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DAAD scholarship for Indian students (funding from October 2027)

Updated 22 October 2026 · For applicants from India · Always confirm details in the official call

What Indian applicants can apply for

The DAAD India scholarship database lists programmes open to applicants living in India. For degree-seekers, the main ones are:

• Doctoral Programmes in Germany: a full doctorate in Germany.
• Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees / Cotutelle: for PhD students enrolled in India who spend research periods in Germany.
• EPOS – Development-Related Postgraduate Courses: master’s and some PhD courses for graduates with at least two years’ professional experience. India is on the EPOS eligible country list (PDF).
• Research Grants in Germany: short research stays (2 to 12 months during a doctorate).

Deadlines listed for India

When we checked the DAAD India database on 22 October 2026 it listed:

• Doctoral Programmes in Germany: 23 October; selection around February, funding starts in October.
• Cotutelle: 23 October; selection around February, funding starts in October.
• Research Grants (short stays): 7 October (funding from May) and 4 March (funding from July).
• EPOS: each course sets its own deadline; check the course website.

Applications for these programmes open on 1 June each year, and the DAAD portal closes at 24:00 CET/CEST on the last day. If the date has passed, the DAAD says deadlines are usually in the same period the following year.

Monthly stipend and extras

The DAAD’s Doctoral Programmes in Germany grant funds a full doctorate for up to four years (awarded for three at first, with a possible fourth). The current call lists €1,400 per month, a €460 annual research allowance, payments towards health, accident and liability insurance, and a travel allowance on application. Funding must begin in 2027. You need a master’s (or, in exceptional cases, a bachelor’s) by the start of funding, and as a rule your latest degree should be no more than six years old at the deadline.

For master’s-level EPOS grants the current calls list €992 per month. The DAAD Study Scholarship call states that the DAAD does not cover tuition fees; see our main DAAD scholarship guide and funded master’s in Germany.

How to apply, step by step

1. Open the call and select India as your country to see your exact deadline and documents.
2. Secure a supervisor or programme. Individual doctorates need a letter confirming supervision (see how to email a PhD supervisor).
3. Prepare PDFs: tabular CV (max. 3 pages), motivation letter (1–2 pages), research proposal (max. 10 pages), degree certificates, transcripts and one recommendation letter generated in the DAAD portal.
4. Submit in the DAAD portal before the deadline; incomplete applications are not considered.

Looking beyond Germany? See fully funded PhD abroad for Indian students.

FAQ

What is the DAAD deadline for Indian students for 2027?

The DAAD India database listed 23 October for Doctoral Programmes in Germany and Cotutelle when checked on 22 October 2026, with funding starting in October 2027. EPOS courses set their own deadlines.

Is India eligible for DAAD EPOS?

Yes. India is on the DAAD’s EPOS eligible country list. EPOS requires at least two years’ professional experience.

How much is the DAAD PhD stipend?

€1,400 per month under the current Doctoral Programmes in Germany call, plus a €460 annual research allowance and insurance payments.

Sources

• DAAD India — Scholarship database
• DAAD — Doctoral Programmes in Germany
• DAAD — Cotutelle
• DAAD — EPOS
• DAAD — EPOS eligible countries (PDF)