If you are researching how to fund your studies in Germany, you will almost certainly have come across the DAAD. The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, the German Academic Exchange Service, is one of the world’s largest and most respected scholarship funding organisations, annually supporting tens of thousands of international students to study in Germany and German students to study abroad.
For Malaysian students, a DAAD scholarship represents one of the most generous, credible, and prestigious funding pathways available for study in Germany. But the application process is competitive, specific, and often misunderstood.
This guide covers what the DAAD scholarship is, which programmes are available to Malaysian students, eligibility requirements, what the scholarship covers, how the application process works, and the practical steps you can take to give yourself the best chance of being selected.
What Is the DAAD?
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is a German public body that promotes international academic exchange. Founded in 1925, it is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and it currently manages one of the world’s largest international scholarship programmes.
The DAAD’s mission is to build international academic partnerships, support German universities in attracting the best international students, and give internationally mobile students access to Germany’s world-class higher education system, regardless of their financial background.
Each year, the DAAD awards scholarships to tens of thousands of students and academics across more than 130 countries. Malaysian students are eligible for several DAAD programmes, depending on your level of study, academic field, and the type of support you need.
DAAD Scholarship Programmes Available to Malaysian Students
The DAAD offers a range of scholarship programmes for different academic levels and purposes. The most relevant for Malaysian students are:
DAAD Study Scholarships for Postgraduate Students
The DAAD Study Scholarship (Forschungsstipendien und Studienstipendien) is the flagship individual scholarship programme, and the one most Malaysian students refer to when they mention the “DAAD scholarship.”
This scholarship supports international graduates who want to pursue a full postgraduate (master’s) degree or undertake research at a German university. It is available across a wide range of academic disciplines, with separate application tracks for:
Engineering, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences
Open to graduates in relevant technical fields seeking master’s study or research at German universities with strong engineering and science faculties.
Architecture, Art, Music, and Design
A dedicated stream for students pursuing postgraduate study in creative and design disciplines at German universities and art academies.
German Studies, Languages, Cultural Studies, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Open to postgraduate students in humanities, social sciences, linguistics, and related fields.
Law, Economics, and Social Sciences
Supports postgraduate study in economics, law, political science, and management disciplines.
Medicine and Public Health
A specific track supporting postgraduate students and early-career researchers in medical and public health fields.
Duration: DAAD Study Scholarships typically cover 10 to 24 months of postgraduate study or research, depending on the programme and host institution.
DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Researchers
For Malaysian students who have completed their master’s degree and are pursuing a PhD at a German university, the DAAD offers research grants that support doctoral study and research stays in Germany. These are available for periods ranging from one month (short-term research visits) to full doctoral funding spanning multiple years.
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Professionals in Public Affairs)
A specialised programme for professionals working in public policy, international development, social enterprise, or public administration who want to pursue a postgraduate degree in Germany.
Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
The EPOS programme funds postgraduate courses at German universities that are specifically designed to address development challenges in lower- and middle-income countries. Some of Malaysia’s development-related fields, such as agricultural development, environmental engineering, and public health infrastructure, may align with EPOS-funded programmes.
DAAD Language Courses
For Malaysian students who need to develop or improve their German language skills before beginning their degree studies, DAAD offers funding for intensive German language courses in Germany.
What Does a DAAD Scholarship Cover?
The exact coverage of a DAAD scholarship depends on the specific programme, but a standard DAAD Study Scholarship for a postgraduate student typically covers:
Monthly Stipend
As of 2026, the standard DAAD monthly stipend for postgraduate students is approximately EUR 934 per month.
Health Insurance Contribution
DAAD scholarship holders receive a contribution toward German health insurance costs.
Travel Allowance
A one-time contribution toward your international travel costs to and from Germany is included.
Study and Research Allowance
A contribution toward books, academic materials, research costs, and conference attendance.
German Language Course
Some DAAD scholarship programmes include funding for a preparatory German language course before your studies begin.
Tuition Fees
At public German universities where tuition fees are minimal or zero, the DAAD scholarship’s financial value lies primarily in the monthly stipend and allowances rather than tuition fee coverage.
DAAD Eligibility Requirements for Malaysian Students
Nationality
You must be a non-German national. Malaysian citizens are fully eligible.
Academic Qualification
You must have completed (or be in the final year of completing) an undergraduate degree.
Graduation Recency
For most DAAD scholarship programmes, you must not have graduated more than six years before the application deadline.
Academic Excellence
DAAD scholarships are merit-based and competitive. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance and clear career goals.
Language Proficiency
For German-taught programmes, German proficiency (typically B2 or above) is expected. For English-taught programmes, strong English proficiency is required.
University Admission
For most DAAD Study Scholarship applications, you are expected to either have already been admitted to a German university or be actively applying.
How to Apply for a DAAD Scholarship from Malaysia
Step 1: Identify the Right DAAD Programme
Visit the DAAD scholarship database and filter by your level of study, field of study, and nationality.
Step 2: Choose Your German University and Programme
Before applying to DAAD, identify the German university and specific programme you want to attend.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
Typically required documents include:
Letter of Motivation (Motivationsschreiben)
Explain why you want to study in Germany, why you chose your programme, and how it aligns with your long-term goals.
Research or Study Proposal
Required for research-focused scholarships and doctoral grants.
Academic CV / Curriculum Vitae
A structured academic CV outlining education, achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities.
Academic Transcripts and Certificates
Certified copies of your academic records.
Reference Letters
Usually two to three recommendation letters from lecturers or employers.
Language Certificates
Proof of German or English proficiency.
University Admission Letter
If available, include your admission letter from the host institution.
Step 4: Submit Your Application Through the Correct Portal
Applications are submitted online through the DAAD portal or, depending on the programme, through the host university.
Step 5: Prepare for the Selection Interview
Many competitive DAAD programmes include an interview stage after document screening.
Practical Tips for Malaysian Students Applying to DAAD
Apply Early to Your Chosen German University
Having an admission letter before the DAAD deadline can strengthen your application.
Make Your Motivation Letter Specific
Reference specific professors, facilities, research groups, or programme strengths.
Request Reference Letters Early
Give referees at least four to six weeks’ notice.
Demonstrate German Language Initiative
Even for English-taught programmes, basic German skills can strengthen your application.
Be Clear About Your Return Plan
Explain how you intend to apply your German education and experience in Malaysia after graduation.
Apply Through Inquota for Structured Preparation Support
Professional guidance can help with programme selection, documentation, timelines, and application strategy.
Interested in applying for a DAAD scholarship to study in Germany? Visit our Study in Germany for Malaysian Students page for a full overview, or contact Inquota Education Services for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About DAAD Scholarship for Malaysian Students
No. DAAD scholarships for individual applicants are primarily available at postgraduate level (master’s and doctoral).
DAAD scholarships are highly competitive globally. Strong academic results, compelling motivation letters, quality references, and a clear study plan significantly improve your chances.
Yes. However, all funding sources must be declared, and double-funding restrictions may apply
You can reapply in future cycles, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements.
Yes. Inquota Education Services supports Malaysian students with DAAD scholarship preparation, including programme selection, motivation letter guidance, document preparation, and application planning.
