Daad Study Scholarships For Graduates Of All Disciplines 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Not every DAAD scholarship is restricted to a specific field, country, or sector. The Study Scholarship for Graduates of All Disciplines is DAAD’s broadest master’s funding line, open to strong graduates from any country and any academic background.
About the Scholarship
This programme funds a full master’s degree at any German university, university of applied sciences, music academy, or art college, in essentially any subject. Unlike development-focused or regionally restricted DAAD lines, this one exists simply to bring highly qualified graduates from around the world into German master’s programmes, regardless of career sector or nationality beyond the standard non-German applicant rule.
Funding typically begins in October of the intake year and covers the standard length of the chosen master’s programme, up to 24 months, or a minimum of 10 months for shorter courses.
Scholarship Benefits
- A monthly stipend of around 992 euros
- Health, accident, and liability insurance for the funding period
- A flat-rate travel allowance
- An annual study cost allowance of 460 euros
- A German language course before studies begin, if the chosen programme requires German
- Coverage of the full standard duration of the master’s programme
Eligibility Criteria
- A first academic qualification, usually a bachelor’s degree, completed no more than six years before the application deadline
- Applicants from any country, excluding German citizens
- Admission to, or a strong application in progress for, an eligible German master’s programme
- Above-average academic performance in the first degree
- English or German proficiency matching the requirements of the chosen master’s programme
Fields of Study Covered
This scholarship line is open to all academic disciplines without restriction, from engineering and natural sciences to the humanities, social sciences, arts, and music, as long as the chosen programme is offered at an eligible German institution.
Required Documents
- DAAD online application form
- Letter of motivation explaining the choice of programme and university
- Curriculum vitae
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
- Two academic letters of recommendation
- Proof of admission or application to the chosen master’s programme
- Language proficiency certificates as required by the programme
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Choose a specific master’s programme at a German university, university of applied sciences, or art or music college
- Apply for admission to that programme following its own deadline and requirements
- Prepare a DAAD application including a motivation letter, CV, transcripts, and recommendation letters
- Submit the DAAD scholarship application by the published deadline, generally in mid-November for the following academic year
- Complete any required language tests ahead of the deadline
- Track your application status through the DAAD portal and respond to any follow-up requests
Selection Process
DAAD selection committees, often organized by subject area, review applications for academic strength, clarity of motivation, and overall fit with the chosen programme. Because this line is open to all disciplines, competition can be intense, and a focused, specific motivation letter helps an application stand out among a broad applicant pool.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Choose a master’s programme that genuinely fits your academic background and career goals, rather than applying broadly to many unrelated programmes
- Write a motivation letter that explains specifically why that programme and university, not just Germany in general
- Apply for university admission early, since DAAD funding usually depends on a solid, confirmed or near-confirmed study place
- Ask recommenders to write letters that speak to your specific academic strengths relevant to your chosen field
- If a development-focused or policy-specific DAAD line fits your background better, compare this with the DAAD EPOS Scholarship for Public Policy and Good Governance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship restricted to certain countries?
No, it is open to qualified graduates from any country outside Germany, without a restricted list of eligible nations.
Can I apply in any subject, including the arts?
Yes, this is one of DAAD’s broadest scholarship lines, covering virtually all academic disciplines, including music and art programmes.
Do I need a university offer before applying for the scholarship?
Having a confirmed or strongly progressing university application is generally expected, since the scholarship funds study at a specific programme.
How many years after my bachelor’s degree can I still apply?
Generally up to six years after completing the first qualifying degree, though specific details should be confirmed for each application cycle.
Is German language ability required?
It depends on the chosen master’s programme. Many are taught in English, though some require German proficiency.
How competitive is this scholarship?
It is highly competitive given its broad eligibility, so a strong, specific application matters significantly.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
Most German public universities charge low or no tuition for international students, so the scholarship focuses primarily on living costs and allowances.
Can I reapply if unsuccessful in a previous cycle?
Reapplication is generally possible in a later cycle, provided the applicant still meets the eligibility requirements at that time.