DAAD scholarship program offers a fully funded scholarship for Postgraudate studies in the field of Architecture in Germany. The applications for the October program are open in February/March every year. Those with a degree in Architecture, interior design, Urban Planning/Urban Development, Monument conservation and Building in Existing Contexts/Reconditioning of Old Buildings, Landscape planning and Architecture can apply for the scholarship. The DAAD scholarship for Architecture is open to all nationalities.
The scholarship is offered for a Master’s /postgraduate degree. The program promotes cultural exchange and networking. The scholarship fully covers your degree expenses and also complementary courses. The program funds the projects in the area of design/projects. When choosing your preferred degree programs, ensure they offer a minimum number of credit points (CP) in the Design/Projects area, as specified by the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The required CP are:
- 120 CP programs: At least 45 CP
- 90 CP programs: At least 34 CP
- 60 CP programs: At least 23 CP
Projects related to the preservation of historical monuments and the restoration or construction of existing buildings are also eligible for support. Additionally, other DAAD scholarship programs are available for applicants specializing in the History of Architecture or those with a scientific project.
Do check out the application for 2025/2026 at the end of the article.
Duration of the scholarship
The funding is between 10 and 24 months depending on your Master’s degree. It usually starts in October. However, in case you have to take a German course, it will start earlier. In your application, you must explicitly indicate that the desired scholarship duration is two years.
After the first year of study, your academic achievements will be reviewed in a subsequent funding evaluation. If this assessment indicates that you are on track to successfully complete your program within a reasonable timeframe, the scholarship will be extended as originally planned.
Benefits of the scholarship
The scholarship provides the following benefits to the students;
- Monthly payment of 934 euros (as of 2025)
- Travel allowance
- One-off study allowance
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
Additional Benefits (subject to conditions)
- Monthly rent subsidy
- Monthly allowance for accompanying family members
- Subsidy for additional costs due to disability or chronic illness
- Green Mobility Top Up: Support for climate-friendly travel or reimbursement of carbon offset payments for air travel
Language Preparation Benefits
- Payment for an online language course
- German language course (2, 4, or 6 months) before the study visit (if necessary)
- Allowance for a personally chosen German language course during the scholarship period
- Reimbursement of TestDaF or DSH test fees
Note: The DAAD does not cover tuition fees.
Most of the German universities do not charge tuition fees. Therefore, it should not be a problem.
If you are interested to study in Europe, you can also check out:Erasmus Mundus scholarship for Joint Masters Program: Complete Guide
DAAD scholarship for Architecture Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for DAAD scholarship for Architecture, you must be;
- A foreign citizen
- First University degree in the areas of Architecture, Interior Design, Monument Conservation and Building in Existing Contexts/Reconditioning of Old Buildings, Urban Planning/Urban Development, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Planning at the latest by the time they commence their scholarship-supported study programme.
- Your university degree should not date back more than 6 years at the time of the application deadline.
- Your application will not be considered if you have been residing in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline.
Language Requirements for Study Programs in Germany
German Language Programs
- Language of instruction: German
- Proof required: DSH or TestDaF
International Programs:
- Language of instruction: English, or a combination of German and English
- Proof required: TOEFL or IELTS for English
Application Requirements
- Submit proof of language skills with university application
- Confirm language requirements with host university in advance
English-Language Degree Programs
- Provide proof of language skills meeting university requirements with scholarship application
- List required language levels in the “Information on the desired degree programs” form
German-Language Architecture Degree Programs
- Very good German (at least B2, usually C1)
- Submit proof of German skills according to the European Framework of Reference or TestDaF at level B1
- Applicants must acquire the required level on their own initiative
Document requirements
The Daad scholarship requires documents in two stages. The first documents are at the application stage. If you can clear the application process and select. The next phase would be to upload your work samples. However, at the application stage, you must submit the following documents below:
- University degree Certificates (English or German)
- Transcripts of records
- Online application form of DAAD
- Curriculum Vitae in tabular form
- Reference (can be requested from the application portal)
- Personal statement of Letter of motivation (1-3 pages)
- Information about your preferred master program
- Letter of acceptance from host university (If available)
- List of designs/plans
- Declaration form for your design.plans
- Proof of German language skills of chosen study programmes in German according to the European Framework of Reference or TestDaF at the level of a completed B1 must be submitted. The respective language certificate should be no more than two years old.
- Proof of English language proficiency according to the requirements of chosen study programmes in English (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS). The respective language certificate should be no more than two years old.
- Other documents you think might be of relevance to your application (e.g. certificates of employment, proof of placements).
Once you meet the criteria for scholarship, you will receive a link to upload your work samples by 25 october.However, the date may slightly change in future.
Chevening Scholarship to study in the UK | Fully Funded | is accpeting applications for Masters Program.
How to Apply for a DAAD scholarship for Architecture?
Applications for this scholarship program are open from June until the specified application deadline.
To apply, follow these steps:
- Register in the DAAD Portal
- Read the notes about registering in the portal.
- Apply Online in the DAAD Portal
- Read the notes on applying in the portal.
- Click on ‘Application portal’ at the bottom of the page to access the DAAD portal.
- Complete the online application form with your application data.
Steps to Complete Your Application:
- Indicate Your Expertise
- In the application form under “Field of specialization,” specify your area of expertise in architecture, such as Interior Architecture, Historic Preservation, Urban Planning/City Planning, Landscape Architecture, or Landscape Planning.
- Prepare Application Documents
- Translate documents if they are not already in German or English.
- Scan paper documents and save them as PDF files. Only PDF files can be uploaded to the portal.
- Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the application form in the portal.
- Upload the application documents in PDF format. If you have translations, upload them along with the original documents.
- Submit the Application Online
- Ensure all required information and documents are uploaded.
- Submit your application through the DAAD portal.
Important Notes:
- For technical questions or issues that your local information and advice centers cannot resolve, contact portal@daad.de via email.
- Be mindful of potential processing times when planning your application.
The application portal is accessible only during the active application period. Once the application deadline has passed, the portal will be unavailable until the next application period begins.
Study Scholarships – Postgraduate Studies in the Field of Architecture, 2025/26
For more information, check official link below
