DAAD Scholarships for Postgraduate Courses with Special Relevance to Developing Countries

Description

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships in Germany for international students for a range of postgraduate courses at German Universities which aim at providing academically educated young professionals from developing countries with further specialized studies.

These degree courses, which consist of one to two years of concentrated study, provide academically-trained young professionals in leading positions from developing countries with the opportunity to engage in postgraduate education and training in their particular field or profession.

Postgraduate courses are offered in the following fields:

• Economic Sciences / Business Administration / Political Economics
• Development Co-operation
• Engineering and Related Sciences
• Mathematics
• Regional Planning
• Agriculture and Forest Sciences
• Environmental Sciences
• Medicine and Public Health
• Veterinary Medicine
• Sociology and Education

For a full list of Postgraduate courses for 2012/2013 check here.

Scholarship

The DAAD will pay a monthly award of 750 euros. As a rule, the scholarship additionally includes certain payments towards health insurance cover in Germany. In addition, the DAAD generally will pay an appropriate flat-rate travel allowance, unless these costs are covered by the home country or by another funding source. Furthermore, the DAAD will also pay a study and research allowance.

Eligibility

The DAAD Germany Scholarships are for international students and young professionals from developing countries in Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands, Central and South America and Central and Eastern Europe.

The typical scholarship holder:

• Will come either from a public authority or a state or private company in a developing country and, as such, be engaged in the planning and execution of directives and projects with emphasis on development policies having a bearing on technological, economic or social areas.
• Holds a Bachelor's degree (4 years) in related subject.
• Will have completed an academic degree far beyond average and at least two years of related professional experience.
• Is not older than 36 (for some courses the age limit is 32), respectively his/her academic degrees should normally not be older than 6 years. Concerning a possible age limit, please refer to the course details on the following pages.

Language skills:

For courses in German: DSH 2 or TestDaF 4; at time of application German skills at completed level A2 are required. In addition, German language courses at level A2 or B1 are highly recommended.
Exception: Candidates for some German-speaking courses need a very good command of German at time of application. For detailed information see the relevant course introduction on the following pages.
For courses in English: IELTS (band 6) certificate or TOEFL (minimum score: 550 paper based, 213 computer based, 80 internet based)
Note: Some courses may expect different level. For detailed information see the relevant course introduction

Please also see if you meet the eligibility requirements of the programme you are applying to.

Application

List of required documents:

• DAAD application form
• hand-signed CV (please use the europass specimen form)
• hand-signed letter of motivation (with reference to current occupation)
• research exposé (if required by university)
• academic letter/s of recommendation from your university; the letter must have a signature and office stamp and must be of recent date (not in a sealed envelope)
• professional letter/s of recommendation from your employer; the letter must have a signature and office stamp and must be of recent date (not in a sealed envelope)
• confirmation of employment from the employer in your home country and if possible, a guarantee of re-employment upon your return home
• Proof of language abilities: English - IELTS or TOEFL (Note: Institutional TOEFL will not be accepted), and German - necessary for the courses taught in German; for the courses taught in English, if available
• certified copies of awarded academic degrees
• certified copies of academic transcripts
• certified copy of School Leaving Certificate

Please note: Scholarships cannot be awarded without the official DAAD application form. Many courses, however, have their own forms which must be submitted in addition to this (see details under course description). Applicants are requested to state whether they will be financing the desired degree course themselves or whether the course can only be taken with the assistance of a DAAD scholarship. Chances of admission to postgraduate courses will be greatly enhanced for academically qualified applicants with personal financial resources.

Note: Some courses may expect additional documents. For detailed information please see the relevant course introduction. All papers must be submitted in identical duplicates. Applications that do not clearly state the desired degree course or that are not completed in full cannot be processed and will not be considered for the selection. One complete application is required for each indicated priority!

The application documents, including all enclosures, etc., become the property of the DAAD and cannot be returned. The sender has no entitlement to compensation.

Scholarship applicants from developing countries (on the DAC List of the OECD) can apply at the German embassy or DAAD regional office, directly at the DAAD in Bonn or directly to the university.

Application deadlines for DAAD-scholarships:

• At the German Embassies and/or at the DAAD regional offices: 31 July (Please ask about possible modifications in your home country!)
• At the DAAD section 431 in Bonn/Germany: 31 August
• At the respective universities in Germany: 15 October (normally, please check description for detailed information)

The application deadlines at the respective universities may vary from course to course. Please check the relevant deadlines in this booklet.

IMPORTANT: Late applications cannot be considered!

For more information please read the FAQ's or consult the German Embassy/DAAD Regional Office in your country.

Brochure on Postgraduate Courses in Germany for 2012/2013.

The Official Website