DAAD & Erasmus+ Scholarships for 2027: Deadlines, Requirements, and How to Apply

Planning to study in Germany or Europe from 2027 doesn't start with your visa application — it starts now, with your scholarship application. DAAD and Erasmus Mundus deadlines for the 2027 intake are already open or opening soon, and both programmes reward early, well-prepared applicants. Here's what you need to know.

DAAD Scholarships for the 2027 Intake

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest funding body for international students in Germany, covering Master's, PhD, and postgraduate programmes across virtually every field.

Key dates for 2027 entry:

• The DAAD application portal typically opens around May-June 2026 for programmes starting in October 2027

• Most Study Scholarships for Master's programmes have deadlines in October-December 2026

• EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) deadlines are earlier, generally August-November 2026, since these applications go directly to participating universities rather than through DAAD's central portal

• Exact deadlines vary by your country of residence and the specific programme — always confirm your deadline in the DAAD scholarship database rather than relying on a general date

What DAAD scholarships typically cover:

• A monthly stipend (around €992 for Master's students, €1,400 for doctoral candidates)

• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance

• A contribution toward travel costs

• The semester contribution fee charged by German public universities (typically €150-350, since tuition itself is free at public universities)

Core eligibility points to check before you apply:

• Your most recent university degree generally shouldn't be more than six years old at the time of the deadline (this varies slightly by programme)

• For English-taught programmes, you'll need proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or similar); German-taught programmes require German language certification, usually at least B1

• DAAD does not fund students who will already have spent more than 15 months in Germany by the time the scholarship begins

• Some programmes prioritize applicants from specific countries or regions, particularly under EPOS

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's (EMJM) for 2027-2028

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's scholarships work differently from DAAD. There's no single central application portal — instead, each Joint Master's programme is run by a consortium of at least three universities across different European countries, and you apply directly to the consortium.

Key dates for the 2027-2028 intake:

• Most consortium programmes open applications in October-November 2026

• Deadlines generally fall between December 2026 and January-February 2027, though this varies significantly by programme — some close earlier

• Because there's no single deadline across all programmes, you need to check each consortium's website individually once you've shortlisted your options

What the scholarship covers:

• A monthly stipend of roughly €1,000-1,400 (amount depends on your country of origin and the specific consortium)

• Full tuition fee waiver

• Travel and installation allowance

• Up to 24 months of funding for a two-year joint degree

How EMJM is structured: You'll study at two or more institutions in at least two different European countries as part of the programme, earning either a joint degree or multiple degrees from the participating universities. This is one of its biggest differences from a standard DAAD-funded Master's, which is usually based at a single German university.

Practical Advice: Getting Your Application Ready

Both DAAD and Erasmus Mundus are competitive, and the paperwork takes longer to assemble than most applicants expect. A few things worth doing now, months ahead of any deadline:

1. Shortlist 3-5 programmes that genuinely match your academic background, not just your city of choice — DAAD and EMJM selection committees look closely at fit between your profile and the programme.

2. Request recommendation letters early. Professors and employers need lead time, and DAAD applications often require these to be submitted through a separate portal.

3. Start language testing now if you don't already have a valid score. IELTS/TOEFL or German-language certificates can take weeks to schedule and receive results for.

4. Check university admission deadlines separately from the scholarship deadline — in many cases, you need a university offer in hand before or alongside your scholarship application, and admission deadlines can fall earlier than the funding deadline.

Our Take

DAAD and Erasmus Mundus remain two of the most reliable, well-funded pathways for studying in Europe — but "fully funded" doesn't mean "easy to get." Selection is genuinely competitive, and the applicants who succeed are usually the ones who started organizing their documents and shortlisting programmes months before the deadline, not weeks.

At SWAB Consultants, we help clients work through scholarship databases, match their profile to realistic programme options, and get their application timeline in order — without overpromising an outcome no consultant can guarantee.

Thinking about a 2027 intake? Reach out on WhatsApp at +92 337 5193033, or get in touch through swabconsultants.com for a profile evaluation.

Deadlines and figures above reflect published guidance as of the time of writing. DAAD and Erasmus Mundus deadlines vary by country and programme and are confirmed on a rolling basis — always verify your specific deadline directly in the DAAD scholarship database (daad.de) or the EMJM catalogue (eacea.ec.europa.eu) before finalizing your plans.