- Overview
- Eligibility
- Bachelor's funding
- Master's funding
- Requirements
- Documents
- Applications process
- Selection Criteria
- Deadline & When to Apply
- Competition
- Contact
- BONUS
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Nepali students are often amazed to discover that most public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education. This means that Nepalis can study in Germany without incurring tuition fees. However, it's important to plan for the living costs associated with studying abroad. The German government estimates that international students, including those from Nepal, need around 11,904 Euros annually (or 992 Euros per month) to cover living expenses in Germany. This financial requirement is essential for securing a German student visa, as proof of these funds is mandatory. Without this proof, your visa application will be denied, jeopardizing your plans to study in Germany.
With this financial condition in mind, many Nepali students look for ways to fund their education. Luckily, there are several options, and one of the most renowned is the DAAD Scholarship. Great news: Nepali citizens can apply for various DAAD scholarship programs! This detailed guide will cover all the funding opportunities available through DAAD for Nepali students, focusing on both Bachelor's and Master's degree scholarships. If you're a Nepali eager to study in Germany or simply exploring your possibilities, this article will provide essential information on the DAAD scholarship Nepal requirements and application process.
It is our goal to inform you honestly and accurately, therefore, we need to add a disclaimer:
This article is for general information only and cannot replace your own research. We, therefore, exclude any liability and highly recommend always double-checking the information on the official DAAD web pages.
Overview
The DAAD, known as the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst in German), stands as the largest scholarship provider for international students looking to study in Germany.
Guided by its motto, "Change through Exchange," the DAAD finances both Germans who want to go abroad and international students (including students from Nepal) who want to come to Germany. Headquartered in Bonn with an additional branch in Berlin, the DAAD operates a vast global network. This includes 20 Regional Offices and 37 Information Centers in around 50 countries. Currently, there are no DAAD offices in Nepal. Instead, it is the New Delhi Regional Office of the DAAD that is responsible for the scholarship seekers from Nepal.
The DAAD offers different types of scholarships, like funding for undergraduates, graduates, PhD, language courses and more. In total, as of 2024, DAAD offers 86 scholarship programs, all of which vary and, hence, have diverse application and procedural requirements. As already noted, here we focus on two types of funding: DAAD scholarships for Nepalis to pursue their Bachelor's degree in Germany and DAAD scholarships for Nepalis to do their Master's studies in Germany. These are merit-based full scholarships, aka entirely covering the living costs of Nepali students in Germany.
Eligibility
Imagine securing a full scholarship that covers all your living expenses in Germany—sounds amazing, right? You might be wondering, "Is Nepal eligible for the DAAD scholarship?" The answer is a straightforward YES! Nepalis are indeed eligible for DAAD scholarships.
However, not all DAAD scholarship programs are open to Nepali applicants. As of 2024, 17 DAAD scholarships are available for Nepali 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 Nepali undergraduate students.
Geeky Stuff Box
The 2023 DAAD Annual Report indicates that Nepal is one of the top 60 countries globally, out of over 180, in terms of the number of students awarded DAAD scholarships. In 2023, a total of 209 Nepali students were granted DAAD funding across various scholarship categories.
DAAD Scholarship for Bachelors in Germany for Nepal
Currently, there are no DAAD scholarships available for Nepali students who wish to pursue their Bachelor's studies in Germany. Additionally, there are also no non-degree DAAD fundings open for Nepali undergraduate students. However, it is advisable to regularly check the DAAD scholarship database as new opportunities can emerge over time. Staying updated ensures you don't miss out on any future scholarships that might be instrumental for your future academic or professional endeavours.
DAAD Scholarship for Masters in Germany for Nepal
Unlike the bachelor's level, when it comes to doing a master's in Germany, Nepalis are eligible for multiple DAAD scholarships. Here is the list:
Table 1: Master's Scholarships for Nepal
*The list is ordered in the exact way as presented on the DAAD Funding Guide website.
