Germany is one of the best destinations in the world for postgraduate education — top-ranked universities, strong research programmes, and in many cases no tuition fees at public institutions. The DAAD scholarship makes studying there even more accessible for Nigerian students by providing monthly financial support, travel allowances, and health insurance for the full duration of your studies. If you have ever considered studying in Germany, this guide covers everything you need to know about the DAAD scholarship and how to apply as a Nigerian.
DAAD stands for Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, which translates to the German Academic Exchange Service. Founded in 1925, it is the world’s largest funding organisation for international academic exchange. Each year, DAAD awards thousands of scholarships to students and researchers from developing countries, including Nigeria, to study or conduct research at German universities. The programme covers multiple academic levels — from Master’s degrees to doctoral research and postdoctoral programmes — and is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development.
Who Can Apply — Eligibility Requirements
DAAD runs several different scholarship programmes and the specific requirements vary by programme. However, the general conditions that apply to most DAAD scholarships for Nigerian postgraduate applicants include the following:
- You hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with strong academic results
- You have at least two years of relevant professional experience after your first degree — this is required for most development-related programmes such as EPOS
- You are applying for a Master’s or doctoral programme at a recognised German university
- You are not currently residing in Germany, or have been resident there for no more than 15 months at the time of application
- You can demonstrate that your intended studies are relevant to development goals in Nigeria or Sub-Saharan Africa
- You meet the language requirements set by your chosen university — programmes are available in both English and German depending on the course
There is also a specific DAAD programme called the In-Country/In-Region Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, which allows Nigerian students to study at universities within Africa rather than relocating to Germany. This is an excellent option for those who cannot travel abroad but still want access to DAAD funding.
What the Scholarship Covers
The exact benefits depend on the specific programme, but most DAAD scholarships for Nigerian Master’s students and doctoral researchers include the following:
- A monthly stipend of approximately €992 for Master’s students and around €1,300 to €1,400 for doctoral candidates
- A flat-rate travel allowance to cover flights to and from Germany
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance for the full duration of your scholarship
- Research and study allowances where applicable
- Family benefits for scholars with dependants, in some programmes
- German language course support if your programme requires it
For the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme specifically, the annual stipend is approximately €8,920, plus a travel allowance for in-region students and full health insurance coverage. No relocation to Germany is required under this programme.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Step 1: Identify the right DAAD programme for you. DAAD is not a single scholarship — it is a collection of programmes targeting different fields, levels, and applicant profiles. Visit the DAAD scholarship database at daad.de and use the filter tools to find programmes that match your academic background, field of study, and career goals.
Step 2: Check admission requirements for your chosen German university. Most DAAD scholarships require you to apply simultaneously for admission to a German university. Research available programmes in your field, check whether they are taught in English or German, and begin your university application alongside your DAAD scholarship application.
Step 3: Create an account on the DAAD portal. All applications are submitted through the Mein DAAD online portal. Register your account well before the deadline and familiarise yourself with the document upload requirements before you begin filling out forms.
Step 4: Prepare your application documents. Standard requirements across most DAAD programmes include your academic certificates and transcripts, a detailed CV, a research or study proposal (especially for doctoral applicants), two academic references, and proof of language proficiency. For development-related programmes, you will also need a statement explaining how your studies connect to Nigeria’s development context.
Step 5: Submit your application well before the deadline. DAAD advises starting the application process at least two months before the closing date, as the full processing period can take up to six months. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
Step 6: Prepare for the selection process. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview or further assessment depending on the programme. If selected, you will receive a formal award letter outlining your benefits, start date, and next steps.
Deadline Information
DAAD deadlines vary by programme. For the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa, the 2026 deadline was 29 April 2026. Other DAAD programmes have deadlines ranging from October through to February depending on the academic year and programme type. Nigerian students should check the DAAD scholarship database at daad.de regularly throughout the year and set reminders for the specific programmes that match their profile.
Moreschooling will continue to publish updates on DAAD opportunities open to Nigerian applicants. Bookmark this page and visit the official DAAD website for the most current deadline information.