DAAD University Summer Courses for Foreign Students and Graduates

The DAAD University Summer Courses offer international students and graduates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the German language, culture, and regional studies. Courses take place at selected German universities between June and September each year.

This programme provides language, cultural, and technical courses taught exclusively in German. Attendance in person is mandatory; remote participation is not possible.

What can be funded?

• Participation in language and cultural studies or technical language courses offered by German universities
• Course duration: at least 18 teaching days (25 hours per week)
• Courses run June to September (non-extendable)
• The specific course offerings, including dates, language levels, course focus areas, etc., can be found here: Course list (PDF).
  The courses are taught exclusively in German.

Eligibility

• Undergraduate students (after completing at least two years of study)
• Master’s students in all academic disciplines
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the start of the course
• Applicants must be enrolled at a university outside Germany at the time of application and throughout the scholarship period
• Applicants must demonstrate German language proficiency (minimum B1) at the time of application. Accepted certificates include: onSET-Deutsch; TestDaF; Goethe-Institut Zertifikat; DSD, DSH, telc Deutsch, ÖSD-Zertifikat; DAAD Language Certificate (approved by DAAD-Lector)

Note: Language certificates must generally be no older than one year (B2 or TDN4-level certificates can be up to two years old).

What does scholarship cover?

• Full course fee coverage
• Accommodation (single room provided by the course provider)
• One-time allowance: EUR 450
• Travel allowance (country-specific, to be announced for 2026)
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance

Note: The allowance and travel funds are transferred to the course provider, who will disburse them to participants in Germany.

Application Requirements

1. Online application form (via DAAD Portal)
2. Curriculum Vitae in German (tabular form)
3. Motivation letter in German
4. University transcripts (past two years, with grades)
5. Proof of academic achievements (if less than two years of study completed)
6. School leaving certificate (for undergraduates) or degree certificate (for postgraduates)
7. Language certificate(s)
8. Other relevant documents (internship certificates, employment proof, etc.)

Note:

• Indicate three preferred courses on your application. DAAD will assign you to one based on availability.
• Once submitted, course preferences cannot be changed.
• Only complete applications submitted by the deadline are considered.

For FAQs and detailed programme information, visit the official page of DAAD University Summer Courses