Answers to All Your Questions About the DAAD Scholarship

Caution! This blog is written for readers from Bangladesh. If you're from another part of the world, you're welcome to read it—but you may find some of the context difficult to understand.

If you want to go to Germany without spending money and avoid the hassle of a waiting period, the best way is to secure a DAAD Scholarship. Many of you are eligible for this scholarship but miss out simply due to a lack of information. A common misconception is that you must know the German language to get the DAAD Scholarship, which is entirely false. You only need German language proficiency if your intended program is taught in German.

A few days ago, I shared my blog where I talked about how I received my DAAD scholarship and how you can too. Many people felt inspired by my journey. I wrote the article in a simple and understandable way so that everyone can learn about the entire process. Since then, many of you have messaged me about various topics. I’m both thrilled and disappointed by your overwhelming interest in the DAAD Scholarship. Thrilled because your questions made me realize I could explain a few things more simply. Disappointed because many of you asked questions that I had already answered in that lengthy article without fully reading it. Though it’s not your fault—the article was indeed long.

Bad news for you: this post is also going to be long. I’m sorry. But if you read it all, I hope you won’t have any more questions about the DAAD Scholarship. Most of these questions were taken directly from messages I received, and I’ve added a few of my own.

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1. How do I apply for a DAAD scholarship?

Answer: Applying for the DAAD Scholarship is not like other scholarships where you just upload documents to a specific website. Instead, DAAD offers opportunities to apply for scholarships under various schemes in different subjects/programs. To learn about all the schemes, you must visit this website. If you’re truly interested, you should at least go through it once.

However, in our experience, most scholarships from Bangladesh fall under the EPOS scheme. This scheme funds various Master’s and PhD programs. So, if you don't want to put in too much effort, you can directly visit this link to find the EPOS subjects. But honestly, you’ll need to work a bit and understand the whole process to win a scholarship.

Once you go to the link, you’ll see a list of postgraduate (Master’s/PhD) subjects funded under EPOS. Clicking on each will download a PDF file. This PDF contains all the subject names you can apply for. If a subject aligns with your academic background, your first task is to learn more about it. Clicking the subject name usually takes you to a university page with detailed info on the program and how to apply. The application process varies—some require document uploads to a website, others need postal submission, or email. Follow the specified instructions and you’re good to go.

If no subject under EPOS matches your background, explore other schemes.

(From here onward, when I mention DAAD Scholarship, I primarily mean the DAAD EPOS Scholarship.)

2. How much does it cost to apply for a DAAD Scholarship?

Answer: It costs nothing to apply. However, if you need to send documents to Germany, there might be postal charges.

3. I just finished HSC. Can I apply?

Answer: No. DAAD accepts applications only for Master’s and PhD programs from Bangladesh.

4. I did a diploma. Can I apply?

Answer: Generally, DAAD requires a four-year bachelor’s degree. So, you won't qualify based on a diploma alone.

5. My bachelor’s is 3 years. Can I apply?

Answer: Email the program coordinator to confirm your eligibility. Their email is usually in the subject description.

6. When can I apply?

Answer: Each subject has its own deadline. Apply before the specified deadline.

7. What academic results are required?

Answer: No fixed GPA is mentioned, but you should be in the top one-third of your batch. However, many have secured DAAD with CGPA as low as 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), so don’t be discouraged.

8. I’m already in Germany. Can I apply?

Answer: Yes, if you’ve stayed in Germany for less than 15 months by the deadline and meet the other criteria.

9. What language proficiency is needed?

Answer: Most Master’s courses are in English. You’ll need a minimum IELTS score of 6 or TOEFL 550 (paper), 213 (computer), or 80 (internet). Some universities accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates. For programs in German, B1 level proficiency is typically required—check the course description for specifics.

10. I found two subjects that match my background. How many can I apply to?

Answer: Up to three. You must list them in order of preference on the DAAD application form and submit only one motivation letter, explaining your choices and order.

11. Is there any age limit?

Answer: No, but you must apply within 6 years of your last academic degree.

12. Any tests required for the application?

Answer: No tests required. Just prepare and send your documents. Some programs may have interviews post shortlisting.

13. I studied subject ‘X’. Can I apply?

Answer: DAAD-funded programs often overlap with multiple disciplines. Your Bachelor's degree might not be a 100% match, but try to find a program that aligns with both your interests and your academic- work background.

For example, I study Landscape Ecology and Nature Conservation in Germany. I completed a Bachelor’s in Zoology and worked in Aquatic Ecology. Mahin—another student from Bangladesh—studied Architecture but is also enrolled in this program. Students from backgrounds like Forestry, Biology, and Microbiology are part of it too.

