How UAE Students Can Study in Germany with a DAAD Scholarship ?

German universities set out their requirements in detail, and applicants can review course structures alongside the practical components tied to them. Departments usually indicate when students progress into laboratory work, internships, or supervised research, allowing candidates to understand the academic path before applying. 

The financial support provided through DAAD helps students manage essential living expenses, allowing them to meet the demands of intensive coursework or extended research commitments without additional strain. German institutions also maintain close ties with industry, so students who finish their studies often move straight into project-based roles. Many applicants from the UAE choose Germany because the process leaves little room for guesswork; universities state their requirements clearly, and each step from application to enrolment is laid out in a manner that students can follow without uncertainty.

What is the DAAD Scholarship?

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Scholarship is one of the main funding routes available to international students who want to conduct research or study in Germany. It is used by graduates and early-career professionals who need financial backing to complete a Master’s programme, a defined research project, or specialised academic training. The award usually includes a monthly allowance, health insurance, and, in some cases, support for travel, which helps students manage their stay without dependence on part-time work.

Applications are reviewed on the strength of previous academic work and the coherence of the applicant’s study plan, with each case assessed against the requirements of the chosen programme.
 

Types of DAAD Scholarships Available

DAAD lists several funding pathways, and each one serves a different stage of a student’s academic plan. The categories most UAE applicants encounter are:

Postgraduate Study Scholarships: Used by students who want to complete a master’s degree in Germany. The fields vary widely, and universities usually expect a clear study plan rather than a general interest statement.

Research Grants: Meant for doctoral and postdoctoral work, where the applicant already has a research outline and access to a supervisor or host institute in Germany.

Specialist Scholarships: These awards, including the EPOS programmes, are used by students entering development-oriented fields. Applicants in areas like public policy, engineering, or environmental management use these awards because their programmes move through set modules rather than open-ended research.

Short-Term Scholarships:These funds support short stays for language work, a summer academic course, or a defined research task arranged with a host department.

DAAD Scholarship Amount & Benefits for UAE Students

The DAAD scholarship offers generous financial support for international students, including those from the UAE, who wish to pursue postgraduate studies or research in Germany. Master’s students receive €934 per month (around 3,950 AED), while doctoral candidates are provided €1,200 per month (about 5,080 AED) to cover living expenses, accommodation, transportation, and study-related costs. Postdoctoral researchers receive the highest funding, with up to €2,400 per month (nearly 10,160 AED). Along with the monthly stipend, DAAD also covers health insurance, travel allowances, and research subsidies, making it one of the most comprehensive and prestigious funding opportunities for students aiming to study in Germany.DAAD support is structured to meet the main expenses a student faces while studying in Germany. The benefits usually include:

Monthly Stipend: A living allowance set within a defined range, adjusted according to the level of study. 

Travel Allowance: A contribution toward the flight to Germany and the return journey at the end of the programme.

Health Insurance: DAAD arranges the mandatory medical cover for the full duration of study, so students do not need to organise a separate policy.

Tuition Fees: Most public universities charge very little, and where a fee applies, the scholarship usually meets that cost.

Research Subsidy: Some DAAD schemes set aside a modest amount for items directly tied to academic work. This may include reference books, software, or specific materials needed for a project, approved on a case-by-case basis.

Language Course Support: German language instruction can be funded when the host institution confirms that the course is necessary for the student’s programme or for academic integration.

Family Allowance: A few programmes provide an added allowance for scholars travelling with a spouse or child. The availability of this support depends entirely on the scholarship track.

Accommodation: In certain cities, scholarship holders may be offered a place in university housing at a lower rate. This is subject to local availability and cannot be assumed at the time of application.

Read to know: Top 10 Benefits of Studying Abroad in Germany

Who Can Apply for DAAD Scholarships from the UAE?

DAAD sets eligibility criteria that relate mainly to academic background, language skills, and the suitability of the applicant’s study plan. UAE students follow the same requirements as candidates from other non-EU countries.

Educational Qualifications: Entry to a master’s programme requires proof of an earned bachelor’s degree. For doctoral studies, institutions look for a master’s qualification that aligns with their recognition guidelines and confirms the applicant’s readiness for advanced academic work.

Academic Merit: DAAD reviews previous academic work closely. Applicants may be asked to verify the standing of their degree through recognition tools used in Germany, such as the Anabin database.

Language Proficiency: Programmes specify the required level of English or German, confirmed through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH, depending on the medium of instruction.

Work Experience: Scholarships such as EPOS request two years of relevant professional experience, and this is reviewed in relation to the proposed field of study.

Study Plan: Applicants must submit a detailed motivation letter and, where applicable, a structured study or research proposal that outlines their academic direction.

Age Limit: Most DAAD schemes do not prescribe an age gap. In a few cases, the committee reviews the gap since the applicant’s last qualification to check whether the academic progression suits the structure of that particular programme.

Other Factors: Doctoral candidates are expected to show evidence of research readiness. Circumstances such as childcare responsibilities or health conditions may be taken into account when assessing an application.

DAAD evaluates UAE applications under the same framework used for other international candidates, without separate restrictions.

How to Apply for a DAAD Scholarship from the UAE ?

Applying for a DAAD scholarship involves a series of defined steps. Each programme sets its own requirements, so applicants must follow the instructions for that specific call.

Step 1: Consult the DAAD scholarship database on the official website and identify programmes that match your field of study or research focus.

Step 2: Read the relevant scholarship announcement carefully. Note the deadlines, eligibility criteria, and the documents required for that particular scheme.

Step 3: Prepare the application materials. these usually include:

• Application form submitted through the DAAD portal
• Curriculum Vitae in Europass format
• Motivation letter or statement of purpose
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Language test results, depending on the medium of instruction
• Two academic or professional references
• Research proposal for doctoral applicants
• Proof of work experience when required by the programme

Step 4: Submit the required documents through the daad online portal. Certain programmes also ask applicants to file a separate admission request with the german university, so this must be checked in advance.

Step 5: Ensure the application is lodged before the stated deadline. Some candidates may be contacted for an interview or for clarification of specific documents.

Step 6: Final decisions are issued after the committee completes its review, which varies by programme.

DAAD funding provides a clear framework for students who intend to pursue advanced study or research in Germany. Applicants from the UAE who meet the academic and language requirements, and who submit a coherent, well-documented application, enter the review process on equal footing with other international candidates. For assistance on application, get in touch with the expert team at Edroots, one of the leading study abroad consultants in Dubai.