DAAD Scholarship: A Guide for Iranian Students

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

Operating under the motto "Change through Exchange," the DAAD supports both German students who wish to study abroad and international students, including those from Iran, who want to study in Germany. Based in Bonn, with an additional office in Berlin, the DAAD boasts a vast global network. This includes 20 Regional Offices and 37 Information Centers across approximately 50 countries. For example, in Iran, there is a DAAD Information Center in Tehran. However, DAAD has temporarily suspended the activities of the Tehran office.

The DAAD offers a variety of scholarships, including funding for undergraduates, graduates, PhD candidates, language courses, and more. As of 2024, the DAAD provides 86 different scholarship programs, each with unique application and procedural requirements. This article specifically focuses on DAAD scholarships available to Iranian students for Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Germany. These merit-based scholarships fully cover the living expenses for Iranians in Germany.

Securing a full scholarship that covers all your living expenses in Germany sounds like a fantastic opportunity, right? You might be asking yourself, "Is Iran eligible for the DAAD?" The answer is: Yes, as an Iranian student, you are eligible for a DAAD scholarship!

However, it's important to note that not all DAAD scholarship programs are available to Iranian applicants. As of 2024, there are 17 DAAD scholarships open to Iranians, of which 6 are specifically for those who wish to pursue a degree in Germany, excluding PhD programs. It's worth mentioning that all these DAAD scholarships are for the Master's (graduate) level. Below, you will find a list of these 6 scholarships along with key details. But before we delve into that, let's explore the options available if you are an undergraduate student from Iran.

The above-presented table demonstrates the following: despite the fact that currently there is no DAAD scholarship for Iranian students who intend to pursue their Bachelor's in Germany, Iranian undergraduate students can still come to Germany with DAAD funds to participate in a summer course (e.g., to improve their German language skills). It is noteworthy that participating in this program will assist Iranian students in performing better for their potential DAAD master's scholarship applications presented 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.

As highlighted in the table, Iranian students aiming to do their master's in Germany can find a suitable full DAAD scholarship that covers their living expenses. These scholarships are available for a wide range of disciplines, from Forestry to Design, ensuring that students from various fields can benefit from this opportunity.

IMPORTANT: To pursue a degree in Germany with a DAAD scholarship, you must also meet all the requirements of the specific study program you are applying to. Therefore, in addition to checking the DAAD website, ensure you are well-versed with the details of the study courses you wish to enroll in.

Keep in mind: 

1. If your documents are not in English or German, you need (certified) translations.

2. Ensure your application is complete and correctly formatted. Missing documents (or even signatures) can lead to rejection. Carefully review the specific requirements of your chosen scholarship program.

3. You do not need an admission letter from the German study program to apply for the DAAD scholarship. DAAD scholarships are usually pre-admission scholarships, meaning you apply for the DAAD funding first and then for your desired Bachelor's or Master's program in Germany.

Securing a DAAD scholarship is not easy, regardless of your country of origin. This is because it is one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships in Germany. According to our research conducted in 2023, the acceptance rate for DAAD scholarships for Iranians is around 10%. In other words, only about 10 out of 100 Iranian students succeed in their DAAD scholarship applications. Consequently, the rejection rate is approximately 90%. A low GPA and a weak academic profile are often major reasons for rejection.

In summary, even if you meet all the basic requirements and have correctly completed the application procedure, your DAAD scholarship application may still be rejected if, for example, your GPA is not very good, your CV lacks depth, or your Motivation Letter is not compelling.