- Overview
- Eligibility
- Bachelor's funding
- Master's funding
- Requirements
- Documents
- Application process
- Selection Criteria
- Deadline & When to Apply
- Acceptance rate
- Contact
- BONUS
Germany's largest study program database Browse study programs
24,030 courses available
What to study? 
Where to study? What to study?
Where to study?
You're probably aware that most public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education. This means that international students, including those from Vietnam, can often study in Germany without paying tuition fees. However, living expenses are unavoidable. The German government estimates that Vietnamese students need a minimum of 11,904 Euros per year (992 Euros per month) to cover their living costs in Germany.
This isn't a suggestion, it's a requirement! This financial proof is a mandatory part of the German student visa application. Without demonstrating access to these funds, your visa application will be rejected, preventing you from studying in Germany.
So, how can you secure the necessary funds? There are several options available, and one excellent path is through a DAAD scholarship. And yes, you read that right – Vietnamese students are eligible for various DAAD scholarships!
This article will guide you through the funding opportunities offered by DAAD specifically for the citizens of Vietnam, with a particular focus on DAAD study scholarships for both Master's and Bachelor's degrees.
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 and with the official local DAAD representatives in Vietnam.
Overview
The German Academic Exchange Service, known as DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), stands as a beacon of educational opportunity for students worldwide, including those from Vietnam. As Germany's largest organization for international academic cooperation, DAAD embodies its inspiring motto: "Change through Exchange."
DAAD's mission is twofold: it supports German students studying abroad while also welcoming international students, including the Vietnamese, to Germany. With its main offices in Bonn and Berlin, DAAD boasts an extensive global network spanning over 50 countries. This network includes 20 Regional Offices and 37 Information Centers. For Vietnamese students, the DAAD Regional Office in Hanoi serves as a crucial resource.
The organization offers a wide array of scholarship programs catering to various academic levels and interests. These include opportunities for undergraduate and graduate studies, PhD programs, language courses, and more. As of 2024, DAAD manages an impressive portfolio of 86 distinct scholarship programs, each with its own unique application procedures and eligibility criteria.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll focus on two key scholarship types that are particularly relevant for ambitious Vietnamese students:
- DAAD scholarships for Bachelor's degrees in Germany
- DAAD scholarships for Master's degrees in Germany
These highly competitive, merit-based scholarships offer full funding to cover living expenses for students from Vietnam pursuing their studies in Germany.
Eligibility
Picture yourself in Germany with all your living expenses covered by a scholarship—sounds like a dream, right? If you're wondering, "Are Vietnamese students eligible for the DAAD scholarships?" The answer is an enthusiastic yes - DAAD scholarships are open to the Vietnamese.
However, it's important to clarify that not every DAAD scholarship program is available to Vietnamese applicants. As of 2024, there are 22 DAAD scholarships specifically for students from Vietnam, with 7 designed for those pursuing degrees in Germany, excluding PhD programs. Interestingly, these opportunities are exclusively for Master's (graduate) level students. Detailed information about these 7 scholarships follows below. Before we dive into that, let’s explore the options for Vietnamese undergraduate students.
Geeky Stuff Box
The 2023 DAAD Annual Report indicates that Vietnam is one of the top 20 countries globally, out of over 180, in terms of the number of students awarded DAAD scholarships. In 2023, an impressive total of 798 Vietnamese students were granted DAAD funding across various scholarship categories. This underscores the strong academic connections between Germany and Vietnam, and the high esteem Vietnamese students have for DAAD programs.
DAAD Scholarship for Bachelors in Germany for Vietnam
As previously mentioned, there is currently no DAAD scholarship specifically for Vietnamese students wishing to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Germany. However, if you're an undergraduate student from Vietnam, there's an alternative non-degree opportunity: a summer course funded by DAAD. Here are the details about this program:
Table 1: DAAD Scholarships for undergraduate Vietnamese
*Regularly check the application deadlines, as they are updated annually.
This table shows that although there isn't a dedicated DAAD scholarship for Vietnamese Bachelor's degree seekers, Vietnamese undergraduates can still access DAAD funding for a summer course. Actually, participating in this program can enhance your prospects when applying for a DAAD Master's scholarship, as detailed in the next section.
It's also important to note that while current opportunities are limited, this situation may change, and new options might arise. We suggest keeping an eye on the DAAD scholarship database for the latest updates and new openings.
DAAD Scholarship for Masters in Germany for Vietnam
In contrast to the undergraduate level, Vietnamese students have access to multiple DAAD scholarships for master's studies in Germany. Below is a detailed list of all DAAD master's scholarships available to students from Vietnam:
Table 2: Master's Scholarships for Vietnam
*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 illustrated in the table, Vietnamese 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 Fine Art to Data Science. This wide spectrum ensures that the Vietnamese from various academic backgrounds can find suitable funding options for their graduate studies in Germany.
In-Country and In-Region DAAD Scholarship for the Vietnamese
Vietnamese students also have the opportunity to pursue their Master's degrees with a DAAD scholarship through the following In-Country/In-Region funding programs:
- In-Country/In-Region Scholarships Program at AIT
- In-Country/In-Region Scholarships Program at SEARCA FS
- In-Country/In-Region Scholarships Program at SEARCA NRM
- In-Country/In-Region Scholarships Program at UGM
These scholarships allow Vietnamese students to study at the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, the University of the Philippines Los Baños, the University Putra Malaysia, the Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia, the Kasetsart University in Thailand, or the IPB University in Indonesia.
