German Academic Exchange Service Scholarship Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)

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Please refer to the Nationally Competitive Scholarships homepage for the most up-to-date information. For all scholarships, contact Mychal Machado at mmachado2@alaska.edu if you have questions, to make an appointment, or to request information.

Important Dates

Visit https://www.daad.org/en/ for details.

Online application availability: Depends on scholarship

Application Deadlines:
Campus deadline: N/A; candidates may submit directly
National deadline: Depends on scholarship

Scholarship Overview

Are you interested in studying or pursuing research in Germany?

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) invites highly qualified undergraduate students to apply for funding to study, pursue senior thesis research, or internships in Germany. Students whose research projects or study are based in or organized by a German university will be given preference. Scholarships are available either as part of an organized study abroad program or as part of an individual, student-designed study abroad semester or academic year. The goal of the program is to support study abroad in Germany and at German universities.

 

Information for Applicants

  • Eligibility

    Applicants must be:

    • Sophomores, juniors, or seniors currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program in the US; some grants are also available for recent graduates and graduate students
    • Pursuing full-time studies or research in Germany
    • Already accepted into a study abroad program at a German university
    • Planning to return to home institution in the US after the scholarship to complete your degree

     

    Who cannot apply:

    • Students who have been in Germany for more 15 months at the time of application
    • Students planning to pursue blended-learning, part-time study, or distance/online programs in Germany

     

    International students can apply but must meet specific requirements if applying through DAAD's North American portal. Visit https://www.daad.org/en/find-funding/international-students-and-scholars/ to see these requirements. 

    All majors are welcome to apply. DAAD has some subject-specific programs that may be of interest to applicants as well.

    For more information, visit https://www.daad.org/en/ for general requirements and individual scholarship pages for specific requirements.

  • Additional Requirements

    Required language skills depend on the program of study, subject, and specific scholarship.

    Award must be used during the German academic year (Oct.-July).

    Seek advising early in the application process. Schedule an advising appointment with the DAAD Scholarship Campus Advisor, TBD to discuss intent to apply.

  • Award Benefits
    • Monthly stipend of 750 for undergraduate students
    • Travel expense contribution
    • Health insurance

     

    Awards cannot be deferred or renewed.

  • Candidate Profile
    • Outstanding academic record
    • Personal integrity (evident in grades and letters of recommendation)
    • Well-defined study, research, or internship plans
    • Language ability at a level required by the scholarship of choice
    • Demonstrate an interest in contemporary German and European affairs
    • Ability to explain the significance of the proposed study, research, or internship for your future studies, research, or professional goals
    • Familiarity with the German higher education system and its expectations
  • Application Procedure
    1.  Find a faculty member willing to serve as your mentor throughout the application process.
    2. Notify the DAAD Scholarship Campus Advisor, TBD of your intent to apply the semester before you plan to apply for a scholarship.
    3. Schedule an advising appointment with the DAAD Scholarship Campus Advisor to discuss the application process and timeline.
    4. Review all of the requirements of the scholarship you plan to apply to, and start completing the application as soon as it becomes available.
    5. Compile all required documents as indicated in the application form.
    6. Apply to a study abroad program sponsored by a German university, since proof of acceptance is an eligibility requirement for most scholarships.
    7. Be aware that some application materials must be submitted by mail by both the applicant and recommender. Be sure to plan enough time to meet application deadlines.
    8. Start developing your statement about academic and personal reasons for your study/research/internship project in Germany, according to application requirements.
    9. One letter of recommendation from a faculty member in your major is required. Select a recommender who can explain why you are uniquely qualified for the scholarship and who can comment on your intellectual achievements and your potential to pursue your plans in Germany successfully.
    10. Only complete applications submitted on time will be accepted. For a complete list of required application components, visit your scholarship in www.daad.org.
    11. The DAAD Scholarship Program Committee will conduct a selection based on credentials. Scholarship recipients are notified at different times depending on the scholarship.