Complete Guide to DAAD Scholarships 2026: Study in Germany & Africa

Introduction: Unlock World-Class Education with DAAD

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the world's largest and most prestigious scholarship organizations, offering fully funded opportunities for international students, graduates, and researchers . Whether you're looking to pursue a Master's degree in Germany, conduct PhD research, or study in Africa through regional programs, DAAD provides life-changing pathways to academic excellence.

For Ghanaian students and professionals, DAAD maintains a dedicated Regional Office Accra that coordinates scholarships for applicants from Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon . This guide provides a complete overview of DAAD scholarship opportunities for the 2026/2027 academic year, including eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and step-by-step guidance.

Understanding DAAD: The German Academic Exchange Service

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a joint organization of Germany's higher education institutions, funded by the German government to promote international academic exchange . The organization supports students, researchers, and universities worldwide through scholarships, research grants, and institutional partnerships.

DAAD Regional Office Accra

DAAD's presence in Ghana is managed through the DAAD Regional Office Accra, located at:

• Address: 20 Osu La Crescent, Nyaniba Estates, Accra

• Telephone: +233 261 09 09 39 

This office serves as the primary point of contact for scholarship inquiries from Ghanaian applicants and coordinates the selection process for various programs.

Types of DAAD Scholarships Available

DAAD offers a wide range of scholarships tailored to different academic levels and career stages. Below are the most relevant opportunities for Ghanaian applicants.

1. DAAD EPOS Scholarships (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses)

The EPOS (Entwicklungsbezogene Postgraduiertenstudien) programme provides fully funded Master's and PhD scholarships for professionals from developing countries, including Ghana, who wish to study in Germany .

What It Covers:

• Full tuition fees (where applicable)

• Monthly living stipend

• Health insurance

• Travel allowance

• German language training (where applicable) 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with strong academic performance

• At least two years of relevant professional work experience after graduation (for most EPOS programmes)

• Demonstrated commitment to contributing to sustainable development in your home country 

Eligible Fields Include:

• Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics

• Food Systems and Food Security

• Rural Development

• Natural Resource Management

• Environmental Sciences

• Tropical Forestry 

Important Note: There is no single application deadline for EPOS. Each participating university sets its own application timeline, so applicants must check the requirements and deadlines for their chosen programme .

2. In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme (Sub-Saharan Africa)

This programme aims to strengthen higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa by awarding Master's and PhD scholarships to citizens of the region .

Target Group: Graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa who want to pursue Master's or PhD courses in their home country (In-Country) or in another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region) .

Eligible Countries: Botswana, Cameroon, Namibia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda .

Fields of Study: Development-related programs such as:

• Food Chemistry

• Energy Technology

• Soil and Water Engineering

• Education Research

• Molecular Biology

• Public Health

• Environmental Health 

Funding Duration:

• Up to 2 years for Master's programmes

• Up to 3 years for PhD programmes 

What It Covers:

• Monthly stipends

• Tuition fees

• Study and research allowance

• Thesis publication costs

• Travel allowance (for In-Region scholars)

• Health insurance 

Application Deadline: November 27, 2025 

3. Research Grants in Germany

These grants offer opportunities to realize research projects in Germany, available for doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers .

Duration:

• Doctoral candidates: 2 to 12 months

• Postdoctoral researchers: 2 to 6 months 

Application Deadlines:

• September 24, 2025 (Selection in February 2026, start from May 2026)

• March 17, 2026 (Selection in July 2026, start from September 2026) 

4. Doctoral Programmes in Germany

DAAD grants for young scientists and academics wishing to complete a doctoral degree in Germany .

Duration: Full doctoral programme

Application Deadline: September 24, 2025 (Selection in February 2026, start from October 2026, with a possible language course starting in June) 

5. Study Scholarships for Master's Studies

This programme offers scholarships for postgraduate studies at German universities .

Who Can Apply: Applicants who have completed their first degree (e.g., Bachelor's) by the time the funding period begins .

Funding Value:

• €992 per month scholarship payments

• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage

• Travel allowance

• €460 annual study allowance

• Monthly rent subsidy (where applicable)

• Language course funding (if needed) 

Duration: 10 to 24 months, depending on the programme length 

Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (Selection in April/May 2026, start from October 2026) 

Key Requirements:

• University degree should not be older than 6 years at the time of application

• Must not have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline 

6. Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle)

DAAD grants for doctoral candidates whose dissertations are supervised by both a home university and a German host institution .

Application Deadline: September 24, 2025 (Selection in February 2026, start from October 2026) 

7. University Summer Courses in Germany

Scholarships for Bachelor's and Master's students wishing to improve their German proficiency and cultural knowledge .

