The following are some of the frequently asked questions we get about The DAAD...
... about Study, Research and Life in Germany
Do I need to speak fluent German before I can apply to a university in Germany?
No, not necessarily. With the International Degree Programs at German universities you have the possibility to take German language courses parallel to the degree course itself. The degree courses are instructed partly in English, partly in German; some courses are even taught entirely in English. For all other degree courses you will be required to take a German language proficiency test for admission.
How much are the tuition fees for foreigners at German universities?
Until now, at public universities, no distinction is made between tuition fees charged to foreigners and Germans. Currently, a number of public universities in Germany do not charge any tuition fees at all, although this may change in future. However, with appr. 1000 Euros per year, the fees are moderate at those public universities which do charge tuition fees. Some master courses might be more expensive. As a rule, contact the university of your choice directly for information on the fee structure.
When does the academic year in Germany begin, and what are the application deadlines for foreigners?
The German academic year is divided into two semesters. The official semester dates are: Winter Semester: October 1 — March 31, and Summer Semester: April 1 — September 30.
However, these dates may vary from state to state and from institution to institution. For a detailed academic year schedule, check www.studentenwerk.de or www.hrk.de.
The application to admission must be submitted by January 15 each year for the summer semester (beginning on April 1) and by July 15 for the winter semester (beginning on October 1).
Students from outside Germany now have the opportunity to apply to several universities with only one set of documents through the Application Services for International Students (assist). For a fee, assist will verify whether your application is complete and that the necessary formal requirements are met. Applications are then forwarded by them to the respective universities. The "Application Services for International Students" is a joint venture of DAAD, the Conference of University Rectors and about 60 German universities.
Which is the best university for my field of study?
Each year, the Center for Higher Education Development (CHE) publishes Germany's most comprehensive ranking of higher education institutions. This multidimensional ranking uses up to 40 different indicators to provide a differentiated and detailed view of the strengths and weaknesses of German higher education by subject areas.
This is complemented by a research ranking published every fall to provide specific information on the research contribution of German higher education institutions. On the CHE website (in German) you can find out about the top-ranked German universities in every subject area. An alternative is to check DAAD's English-language version of the CHE results at www.university-ranking.de.
What is the difference between "Universität", "Technische Universität", "Fachhochschule" and research centers?
"Hochschule" is the generic term used to refer to any institutions of the German higher education system.
A "Universität" is a doctorate-granting institution. After completing an intermediate examination, Universität students work towards the final examination, leading to a “Bachelor”, “Master”, "Diplom", "Magister Artium", or the "Staatsexamen", depending on the area of study. A "Promotion" (PhD) can follow.
Traditionally, teaching in a "Technische Universität" was restricted to technical and engineering disciplines. However, in the course of time, technical universities have developed into more comprehensive higher education institutions. Hence, students can now also study arts and humanities degree courses at the technical universities. Nevertheless, the focus of their activities continues to be directed towards engineering and science fields.
A "Fachhochschule" is an institution with emphasis on professional and practical training in a specialized area. After completing eight semesters (which may include one or two semesters of practical work or internships), the student receives a Diplom, Bachelor or Master. These smaller, more specialized institutions are becoming increasingly popular.
A "Kunsthochschule" and a "Musikhochschule" are similar to fine arts schools or music conservatories. They offer curricula in the fine arts and music, respectively, or in related professional areas.
Research Institutions: In addition, there are many respected institutions that specialize in advanced research only, for example the institutes of the Max Planck Society and the Fraunhofer Society, as well as several research institutions of federal agencies. Click here for more information about the major research institutions in Germany.
…about Applying for DAAD Scholarships
Can DAAD fund my Bachelor’s Degree?
Unfortunately, DAAD does not sponsor undergraduate studies, neither in Germany nor in Africa.
I am an African, living in Germany. Can I apply for a DAAD scholarship?
An application is not possible if the applicant has been living in Germany for more than a year at the time the applied grant would start.
Can I get funding to do my Master’s/ PhD in Kenya or Sub-Saharan Africa?
DAAD offers selected universities, networks and associations in Sub-Saharan Africa the so-called In-Country or In-Region scholarships for staff development. For this kind of scholarships, contact the respective Board of Postgraduate Studies/ Graduate School or Bonface Nyagah at DAAD Nairobi for application details.
The offers are usually made by DAAD around March/ April every year. The scholarships begin in September/ October of the same year. For more details, click here.
Are there age limits for DAAD funding?
Yes. The age limit for most scholarships is 36 years. If you want to pursue a doctoral degree at a German university, there is no age limit, but your Master degree must have been completed less than six years ago.
For some programmes, DAAD requires a detailed statement of purpose of study. What am I expected to write?
The statement of purpose of study serves as a motivation letter. Here you have the chance to explain your choice for a particular course of study, why you feel qualified for this course, how you (your employer, your country) could benefit from you obtaining the course, how the course is related to your current occupation and your academic qualification, and how this course fits into your plans for your future.
Be brief and to the point. Usually, the statement should not be longer than 3 pages.
How do I find a scientific supervisor in Germany for my PhD project?
The initial step should be to consult colleagues/ supervisors at your home university or research institute who may be able to recommend you to a German professor. A personal recommendation is always an advantage.
Make use of the internet. Type key words of your field of study and your PhD project into a search machine. The profiles of most of the researchers are usually on the internet.
Also use the “Simple guide how to find a supervisor in Germany”, developed by the chairman of the Kenya DAAD Scholar’s Association (KDSA) and former DAAD Scholar, Dr. Hamadi Boga, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya.
The DAAD Regional Office for Africa in Nairobi has a data base of research institutions and university departments in Germany with contact details. If you give us the title of your proposal and some key words, we will be able to give you some contacts of German professors. Email to bengelstorff@daadafrica.org.
How much is the DAAD stipend?
The DAAD monthly stipend for scholars studying/ doing research in Germany is as follows:
Graduates (pursuing a master’s degree):
750 Euros/ month (plus travel allowance and health insurance)
PhD candidates:
1.000 Euros/ month (plus travel allowance and health insurance)
Post-doctoral scholars:
1.840 Euros/ month – 2,240 Euros/ month, depending on the academic status/ seniority (travel allowance only for Re-Invitation Programme)
If I am awarded a DAAD scholarship for Germany, can I take my family along?
Although DAAD scholarships are individual scholarships, there are provisions for family members.
A scholar who studies for at least 6 months in Germany, can, upon completion of the German language course and upon commencement of the study period, have his family join him for the duration of the stay.
DAAD will carry out a health insurance cover for all family members. In addition to the scholar’s monthly stipend, the family allowance for the spouse is currently 276 Euros per month; the allowance for each child is 154 Euros per month.
My application for a DAAD scholarship was not successful. Can I apply again?
Re-application is possible as long as you still meet the requirements (age limit etc).
I am a former DAAD scholar and would like to continue the cooperation with my former institute in Germany. How can DAAD support me?
Former DAAD scholars who received a scholarship for at least one year in Germany can apply for a Re-Invitation Grant.
DAAD has a large active Alumni network, and many attractive offers to encourage cooperations between Germany and the African partner. Please check our Alumni chapter on this website.
Where can I send my application, if I don’t live in Kenya where the Regional Office for Africa is based?
If you don’t live in Kenya, please send your scholarship applications to the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
In particular countries, DAAD Lecturers can assist with the study and scholarship application details.
