DAAD Scholarships for Study and Research in Germany

1. 1

   Visit the DAAD South Africa funding page at daad.org.za/en/find-funding/daad-scholarships and identify which programme fits you (EPOS, Helmut-Schmidt-Programme or a Research Grant)

2. 2

   Search the DAAD scholarship database to find an eligible course or programme and confirm its exact eligibility and deadline

3. 3

   For EPOS: apply directly to each participating German university for your chosen Development-Related Postgraduate Course, meeting that university's deadline (commonly between June and December 2026)

4. 4

   For the Helmut-Schmidt-Programme and Research Grants: apply through the channel and by the annual deadline set by DAAD, as listed in the scholarship database

5. 5

   Prepare and submit the required documents (degree certificates, transcripts, CV, motivation, references and, for doctoral applicants, a research proposal)

6. 6

   Optionally attend a free information or consultation session run by the DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg (virtual on Thursdays, in person on Fridays by appointment via [email protected])

7. 7

   Await selection and, if successful, complete enrolment and visa formalities for study in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for a DAAD scholarship from South Africa?

South African and other Sub-Saharan African citizens or permanent residents who hold a completed, generally above-average first degree (a Bachelor's for Master's programmes or a Master's for doctoral research grants). EPOS programmes usually require at least two years of relevant professional experience, and you must meet the language requirements of your chosen course (English and/or German).

What does the DAAD scholarship cover?

It covers a monthly living stipend (approx. EUR 992 for Master's and EUR 1,300 for doctoral candidates under the 2026/27 EPOS rates), tuition fees at the German host institution, a travel allowance or return flights, health, accident and personal liability insurance, and a funded preparatory German language course. The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme and Research Grants carry comparable DAAD standard rates.

How and where do I apply?

It depends on the programme. For EPOS Development-Related Postgraduate Courses you apply directly to each participating German university by its own deadline. The Helmut-Schmidt-Programme and Research Grants follow annual deadlines set by DAAD. Use the DAAD scholarship database and the DAAD South Africa page to find the exact route and dates - the DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg offers free guidance but does not itself process most applications.

Is this the same as the NRF-DAAD scholarship?

No. These DAAD scholarships fund study and research in Germany and are run by the German Academic Exchange Service. They are distinct from the separate NRF-DAAD In-Country / In-Region scheme, which funds study within South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.