If you’re a talented and ambitious student from Eastern or Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia, the DAAD Berlin International Excellence Scholarship 2026 offers an exceptional chance to study in Germany while gaining professional experience and engaging in cultural immersion.
Funded by DAAD and organised through the International Excellence Scholarship Programme (IES), this unique initiative allows top-performing students to spend six months at leading universities in Berlin—including Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin), and the University of Potsdam.
Scholarship Summary
| Host Country | Germany |
|---|---|
| Program Name | DAAD Berlin International Excellence Scholarship (IES) |
| Organizer | DAAD + Copernicus Berlin |
| Study Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Deadline to Apply | June 30, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Students from eligible countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus |
Program Highlights
- Study at prestigious Berlin universities
- 8+ week full-time internship included in the program
- Cultural immersion through workshops, trips, and social activities
- Courses and events held in English or German
What the Scholarship Covers
- Monthly stipend (pocket money)
- Full health insurance reimbursement
- Free accommodation in Berlin (covered by Copernicus Berlin)
- Enrollment fees and liability insurance
- Access to seminars, events, and counselling services
- Participation in cultural and educational trips
- Welcome packages and mentorship
Note: Travel expenses to and from Germany must be covered by the participant.
List of Eligible Countries
Students from the following countries may apply:
- Eastern and Southeastern Europe: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine
- Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
- Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
- Others: Mongolia, Turkey
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the DAAD Berlin International Excellence Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program
- Have above-average academic performance
- Be under 28 years of age
- Have at least B1-level proficiency in English or German
- Show leadership potential and a commitment to cultural exchange
- Be available to participate full-time for 6 months, including the mandatory internship
Required Documents
Make sure to prepare and upload the following:
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of current enrollment
- CV or resume
- Language proficiency certificate (B1 English or German minimum)
- Copy of a valid passport
How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all academic, language, and regional criteria. - Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary certificates, transcripts, and identification documents. - Complete the Online Application Form
Apply via the official DAAD scholarship database or through the Copernicus Berlin portal. - Upload Supporting Documents
Submit all documents in the correct format before the deadline. - Wait for the Decision
If selected, you’ll receive detailed instructions for your upcoming stay in Berlin.
Application Deadline
June 30, 2025
Late applications will not be considered, so be sure to submit your complete application on time.
Why Choose the DAAD Berlin International Excellence Scholarship?
- Study in Germany’s capital—a hub for culture, innovation, and history
- Build a global network of scholars, mentors, and professionals
- Gain real-world experience through a high-quality internship
- Participate in cultural, educational, and social activities
- Boost your academic profile and career prospects internationally
Final Tips for Applicants
- Start preparing your application materials early
- Write a strong personal statement highlighting your goals and leadership skills
- Make sure your language certificate is valid and meets the required level
- Keep an eye on your email for communication from DAAD or Copernicus Berlin
Ready to Apply? Click here to access the official DAAD application portal
Visit our scholarship section to explore more opportunities.
