International scholarships are one of the most preferred and sought-after options when it comes to financial assistance for education. Many students find the process daunting when it comes to applying for prestigious international scholarships. When it comes to studying in Germany, the German Academic Exchange Service or the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, often abbreviated as DAAD, offers a range of scholarships for international students.
We thought of checking out the best ways to apply for the DAAD scholarship in 2025 Here we go with the guide to DAAD scholarships 2025.
What are the requirements of the DAAD scholarship?
The following are the basic and general requirements for applying for the DAAD scholarship.
- Academic excellence: You should have strong academic excellence. You will need to satisfy specific GPA requirements.
- Work experience: Work experience of a minimum of two years related to the programme you are applying for.
- Nationality: DAAD is specifically applicable to the applicants from the developing countries.
- Language proficiency: If you are opting for a programme in English, you should have a good score in IELTS or TOEFL. In case you choose a programme taught in German, you should have a DSH or TestDaF certificate
The Documents Required for DAAD Scholarships
Here is the checklist for the documents for applying for the DAAD scholarship:
- Online application form: DAAD has its own application form. You should fill it yourself.
- Educational certificates: These include your Bachelor's degree and high school diploma.
- Transcript of records
- Language certificates: This will include the proof of your English and German language test results.
- Letter of motivation: This should include a one- to three-page letter of motivation. This will explain why you deserve the funding.
- Letter of recommendation: This is also called a reference letter and should come from a professor or from an employer.
When to Apply for the DAAD Scholarship From India?
We would recommend you start preparing for the scholarship well ahead of time. You should apply for the scholarship two months before the deadline.
The processing time for the DAAD application takes around 6 months. If you look at the time taken for the preparation for applying, it should be wiser to begin preparing for the application at least around 7 months in advance.
What Should I Include in My Letter of Motivation?
The letter of motivation should not be longer than three pages in length. You can include your personal and professional reasons for applying for the scholarship. The letter of motivation should also talk about your personality without boasting.
Some of the things that you can add to the motivation letter include
- Talk about your academic background, skills, and knowledge.
- Explain why you wish to take up the educational programme you have chosen.
- Talk about the goals you have in view of the scholarship. This should include your academic, professional, and personal goals
- Include your extracurricular activities and other personal interests.
What Should the Reference or Recommendation Letter Include?
A letter of reference should typically be written by the university lecturer.
It should include
- Your academic achievements
- Your academic and personal qualities
- The significance that the scholarship holds for you both at academic and professional levels.
Can I Work While I’m On My DAAD Scholarship?
Yes, you can work part-time while on the scholarship. However, you should get prior consent for the same from DAAD. Your supervisor or course coordinator can help you get approval for the purpose.
However, there are a few guidelines that cover your part-time employment when availing of the scholarship. Your work should not interfere with the study programme you have chosen under the scholarship. That apart, your income from the job should not exceed € 450 gross per month. Anything above this amount will be deducted from your monthly stipend.
Is it Difficult to Get the DAAD Scholarship?
Yes, it is quite difficult to get a DAAD scholarship. But we will hasten to add that it is not IMPOSSIBLE! It is difficult because of the highly competitive and prestigious nature of the scholarship.
In fact, it can be stated that the success rate of the DAAD scholarship for the Indian students is around 10 to 15%. Well, we do not want to discourage you, but that is actually a fact. The primary reasons for the lower success rate for DAAD scholarships lie in the low GPA and weaker academic profile.
Conclusion
Well, applying for the DAAD scholarship requires you to have careful planning and attention to detail. Now that we have explained the specific requirements of the application process, the ball should specifically be in your court. We wish that this guide to DAAD Scholarship 2025 should have helped you to a certain extent in understanding the concept really well.
If you wish to brighten your chances of succeeding in getting the DAAD scholarship, make sure to sign up with a good educator who can help you guide in the process. We at Edroots are dedicated to providing you with the right guidance on how to apply for the prestigious international scholarship and be successful.
If you are looking to study in Germany, Edroots is the perfect choice, providing expert guidance and comprehensive support to help you achieve your academic goals in Germany.
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