Studying abroad can be financially challenging for many meritorious students who often opt out due to the expensive course fee, visa charges, accommodation and food expenses. Therefore, scholarships help many to pursue their dreams.
News18 ‘Scholarship Guide’ brings the best and most prestigious grants for Indian students to study abroad, with most of them covering flight tickets, accommodation and course fee; and some also providing stipend.
The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst German Academic Exchange Service, commonly called as German Academic Exchange Service or DAAD, is one of the premium scholarship options for people who wish to study, research, or pursue internships in Germany.
Those who secure the highly acclaimed scholarship receive a monthly stipend, annual study and travel allowance, monthly rent subsidy. Besides, DAAD is one of few scholarships across the globe that also offers additional allowance for family members, if any, accompanying the beneficiary.
Those studying in Germany will have to learn the language. While the fluency in the language is appreciated, for those who do not know German, DAAD covers preparatory courses.
DAAD has so far funded 1,00,000 German and international students and researchers. The scholarships are not just for universities and colleges in Germany but also for party-related foundations or business-affiliated German institutions. In some DAAD programmes, internships are also funded.
How to Become a DAAD Fellow?
DAAD fellowships differ from country to country. Before applying, candidates can seek professional advice from their local DAAD office. Students can refer to ww.funding-guide.de or contact DAAD info-centre at daad.de/contactform.
After selecting the course, scholarship type, candidates need to first submit their application along with documents. Usually, a selection committee decides on funding based on the application documents. Shortlisted candidates can be called for an interview as well.
“There are several steps to a great application for a DAAD scholarship. From starting early to ensuring that the deadlines are not missed, candidates should meet the eligibility and documentation requirements. The Letters of Recommendation and Statement of Purpose will play a huge role in getting you the scholarship. While it may seem trivial, it is important to make sure that your application is free of errors in correct grammar. You should also have your application proofread by a friend or family member,” suggested Ankur Dhawan, President, upGrad Abroad.
Finding The Right Programmes
There are different types of programmes under DAAD.
Candidates cannot apply for Hilde Domin Programme directly as they should be nominated by an institution or organisation based in Germany. Thus, the application for this programme is invitation only.
Not everyone needs to visit Germany after getting DAAD. Under the Third Country Programme, candidates get funding to pursue a graduate programme, doctoral programme or postdoc period in their home country or region.
While most of the scholarship under DAAD are specific to the country of origin of the application, Research Grants are usually offered to fund one-year studies for PhD students from almost all countries of origin.
Within Research Grants, there are many sub-categories from short stays for university academics and scientist from one to three months to one-year grant for doctoral candidates to up to six-month short-term grant for young academics, graduates and scientists.
There also are doctoral programmes in Germany, which are for up to four years of duration to support candidates in completing their doctorate from German-based universities.
There also are bi-nationally supervised doctoral degrees under which applicants get to have a joint degree or spend half of the time in home country and half in Germany. The duration of these courses is 24 months.
DAAD also funds short stays of researchers from countries it has bilateral cultural agreements with under Bilateral Exchange of Academics programme. These are usually for teachers or scientists who already have a doctoral degree and stay varies from 14 days to three months.
DAAD also offers study visits for academics. University teachers can apply for this scholarship. The stay is usually for one to three months.
Germany also offers DAAD for University Winter and University Summer Courses. This offers a one-off scholarship payment of 2,041 euros and a stay of up to six months for beneficiary.
Study scholarship for postgraduate courses are also available under DAAD along with many other options.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out?
The scholarship has diverse options and routes, however, the number of applications and rigorous selection process makes it competitive. To stay ahead, applicants have to ensure that they stand out from the crowd.
“While a good academic record is indeed important, candidates are selected based on a 360-degree view of their application. Having said that you need to show a spike in at least one of the fields to showcase yourself apart from the crowd,” said Dhawan.
DAAD is looking for students who are passionate about their field of study and who are eager to make a difference in the world. Dhawan advises students to demonstrate their passion in the personal statement and letters of recommendation. “Having a good academic record and decent standardised test scores is also crucial.”
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