STUDENTS rejoice: there is a divine body looking out for you and it goes by the name of the DAAD. As it’s the largest funding organisation of its kind, you’re probably already familiar with it, but we know just how much information there is to sift through, how complicated applying for scholarships and how daunting thinking about further education can be. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled all the most important facts and figures and broken it down for you, to make everything that little bit easier.
What is it?
In 1922 a student from Heidelberg visited the US and, along with the Institute of International Education, he organised scholarships for his fellow student. Eventually this became The German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD. It’s a publicly funded organisation to support the progress of higher education in Germany. Every year, the DAAD provides financial support and help to over 120,000 students for international research and study. There are currently 218 scholarships to choose from for whatever your area of interest or country of origin or level of education is, so it’s more than worth your time to do a little bit of research.
Who is it for?
It may be a German organisation with an invested interest in the education of German students, but the DAAD helps thousands of international students too. In 2014, nearly 50,000 foreigners received funding and over 70,000 Germans benefitted from the €441 million at the organisation’s disposal. With offices in New York, San Francisco, North America and Toronto, each department is on hand to help you check your eligibility and help you with your application. There is no fixed age limit, so whatever stage you’re at in your education, and wherever you are in the world, you can apply. If you're looking for help with a semester abroad, a doctoral programme, an internship, or for funding to visit an educational event, there is also help available. Some scholarships specify the applicant’s country of origin or the area of study and are specific to particular programmes.
What does the scholarship award include?
Each scholarship is different with varying levels of support, but from our thorough research, every scholarship is extremely generous. For example, a research scholarship programme for biodiversity and health studies can warrant 12 monthly instalments of €1,000, an annual research allowance, payments towards insurance cover, and a travel allowance for outward and return journeys. In many cases, for foreign students, an intensive course in the German language for six months is offered with accommodation and living costs included. So not only will you be immersed in German culture, and get help with the programme of your dreams, but you’ll be speaking the lingo in no time too.
How do I apply?
The application procedure is actually fairly straight forward; there are no hidden tests and trials to get through. All applications are submitted through the DAAD portal online, which opens six weeks proper to each application deadline. Register on the DAAD portal first, find your chosen scholarship and programme and head to the portal. Download the application form, fill in all the usual important information and then attach any required documents. You can upload a range of documents to the portal to support your application which may include a CV, certificates or proof of academic results, a schedule of your planned study or in many cases, a statement about your academic and personal reasons for your planned study, often called a ‘Letter of Motivation’. Each scholarship will let you know what information they require before you apply.
Where do I begin?
The best place to start is the scholarship database, the bible for all your higher education woes and worries. Every scholarship is laid out with the basic requirements, the value of the scholarship and how to apply. Hundreds of scholarships may seem like a daunting process but the DAAD has got absolutely everything covered.
Since 1922 the DAAD has supported more than 2 million people and you could be joining them, so head to their website and get started!
Find more information on scholarships for international students here!
