DAAD Scholarships: The Complete Guide for Master's and PhD in Germany

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) funds tens of thousands of international scholars and researchers annually. For Moroccan graduates, it serves as the premier gateway toward pursuing a master's or doctorate at German higher education institutions, offering an extensive scholarship database spanning numerous academic disciplines.

Understanding the DAAD funding catalogue

The DAAD does not manage a single uniform scholarship, but rather an expansive catalogue of distinct funding lines. These encompass development-related postgraduate courses (EPOS), doctoral research grants, short-term summer language courses, and research fellowships for early-career academics. Each programme maintains specific guidelines regarding subject area, target level, eligible nationalities, funding duration, and working language. Begin your research on the official database and apply filters tailored to your academic background.

Most sought-after programmes

• Development-related postgraduate courses (EPOS), designed for graduates possessing at least 2 years of professional work experience.
• Doctoral research grants, requiring a detailed research proposal and academic supervision confirmation from a German university professor.
• Short-term research stays for doctoral candidates currently registered at home universities in Morocco.
• University summer courses and German language training grants for undergraduate and graduate students.

Language requirements: German or English

A substantial number of postgraduate degree programmes are delivered entirely in English, although basic German language skills significantly enhance daily integration. Depending on the chosen course, certified proficiency in English (IELTS, TOEFL) or German (TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat) is mandatory. Plan test bookings several months in advance, as exam sessions and certificate issuance take considerable time.

Assembling the application file

A standard DAAD application file includes an online submission form, a structured academic curriculum vitae, a tailored motivation letter, certified translations of academic transcripts and degree certificates, language credentials, and academic letters of recommendation. For doctoral studies, applicants must provide a comprehensive research proposal and a formal letter of acceptance from their prospective German host supervisor. Incomplete files are rejected without substantive assessment.

The letter of motivation

Maintain precise focus: explain why you selected this particular academic course, why Germany represents the optimal study environment, and how your training will benefit Morocco. Selection committees evaluate hundreds of personal statements; submissions that cite concrete modules, laboratories, and professorial research stand out.

Letters of recommendation

Choose academic supervisors or university professors capable of evaluating your analytical capabilities and intellectual independence. Provide them with ample notice, your updated CV, and the specific award criteria.

Application calendars and deadlines

Deadlines vary widely depending on the chosen funding programme: many major postgraduate calls close between August and December for admission commencing the following autumn, whereas other tracks operate alternate schedules. Check each programme entry on MaBourse.ma and set automated reminders so you do not miss upcoming application windows.

Post-selection preparations

Upon receiving confirmation of the scholarship award, begin arranging your national student visa, German health insurance coverage, accommodation bookings, and any introductory language classes. While the DAAD provides administrative guidance and orientation support, managing official consular paperwork requires early and proactive initiative.

Errors to avoid

• Applying for a programme without fulfilling all mandatory prerequisites and academic degree qualifications.
• Submitting unofficial or non-certified translations of university diplomas and grade transcripts.
• Underestimating the preparation time required to establish contact and secure supervision from a German university professor.