Application Deadline: October 30 of each year 

8. Study Scholarships for Specialized Fields

DAAD offers targeted scholarships for graduates in specific disciplines :

• Architecture (Application deadline: September 23, 2026)

• Music

• Performing Arts

• Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film 

General Eligibility Requirements for DAAD Scholarships

While specific programs have unique criteria, the following general requirements apply to most DAAD scholarships:

Academic Requirements:

• A first degree with above-average academic performance

• For Master's applicants: Bachelor's degree (minimum Second Class Upper for many programs)

• For PhD applicants: Master's degree 

Work Experience:

• Some programmes (especially EPOS) require at least two years of relevant professional experience 

Language Proficiency:

• German-taught programmes: TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat, or equivalent (minimum B1 level at application) 

• English-taught programmes: IELTS (not less than 6.0), TOEFL (not less than 550 PB), or equivalent certificates 

Other Requirements:

• Degree should not be older than 6 years at the time of application 

• Must not have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline 

• Must be a Ghanaian citizen (for country-specific programs)

How to Apply for a DAAD Scholarship

The application process for DAAD scholarships is primarily conducted online through the DAAD Portal.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Research Your Programme

• Visit the official DAAD scholarship database: www.daad.de 

• Filter by your country of origin (Ghana), academic level, and field of study

• Check specific programme requirements and deadlines

Step 2: Check University Admission Requirements

• Identify German universities offering your desired programme

• Ensure you meet the university's admission requirements

• Some scholarships require an unconditional admission letter from the host university before the funding period begins 

Step 3: Register on the DAAD Portal

• Create an account on the DAAD application portal

• Note: The portal is only open during the application period for each programme 

Step 4: Prepare Application Documents
Typically required documents include:

1. Full Curriculum Vitae in tabular form (max. 3 pages) 

2. Letter of Motivation (1-3 pages) explaining academic and personal reasons for studying in Germany 

3. University degree certificates and transcripts with individual grades 

4. Language proficiency certificates (German or English) 

5. Letter of recommendation from a university teacher (on DAAD form) 

6. Passport/Ghana Card copy 

7. Research proposal (for PhD/research grants, max. 5 pages)

8. Work experience certificates (for EPOS programmes)

Step 5: Submit Your Application

• Upload all documents in PDF format

• Submit online before the deadline (the portal closes at 24:00 CET/CEST on the final day) 

• Incomplete applications will not be considered 

Important Application Tips

• Apply Early: Do not wait until the final day in case of technical issues 

• Check Deadlines: Each programme has specific deadlines; missing them means automatic disqualification

• Contact Host Universities: You are responsible for securing admission to the German university separately 

• Language Certificates: Costs for language tests are not reimbursed by DAAD 

Selection Process and Criteria

DAAD scholarship selection is conducted by independent selection committees consisting of specialist scientists .

Key Selection Criteria:

1. Academic Qualification

   • Academic achievements and grades

   • Course of studies relevance

   • Language proficiency 

2. Quality of Study/Research Project

   • Preparation and planning quality

   • Choice of degree programme and host university

   • Integration into academic career path 

3. Applicant Potential

   • Motivation (academic and personal reasons)

   • Significance of the stay in Germany for future development

   • Extracurricular commitment and social engagement 

4. Equal Opportunities

   • Women and candidates from less privileged regions are encouraged to apply 

Living and Studying in Germany with DAAD

DAAD scholarships are designed to cover all essential costs, allowing recipients to focus on their studies.

What DAAD Covers:

• Monthly stipend (€992 for Master's students) 

• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance

• Travel allowance

• Study allowance (€460 annually)

• German language courses (where required)

• Family allowances (for accompanying dependents) 

Post-Scholarship Opportunities:

• DAAD supports alumni networks and professional development

• Scholars are expected to return to their home countries and contribute to sustainable development 

Avoiding Scams: Important Warning

DAAD does not charge any fees for scholarship applications or processing. Be cautious of individuals or agencies claiming to help you secure a DAAD scholarship for a fee. All applications must be submitted through the official DAAD portal .

Conclusion

DAAD scholarships offer Ghanaian students and researchers an unparalleled opportunity to pursue world-class education in Germany or within Africa. With comprehensive funding covering tuition, living expenses, and travel, these scholarships are designed to develop future leaders who will contribute to sustainable development in their home countries.

Your Next Steps:

1. Visit the DAAD scholarship database at www.daad.de

2. Identify programmes matching your academic background and career goals

3. Check specific deadlines and requirements

4. Prepare your application documents early

5. Submit your application through the DAAD Portal before the deadline

For additional guidance, contact the DAAD Regional Office Accra at +233 261 09 09 39 or visit their office at 20 Osu La Crescent, Nyaniba Estates, Accra .

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the DAAD Regional Office Accra's contact information?
A: The office is located at 20 Osu La Crescent, Nyaniba Estates, Accra. Telephone: +233 261 09 09 39 .

Q2: Are there DAAD scholarships for Master's studies in Germany?
A: Yes, DAAD offers Master's scholarships through various programmes, including EPOS, Study Scholarships for Master's Studies, and the In-Country/In-Region programme for studies in Africa .

Q3: What is the application deadline for the In-Country/In-Region scholarship?
A: The deadline is November 27, 2025 .

Q4: Can I apply for a DAAD scholarship without speaking German?
A: Yes, many programmes are taught in English. However, you must provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) and may need basic German for daily life .

Q5: How competitive are DAAD scholarships?
A: DAAD scholarships are highly competitive. Selection is based on academic excellence, motivation, and the quality of the study project .

Q6: Does DAAD cover tuition fees?
A: Most DAAD scholarships cover tuition fees for public German universities. Some EPOS programmes may also cover fees where applicable .

Q7: Where can I find the official DAAD scholarship database?
A: Visit the official DAAD website: https://www.daad.de/en .