PhD)
Health insurance and accident coverage
Travel allowance (round-trip airfare)
Accommodation assistance
German language course (up to 6 months, optional)
Research or family support (if applicable)

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria for South Africans

General Requirements

To be eligible for DAAD 2026, you must:

Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
Hold a Bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs or a Master’s degree for PhD
Have at least two years of full-time professional experience in a relevant field
Show proof of strong academic performance (typically second upper-class or higher)
Apply for a course related to development priorities (e.g., public health, agriculture, economics, engineering)

Additional Considerations

Your previous degree should not be older than six years
You must demonstrate a clear motivation and intention to return to South Africa to contribute to its development

Which Fields of Study Are Funded?

DAAD supports degrees that contribute to sustainable development, including:

Environmental sciences
Public policy and governance
Economics and development studies
Engineering and renewable energy
Agriculture and food security
Public health and medical sciences
Education and social sciences
Water management and infrastructure

You can find the full list of DAAD EPOS programs via this PDF:
https://www2.daad.de/medien/entwicklung/zusammenfassung_development-related_postgraduate_courses.pdf

DAAD 2026 Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Research and Select Eligible Courses

Visit the official DAAD EPOS program list and identify up to three development-related postgraduate programs that align with your academic and professional background.

Each course has its own:

Application deadline
Admission requirements
Language requirements

Start here:
https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/epos/

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You will typically need the following:

Completed DAAD application form (online or PDF)
Signed and dated motivation letter (1–2 pages)
Detailed CV (in Europass format – europa.eu/europass)
Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates
Proof of at least 2 years of work experience
Academic reference letter(s)
Professional recommendation letter(s)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or Medium of Instruction letter)
Research proposal (for PhD candidates)

Tip: All documents must be in English or German and clearly scanned. Certified translations are required for documents in other languages.

Step 3: Apply to the University and/or DAAD Portal

Some programs require you to:

Apply through the university directly
Submit documents via the DAAD online portal

Others may ask for a combined submission.

DAAD online application portal:
https://portal.daad.de

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Make sure you:

Upload all documents before the specified deadline
Follow the exact instructions provided by each course or university
Don’t submit physical documents unless explicitly requested

Keep your confirmation email and reference number safe.

Important Application Deadlines

Each course listed in the DAAD EPOS program has its deadline, generally between August and December 2025 for programs starting in 2026.

We recommend applying no later than October 31, 2025 to allow time for preparation, especially for document certification and translations.

English Language Requirements

IELTS or TOEFL is not always required.

South African students may be exempt if:

Their previous degree was taught in English
They provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from their university

However, some programs may still request a standardized test score — so confirm with the specific university.

Tips for a Successful DAAD Application

Tailor your motivation letter to each course
Emphasize your commitment to development work in South Africa
Prepare and translate all documents in advance
Avoid submitting generic documents — personalize everything
Apply early! Don’t wait until the final deadline

Can You Work While Studying in Germany on DAAD?

Yes. As a student in Germany, you are allowed to work part-time:

Up to 120 full days or 240 half-days per year
Academic or research assistant jobs are common for graduate students

However, your priority should remain on your studies, especially if funded by DAAD.

What Happens After Graduation?

Many DAAD scholars stay on to complete research fellowships or internships
You may apply for a post-study work permit in Germany
The DAAD strongly encourages students to return and contribute to development work in their home countries

Official Application Links and Contacts

DAAD Official Website: https://www.daad.de/en/
DAAD South Africa Office: https://www.daad.org.za
DAAD Portal Login: https://portal.daad.de

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DAADSouthAfrica
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/DAAD_SA

Final Thoughts

The DAAD Scholarship 2026 is a rare and prestigious opportunity for South African students to study in one of the world’s leading education systems — fully funded.

Whether you’re passionate about climate change, health, policy, or technology, DAAD offers more than just a degree. It offers access to world-class education, professional growth, and the chance to bring change back home.

Start preparing now. By the time applications open, you’ll be ready to submit a winning application.

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