The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst / German Academic Exchange Service) is Germany’s largest scholarship organisation, offering a wide range of funded programmes for international students — including Nepali students — to study at German universities. From short research visits to fully funded master’s degrees and PhD programmes, DAAD has an option for almost every academic profile and career stage.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
| Host Country | Germany (all major public universities) |
| Study Levels | Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral Research |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (most programmes) |
| Deadlines | Varies by programme — check DAAD database for Nepal |
| Regional Office | DAAD New Delhi (serves Nepal) |
| Scholarship Database | daad.in |
What Does a DAAD Scholarship Typically Cover?
- Monthly Stipend: €934/month for master’s students; €1,200/month for doctoral researchers
- Tuition: Most German public universities charge only a small semester administration fee (€100–€350). DAAD covers or supplements this.
- Travel Allowance: Lump sum for travel from Nepal to Germany
- Health Insurance: Monthly contribution towards German health insurance
- Study and Research Allowance: Additional funds for academic materials
- German Language Course: Pre-departure or in-country German language training (for programmes requiring German)
Key DAAD Programmes for Nepali Students
| Programme | Level | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Programmes (EPOS) | Master’s | Varies (typically Oct–Jan) |
| DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates | PhD | Varies (typically Oct–Nov) |
| DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme | Master’s (Public Policy/International Affairs) | November |
| DAAD In-Country Scholarships (via DAAD New Delhi) | Master’s | Check daad.in |
Eligibility (General Requirements)
- Nepali citizen with strong academic record
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum upper-second class / 60%+ for master’s; master’s degree for PhD)
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 80+ (for English-taught programmes)
- German proficiency for German-taught programmes (usually B2 level)
- Not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months in the past 2 years
Best Fields to Study in Germany
Germany is a global leader in:
- Engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, automotive)
- Natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology)
- Computer science and artificial intelligence
- Environmental engineering and renewable energy
- Economics and international development
- Medicine and biomedical sciences
How to Apply for a DAAD Scholarship
- Visit daad.in and search the scholarship database for Nepal-specific programmes
- Select the programme that matches your academic level and field
- Prepare: academic transcripts, motivation letter, research proposal (for PhD), 2 reference letters, language certificates
- Apply online through the DAAD scholarship portal or via the specific university (depends on programme)
- Some programmes require you to apply to the German university first and then request DAAD funding
Tips for Nepali Applicants
- German universities are largely tuition-free for public universities. Even without a full DAAD stipend, studying in Germany is far more affordable than the UK, USA, or Australia.
- Learning German (even A1–A2 level) helps. Germany has excellent free/low-cost language resources including the Goethe-Institut in Kathmandu.
- Check the EPOS programmes. DAAD’s development-related postgraduate programmes (EPOS) are specifically designed for students from developing countries and have strong representation from South Asia.
- Contact DAAD New Delhi. The New Delhi office serves Nepal and runs information sessions and local application support.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are German university degrees recognised in Nepal?
- Yes. German degrees, especially from Technical Universities (TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, KIT) and research universities, are internationally recognised and highly regarded in Nepal’s academic and government sectors.
- Do I need German language skills to study in Germany?
- Not necessarily. Over 1,500 master’s programmes in Germany are taught entirely in English. You only need German for programmes taught in German.
- Can I work while studying in Germany on a DAAD scholarship?
- Yes. International students in Germany can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without a work permit.
Germany offers world-class education, tuition-free public universities, and a pathway to European career opportunities. Check the current DAAD scholarship database at daad.in for 2026 deadlines specific to your field and level.