14. I have one year of work experience. Can I apply?

Answer: DAAD usually requires two years of work experience after your last degree. If you're slightly short, contact the program coordinator to check your eligibility. They can guide you better in that scenario.

15. I studied a long time ago and have a study gap. Can I apply?

Answer: You must apply within six years of your last academic degree, and you are expected to be involved in relevant work experience during this period. If you have a justifiable gap during this time, you may contact the university authority (coordinator) for clarification.

16. My graduation was delayed due to session jams. From when do I count the 6 years?

Answer: From the official year your degree was completed.

17. I worked during my studies. Can I show that experience?

Answer: You can mention it in your CV, but DAAD considers only post-degree experience to meet the 2-year requirement.

18. I did an internship after graduation. Can I show that as experience?

Answer: There are no clear rules on this. Email the program coordinator to check if it's valid in your case.

19. I already did a Master’s. Can I apply for another one?

Answer: Yes. Even if it's related, you can apply. Just explain clearly in your motivation letter why another Master’s is relevant and valuable.

20. I already have a Master’s. Should I apply for another Master’s or a PhD?

Answer: That’s entirely up to you. Depends on your readiness. If you're prepared for a PhD, go for it.

21. Which is more competitive: Master’s or PhD?

Answer: There are no country-based quotas under DAAD. Competition depends on subject and applicant numbers. Ultimately, it’s about how well you align your profile with the program.

22. I graduated from the National University of Bangladesh. Can I apply?

Answer: Absolutely. Completing a bachelor’s makes you eligible. There’s no reason to feel inferior for graduating from the National University of Bangladesh. Outside Bangladesh, what matters is your skills and qualifications, not the institution’s name.

23. If I receive the DAAD Scholarship, can I bring my spouse or children to Germany?

Answer: DAAD provides a separate stipend for your spouse or children if they start living with you in Germany. However, to bring your spouse or children, you will need to apply through the regular family reunion visa process. So far, the German embassy does not provide any special advantages for DAAD applicants regarding spouse visas. Therefore, whether your spouse or children can come with you depends on their ability to obtain a visa. Also, in most cases, before the classes start, DAAD will ask you to go to Germany about two months in advance so you can take a language course. During this language course period, you will not be able to bring your spouse or children. You can bring them afterward.

24. If I get the DAAD Scholarship and want to bring my spouse or children to Germany, do I need to show a blocked account for them?

Answer: No. If you receive the DAAD Scholarship and want to bring your spouse or children, you will not need to show a blocked account or bank statement for them.

25. If I go to Germany with the DAAD Scholarship, can I work part-time as a student?

Answer: Yes, you can work part-time. However, you will need to inform DAAD about it. If your part-time income exceeds 538 Euros, then an equivalent amount will be deducted from the stipend provided by DAAD. The remaining amount will be given to you.

26. How much money might I spend from receiving the DAAD Scholarship to arriving in Germany?

Answer: Before receiving the DAAD Scholarship, you will need to spend some money on obtaining your passport and for tests such as IELTS or proof of language proficiency. Additionally, in some cases, you may need to send required documents to Germany before applying, which may incur additional costs.

Once those processes are completed and you receive the scholarship, how much more will you need to spend until you arrive in Germany?

To calculate your expenses, let me first outline the steps:

Once you receive the DAAD Scholarship, your first task will be to apply for a visa. Generally, there is a specific fee for the visa, but so far, no one who has received the DAAD Scholarship in Bangladesh has had to pay the visa fee.

Next, you will need to buy personal necessities before traveling to Germany, which will vary from person to person. Therefore, it’s difficult to estimate a specific cost for this.

The most significant expense is the airfare to Germany. The cost of traveling to Germany under the DAAD Scholarship is covered by the organization, but there are a few things you should understand. In some programs, a direct flight ticket is provided, but in most cases, a certain amount in Euros is paid for the flight. For example, last year, I was given 1350 Euros to travel from Bangladesh to Berlin, Germany. Although I didn’t spend that much, the amount is usually determined by the distance. Also, you won’t receive this money before coming to Germany. It is usually paid after you arrive, typically within a week. In my case, the flight and pocket money were provided by the language school a week after I arrived.

Are there any other expenses before you arrive in Germany?

Generally, no. At least I didn’t have any additional expenses. However, personally, I brought some money with me because I wasn’t sure when I would receive the first payment from DAAD. I brought about 700-800 Euros, although I didn’t need it in the end. But yes, since I hadn’t received any money for about a week, it was useful during that time. In some cases, it may take up to 15 days. Therefore, it’s better to bring some money with you and mentally prepare for that.

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That’s all for today. I hope there are no more questions left. If you wish, you can read my previous blog again. I will update this blog whenever necessary.

Last updated: March 7, 2025