**Regularly check the application deadlines, as they are updated annually.
***This is not an officially stated requirement by the given DAAD program. It is a recommendation from MyGU.
****EPOS scholarship finances specific study programs from specific universities. Here is the list for the 2025/2026 intake.
*****Helmut-Schmidt-Programme finances specific study programs from specific universities. Here is the list for the 2025/2026 intake.
As shown in the table, Nepali students planning to pursue their master's in Germany can find several DAAD funding opportunities that would fully cover their living expenses during their stay in the country. These DAAD scholarships span a wide range of disciplines, from Industrial Engineering to Philosophy, providing opportunities for Nepalis from diverse fields to benefit from this funding.
Special case: DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships Programme for Nepal
Nepalis can also pursue a Master's degree with a DAAD scholarship in the framework of the DAAD In-Country/In-Region programme at IITD. However, with this DAAD funding, Nepali students cannot do their Master's in Germany, but in India. Specifically, the place of tenure is the Center of Atmospheric Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) in New Delhi.
DAAD Scholarship Nepal: Requirements
As mentioned earlier, DAAD scholarships vary greatly in their purpose, target audience, admission requirements, application procedures, and more. This diversity also applies to DAAD study scholarships for Nepalis, each with its own specific requirements and procedures. However, based on our research, we can outline the key requirements and eligibility criteria that Nepali students will likely need to meet to qualify for DAAD study scholarships.
List of DAAD requirements for Nepal:
- Education gap. Your previous academic degree should not be older than 6 years at the time of the application deadline. Note: Usually, DAAD does not have any age limits.
- State of residence. You cannot apply if you have resided in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline.
- Language skills. Your command of English or/and German should be in line with the requirements set out by your desired study program in Germany.
- Academic performance. Although usually not explicitly mentioned, your GPA should be at least "GOOD", aka 2.5 according to the German system.
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.
Advice Box
Even if not always explicitly required, a strong extracurricular portfolio (e.g., internships, volunteer work, project participation, training, etc.) can significantly enhance your chances of securing a DAAD scholarship.
Application Documents
Now that you understand the DAAD requirements, you might be wondering: "What documents do Nepalis need to apply for a DAAD scholarship?" This is an excellent question, but due to the diversity of DAAD scholarship programs, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. However, we can provide a general checklist of documents typically required for most DAAD study funding applications.
DAAD checklist for Nepal:
- Online application form. DAAD provides a user-friendly application form that must be completed in full by the applicant.
- Educational certificate(s). This includes your previous degrees (e.g., Bachelor's degree) and high school diploma.
- Transcript of records. If your transcript doesn't explain your institution's grading system, include this information separately.
- Language certificate(s). Typically, English (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) and/or German (e.g., TestDaF, DSH) proficiency proof. These should generally be no more than 2 years old.
- Curriculum Vitae. A comprehensive, tabular CV without unexplained gaps.
- Letter of Motivation. Usually, 1-3 pages, articulating why you're the ideal candidate for the scholarship.
- Letter of Recommendation. A reference letter from professors or employers who can speak to your academic and professional potential.
Key Points to Remember:
- Translations: If your documents aren't in English or German, you'll need (certified) translations.
- Attention to Detail: A missing document or even a missing signature can lead to rejection. Carefully review all requirements for your chosen scholarship program to ensure your application is complete and correct.
- Timing: Generally, DAAD scholarships are pre-admission awards. This means you typically apply for the DAAD scholarship before securing admission to your desired German study program. Hence, no need to wait for a letter of admission from the university!
How to apply for a DAAD scholarship from Nepal?
While the application process may vary depending on the specific DAAD scholarship, there are SEVEN crucial steps Nepali students should follow when applying for and aiming to secure a DAAD scholarship.
DAAD Application Process for Nepal:
- Identify the right scholarship. Begin by exploring the DAAD scholarship database. Utilize the website's filters to narrow down scholarship options suitable for Nepali applicants.
- Verify eligibility. After finding a scholarship that matches your aspirations, ensure you fulfill the basic formal requirements outlined in the "Application Requirements" section of the DAAD database.
