DAAD Indonesia: Guide for Indonesian Students (2026)

The DAAD, or German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), is widely recognized as the largest scholarship provider for international students aiming to study in Germany.

Driven by the mission of "Change through Exchange," the DAAD not only facilitates German students in studying abroad but also opens doors for international students, including those from Indonesia, to pursue higher education in Germany. With its main office in Bonn and another in Berlin, the DAAD maintains a robust global presence. This includes a network of 20 Regional Offices and 37 Information Centers spread across nearly 50 countries. For Indonesian students, the DAAD Regional Office in Jakarta serves as a crucial resource.

The DAAD offers an extensive array of scholarships that cater to a wide range of academic levels—from undergraduate and graduate studies to PhD research and language courses. As of 2024, the DAAD supports 86 different scholarship programs, each with specific application processes and eligibility criteria. In this article, we will concentrate on the DAAD scholarships available to Indonesian students seeking Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Germany. These merit-based scholarships fully cover the living expenses for Indonesian students during their studies in Germany.

Imagine receiving a full scholarship that covers all your living expenses while you study in Germany — sounds like a dream come true, right? You might be asking yourself, "Can Indonesian students apply for DAAD scholarships?" The great news is, yes, Indonesians, are eligible for DAAD funding!

However, it's crucial to understand that not every DAAD scholarship is available to Indonesian applicants. As of 2024, there are 22 DAAD scholarships accessible to students from Indonesia, with 8 specifically tailored for those aiming to pursue a degree in Germany, excluding PhD programs. It's important to note that these scholarships are exclusively available at the Master's level. Below, we will detail these 8 scholarships along with key information. But before we get into that, let's explore the opportunities available for Indonesian undergraduate students.

This table shows that although there isn't a DAAD scholarship for Indonesians to study a Bachelor's degree in Germany, Indonesian students can still use DAAD funding to attend a summer course. In fact, participating in this programme can significantly improve your chances of applying for a DAAD Master's scholarship, as described in the next section.

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

As illustrated in the table, Indonesian students aspiring to pursue their master's degree in Germany have several options for full DAAD scholarships that cover living expenses. These scholarship opportunities span a diverse array of disciplines, ranging from Law to Engineering. This wide spectrum ensures that Indonesians from various academic backgrounds can find suitable funding options for their graduate studies in Germany.

Indonesian students can also complete their Master's degree with a DAAD scholarship through the following DAAD In-Country/In-Region Funding Programmes:

1. In-Country/In-Region Scholarships Program at AIT
2. In-Country/In-Region Scholarships Program at SEARCA FS
3. In-Country/In-Region Scholarships Program at SEARCA NRM

4. In-Country/In-Region Scholarships Program at UGM

    

These scholarships enable Indonesians to study at the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, the University of the Philippines Los Baños, University Putra Malaysia, Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia, Kasetsart University in Thailand, or IPB University in Indonesia.

As you can understand from above, given DAAD programs do not support Master's studies in Germany.  Instead, with these scholarships, Indonesians can study in Indonesia itself, or some other countries like Thailand, Philippines or Malaysia. This is exactly why we did not include these funding opportunities in Table 2.

IMPORTANT: To be eligible for a DAAD scholarship and study in Germany, you must also fulfill all the specific admission requirements of the study program you wish to enroll in. Therefore, in addition to checking the DAAD website, make sure you are fully informed about the details of the courses you plan to apply for.

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.

Understanding the selection criteria and the selection process is essential for optimising your application and setting realistic goals. Below are the DAAD's main selection criteria for Indonesian students:

1. Grade Point Average (GPA): Outstanding academic performance can significantly boost your chances of being awarded the scholarship.
2. Motivation: Your letter of motivation is a critical part of your application, so invest time and effort in crafting it well.
3. Extracurricular Involvement: Use your CV to highlight practical experiences such as workshops, training, publications, and other achievements that demonstrate your commitment and skills.
    

While every component of your application is important, excelling in these areas can greatly increase your chances of success.

It is not easy to secure a DAAD scholarship, no matter where you’re from. This is largely due to its status as one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships available in Germany. Based on our 2023 research, the acceptance rate for DAAD scholarships among Indonesians is around 10%. In simpler terms, only about 10 out of every 100 Indonesian applicants manage to win the scholarship, meaning the rejection rate stands at roughly 90%. A below-average GPA and a weak academic profile are often significant factors contributing to these rejections.

In short, even if you meet all the DAAD basic criteria and follow the application process to the letter, your DAAD scholarship application may still be declined if, for instance, your GPA is not up to par, your CV lacks substantial achievements, or your motivation letter fails to make a strong impression. Thus, getting a DAAD scholarship is quite a competitive process for Indonesian students.