Thus, these DAAD funding programs are not intended for Master's studies in Germany. Instead, they offer Vietnamese nationals a chance to study in other vibrant Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This is why these Master's opportunities were not listed in Table 2.
DAAD Scholarship Vietnam: 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 Vietnam, each with its own specific requirements and procedures. However, based on our research, we can outline the key requirements and eligibility criteria that Vietnamese students will likely need to meet to qualify for DAAD study scholarships.
List of DAAD requirements for Vietnam:
- Education gap: Your previous academic degree should not be older than six years at the application deadline. Note: DAAD typically does not impose any age limits.
- State of residence: You are ineligible if you have resided in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline.
- Language skills: Your proficiency in English and/or German should meet the requirements of your chosen study program in Germany.
- Academic performance: While not always explicitly stated, your GPA should be at least "GOOD," equivalent to a 2.5 in the German grading 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
You might be wondering: "I understand the general requirements, but what documents do Vietnamese students need to apply for DAAD funding?" This is a valid question, but due to the diversity of DAAD scholarship programs, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. However, some documents are typically required across most DAAD study funding applications.
DAAD checklist for Vietnam:
- Online application form: DAAD provides its own application form, which must be fully completed by the applicant. Don’t worry; it’s user-friendly and easy to follow.
- Educational certificates: This includes your Bachelor's degree and high school diploma.
- Transcript of records: If your transcript only lists individual grades without explaining the grading system, include a separate document explaining the grading system.
- Language certificates: Proof of your English (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) and/or German (e.g., TestDaf, DSH) proficiency, typically not older than 2 years.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A complete tabular CV/Resume with no unexplained gaps.
- Letter of Motivation: A convincing 1-3 page letter explaining why you deserve the funding.
- Letter of Recommendation: Also known as a reference letter, from a professor or employer.
Keep in mind:
- If your documents are not in English or German, you need (certified) translations.
- 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.
- 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.
How to apply for a DAAD scholarship from Vietnam?
While the application process may vary depending on the specific DAAD scholarship, there are SEVEN crucial steps Vietnamese students should follow when applying for and aiming to secure a DAAD scholarship.
DAAD Application Process for the Vietnamese:
- Identify the right scholarship: Begin by exploring the DAAD scholarship database. Utilize the website's filters to narrow down scholarship options suitable for Vietnamese 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 online via the DAAD portal. However, some scholarships may have diverse submission procedures, such as requiring direct application to the academic program (e.g., Helmut-Schmidt 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 depending on the scholarship. For instance, it may involve an interview (e.g., Study Scholarships for STEM disciplines) or the submission of additional documents.
- Wait for 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 Vietnam
Understanding the selection criteria and process is essential for optimizing your application and setting realistic goals. Below are the main DAAD selection criteria for Vietnamese students:
- Academic Performance: A strong Grade Point Average (GPA) significantly boosts your chances of obtaining the scholarship.
- Compelling Motivation: Your motivation letter is a critical component of your application. Craft it thoughtfully to effectively convey your goals and aspirations.
- Extracurricular Engagement: In your CV, emphasize practical experiences, workshops attended, additional training, publications, and other relevant activities. This comprehensive overview of your achievements can set your application apart.
While every component of your application holds importance, excelling in these areas can greatly enhance your likelihood of success.
DAAD Scholarship Vietnam: Deadline & When to Apply
Vietnamese students should apply for the DAAD funding as soon as possible!
For Vietnamese students interested in DAAD scholarships, deadlines vary depending on the specific program. Therefore, it’s crucial to frequently check the relevant program pages for the latest deadline information. TIP: In most cases, DAAD deadlines for Vietnam are in autumn.
To ensure a smooth application process, we strongly recommend beginning your DAAD scholarship application at least 2 months before the stated deadline. This preparatory period allows you ample time to gather and organize all required documents.
Remember, the DAAD scholarship application process for the Vietnamese is comprehensive, with a total DAAD processing time of around 6 months. Adding at least a month for preparing your application, you should plan for approximately 7 months in total. This careful planning is essential to ensure you can commence your studies in Germany with DAAD funding on schedule.
Let us provide the following example to clarify the planning aspect: if you intend to start a Master's program in Germany with DAAD support in October 2026, you should start your application process around August 2025. This timeline highlights the importance of starting preparations more than a year in advance to secure a DAAD Master's scholarship.
How competitive is the DAAD scholarship?
Winning a DAAD scholarship is a quite difficult endeavour, irrespective of your country of origin. This is due to its status as one of Germany's most competitive and prestigious scholarship programs. Based on our research conducted in 2023, the acceptance rate for DAAD scholarships for Vietnam is around 10%. In other words, only about 10 out of every 100 Vietnamese applicants successfully secure a DAAD scholarship. Consequently, the rejection rate stands at around 90%. Common reasons for rejection often include a low GPA and a weak overall academic profile.
To summarize, even if you fulfill all the basic requirements and have meticulously completed the application process, your DAAD scholarship application may still face rejection. Thus, getting a DAAD scholarship is quite a competitive process for Vietnamese students.
DAAD Vietnam: Contact
As mentioned earlier, DAAD has a local presence in Vietnam To be more specific, there is a DAAD Regional Office located in Hanoi, which is also responsible for Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Besides, there are also "DAAD Lektors" in Vietnam, who can provide Vietnamese students with valuable information about studying and scholarships in Germany. We highly recommend reaching out to the DAAD representatives in Vietnam if you have any questions or need personalized information. Below are the contact details for the Hanoi Regional Office:
BONUS: List of all DAAD scholarships for Vietnam (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.
