DAAD China: The Ultimate Guide for Chinese Students (2026)

The DAAD, short for Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service), is a potential game-changer for students worldwide aspiring to study in Germany. As the largest funding organization of its kind, DAAD embodies the transformative power of international education with its motto, "Change through Exchange."

DAAD doesn't just support German students venturing abroad; it also warmly welcomes international students, including those from China, to experience academic life in Germany. Headquartered in Bonn with an additional branch in Berlin, DAAD's reach extends globally through a vast network. This network encompasses 20 Regional Offices and 37 Information Centers strategically located in approximately 50 countries. For instance, in China, DAAD has 2 Information Centers (in Guangzhou and Shanghai), and 1 Regional Office (in Beijing).
 

While DAAD offers a spectrum of scholarships encompassing undergraduate and graduate studies, PhD programs, language courses, and more, this article will hone in on the opportunities most relevant for Chinese students. With a particular focus on DAAD study scholarships for Bachelor's and Master's degrees, we'll delve into these merit-based scholarships that cover the full living expenses for Chinese students in Germany. In other words, they provide students, among others, with €992 per month, which amounts to €11,904 annually. Note: this amount is not set in stone - it might change depending on the BAföG rate.

Imagine securing a full scholarship that covers all your living expenses in Germany—sounds amazing, right? You might be wondering, "Can a Chinese student apply for a DAAD scholarship?" The answer is a resounding yes! The Chinese are indeed eligible for DAAD scholarships.

However, not all DAAD scholarship programs are open to Chinese applicants. As of 2024, 19 DAAD scholarships are available for Chinese students, with 6 specifically tailored for those seeking a degree (excluding a PhD) in Germany. Importantly, all these scholarships are for the Master's (graduate) level. Below, you'll find a summary of these 6 scholarships with essential details. But before diving into that, let's discuss the opportunities available for Chinese undergraduate students.

This table highlights that even though there isn't a DAAD scholarship for Chinese students aiming for a Bachelor's degree in Germany, Chinese undergraduates can still utilize DAAD funding to participate in a summer course. In fact, engaging in this program can significantly boost your chances when applying for a DAAD master's scholarship, as outlined in the upcoming section.

It also should be emphasized that while the current options are limited, this situation may change, and more opportunities could become available. We recommend regularly monitoring the DAAD scholarship database for the latest updates and new opportunities.

This table clearly illustrates that Chinese students can find suitable full DAAD scholarships to cover their living costs during their master's studies in Germany. These scholarships are available for almost every field, from Economics to Global Health, offering extensive opportunities for Chinese scholars.

CRUCIAL POINT: To pursue a degree in Germany with DAAD funding, you must also fulfill all the requirements of the specific study program you're applying to. Therefore, in addition to reviewing the DAAD website, ensure you're thoroughly familiar with the details and requirements of your intended study courses.

Important considerations:

1. Documents not in English or German require (certified) translations.
2. Ensure your application is complete and properly formatted. Missing elements (even signatures) can lead to disqualification. Carefully check the specific requirements of your chosen scholarship program.
3. You don't need an admission letter from a German university to apply for the DAAD scholarship. DAAD scholarships are typically pre-admission, meaning you apply for DAAD funding before applying to your desired Bachelor's or Master's program in Germany.

Grasping the selection criteria and process is key to fine-tuning your application and setting realistic expectations. Here are the core DAAD selection criteria for Chinese students:

• Grade Point Average (GPA): Excellent grades will greatly enhance your chances of securing the scholarship.
• Motivation: Pay close attention to your letter of motivation; it's crucial to your application.
• Extracurricular Commitment: Highlight practical experiences, workshops, training, publications, and more in your CV to effectively showcase your achievements.

Excelling in these areas can significantly strengthen your application and increase your chances of success, even though all aspects of your application are important.

In general, it is not easy to get a DAAD scholarship, no matter where you are from. The reason is that it is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships in Germany. That is why, as per our research conducted in 2023, the DAAD scholarship acceptance rate for China is around 10%. In other words, approximately 10 out of 100 Chinese students succeed in their DAAD scholarship application. Consequently, the rejection rate for a DAAD scholarship for Chinese applicants is approximately 90%. Low GPA and, in general, weak academic profile can be the major reasons for the rejection.

In a word, even if you meet all the basic requirements and have completed the whole application procedure correctly, it is very likely that your application for the DAAD funding in Germany will be rejected, if, for instance, your GPA is not very good, your CV is not "rich" or your Motivation Letter is not "impressive". Thus, getting a DAAD scholarship is quite a competitive process for Chinese students.