DAAD Study Scholarships — Postgraduate Studies in Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film

Overview

Study Scholarships — Postgraduate Studies in the Fields of Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film is a DAAD programme for graduates and artists who want to pursue postgraduate study, a study year, a complementary course or an independent project in Germany. The scholarship supports applicants in the creative arts at master’s/postgraduate level and is awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

What the scholarship pays for

This is a partial funding award. Benefits listed by DAAD include:

  • Monthly payment: 992 EUR.
  • Travel allowance (provided on application; details on the programme page).
  • One‑off study allowance to support initial study costs.
  • Insurance payments for health, accident and personal liability.
  • Possible additional allowances in specific situations: monthly rent subsidy, family allowance for accompanying dependants, disability support, Green Mobility/offset top‑ups, and reimbursements for German language course or test fees.

Important: DAAD explicitly states that tuition fees are not covered by this scholarship, so applicants should plan for any study fees separately.

Who can apply

  • Graduates with a first university degree in the relevant arts fields (fine art, design, visual communication, film).
  • Applicants must meet country‑specific eligibility requirements; the DAAD database and portal indicate which countries are eligible.
  • Applicants who have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline are not eligible.

How to apply

  1. Register and start your application via the DAAD online portal between the portal opening date and the deadline.
  2. Complete the application documents in the DAAD portal and submit them for the formal check.
  3. After your submission passes the formal check, DAAD will provide a link to the DAAD media database.
  4. Upload your artistic work samples/portfolio to the DAAD media database (portfolio is submitted separately from the portal documents).
  5. Confirm your submission in both systems before the portal and media database close (the portal closes at 24:00 CET/CEST on the last application day).

Key dates

  • Application window: DAAD notes applications are possible from 1 June until the stated deadline.
  • Application deadline: 15.10.2026 (portal closes at 24:00 CET/CEST).
  • Selection: DAAD lists selection in April 2027 on the programme information.
  • Funding start: Funding is indicated to begin in October 2027.

Practical tips

  • Prepare your portfolio early: Uploading artistic samples is a separate step after the formal check. Have high‑quality digital files and descriptive captions ready to avoid delays.
  • Check country eligibility first: The database requires you to select your country/status to confirm eligibility—do this before investing time in a full application.
  • Plan for tuition and residency rules: Since tuition fees are not covered and applicants resident in Germany for over 15 months at the deadline are ineligible, budget accordingly and verify your residency status.

For full programme details, exact country lists, required documents and any updates, consult the official DAAD programme page: DAAD Study Scholarships — Postgraduate Studies in Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film.

Please confirm every detail, deadline and eligibility rule on the official DAAD website before you apply.