- Gather required documents. Consult the "Application Procedure" section on the DAAD database for a comprehensive list of necessary documents. Remember: Certify and translate documents as required.
- Submit the application. Most applications are submitted via the DAAD online portal. However, be prepared for variations in submission procedures. Some scholarship programs, like KOSPIE, may include an offline component (e.g., requiring certain documents to be sent by physical mail). Others, such as the Helmut-Schmidt program, might instruct you to submit your application directly to the study program rather than to DAAD. Always carefully review the specific submission instructions for your chosen scholarship.
- Await DAAD's response. This process can take several months. If your initial application is successful, DAAD will contact you to proceed to the second stage of the application process.
- Complete the second stage. The second stage varies by scholarship. For example, it may involve an interview or submission of additional documentation.
- Wait for the final results. After completing the second stage, DAAD typically takes a few months to finalize the list of scholarship recipients. They will then inform you of their decision regarding your scholarship application.
DAAD Selection Criteria for Nepal
Understanding the selection criteria and process is crucial for refining your application and setting realistic expectations. Here are the key DAAD selection criteria for Nepali students:
- Academic Performance: very good GPA significantly boosts your chances of winning the scholarship.
- Motivation: your letter of motivation is a critical component of your application. Craft it carefully to clearly express your goals and reasons for applying.
- Extracurricular Activities: in your CV, highlight relevant experiences such as internships, workshops, training programs, publications, or volunteer work. These demonstrate your well-rounded profile and commitment to your field.
While all parts of your application matter, excelling in these areas can substantially strengthen your candidacy for a DAAD scholarship. Remember, the selection process aims to identify not just academically solid candidates, but those who show potential for future leadership and contribution to their field of study.
DAAD Scholarship Nepal: Deadline & When to Apply
Nepali students should apply for the DAAD scholarship as early as possible!
It's crucial to understand that application deadlines for DAAD scholarships vary depending on the specific funding program. Therefore, regularly checking the relevant program pages for the latest information is essential. PRO TIP: For Nepali applicants, DAAD deadlines are usually in autumn.
To ensure a seamless application process, we strongly advise starting your DAAD application preparations at least 2 months prior to the scholarship deadline. This buffer ensures you have sufficient time to collect and organize all necessary documents.
In general, applying for a DAAD scholarship can be a lengthy process. In fact, the total DAAD processing time for students from Nepal is around 6 months. Factoring in at least 1 month for application preparation, you might dedicate approximately 7 months to the entire DAAD scholarship application journey. Therefore, meticulous planning is essential to commence your studies in Germany with a DAAD scholarship on schedule.
Advice Box
To illustrate this planning aspect, consider the following example: if you aim to begin your Master's studies in Germany with a DAAD scholarship in October 2026, you should start your DAAD application around August 2025. Thus, if you are targeting a DAAD scholarship, preparation for studying in Germany starts more than a year before the actual studies.
Is it hard to win a DAAD scholarship?
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 among Nepalis is around 10%. In other words, only about 10 out of 100 Nepali 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. Thus, getting a DAAD scholarship is quite a competitive process for Nepalis.
DAAD Nepal: Contact
Although DAAD does not have an office in Nepal, the DAAD Regional office in New Delhi (India) provides valuable advice and support for Nepali academics and higher education institutions. We strongly recommend reaching out to the New Delhi Office for any questions or personalized assistance.
Table 2: DAAD New Delhi Contact Details
BONUS: List of all DAAD scholarships for Nepal (2024)
*The list is ordered in the exact way as presented on the DAAD Funding Guide website.
**Regularly check the application deadlines, as they are updated annually.
***Here is the 2023/2024 list of GSSP participating graduate schools.
****This scholarship is not designed to cover the entire Master's studies for Nepalis in Germany, but a portion of it. In particular, it offers Nepalis, who are enrolled at the Indian Institutes of Technology, to work on their Master's thesis at one of Germany's leading Technical Universities.
