The DAAD Scholarship: For applicants in the arts, design, and film. For artists looking to broaden their views, Germany’s sophisticated educational system and rich cultural legacy make it the perfect place to visit. There are fantastic options for postgraduate and complementary courses in Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication, and Film through the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship program. Here are some tips for navigating the application procedure so you can increase your chances of being awarded this esteemed scholarship.
Objective of the Scholarship Programme
The goal of the DAAD scholarship is to help artists continue their education in Germany. It offers financial support for advanced or supplementary education, encouraging peer networking and experience sharing among artists. This program is especially designed for students who have earned their first degree from a university in the arts.
Eligibility Criteria
You must have earned your first university degree in the arts in order to apply for the DAAD scholarship. The purpose of the program is to finance:
- Postgraduate or Master’s degree programs must result in a degree from an accredited German university.
- Elective courses or independent projects under the guidance of a German professor or teacher qualify as supplemental studies without a degree. Examples of these include a study year in Germany as part of your degree program at your home university.
Postgraduate programs in Germany that have already started are not eligible for funding. Furthermore, funding for a study abroad component of your program is contingent upon meeting certain requirements. Specifically, the visit must be vital to the scholarship’s goal, cannot occur in your home country, and cannot take up more than 25% of the scholarship’s total duration.
Funding Duration and Value
Master’s or Postgraduate Degree Courses:
- Duration: Depending on how long the program is, it could take anywhere from 10 to 24 months.
- Start Date: Normally on October 1st of the subsequent year, or sooner if a German language course is taken first.
- Funding is available for the full study term, up to a 24-month maximum. In your application, you must state the complete time frame that you are looking for funding. To decide whether to continue sponsoring you after the first year, your academic progress will be evaluated.
Complementary Studies Without a Degree:
- Duration: One academic year.
- Start Date: Typically from October 1st of the following year, or earlier if preceded by a German language course.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Monthly payment of 934 euros.
- Travel allowance.
- One-off study allowance.
- Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
- Potential additional benefits, such as a monthly rent subsidy and allowances for family members.
- In case of disability or chronic illness, possible subsidies for necessary additional costs not covered by other sources.
- Green Mobility Top Up for climate-friendly travel or carbon offset reimbursements for air travel.
Language Preparation and Support
To facilitate your stay in Germany, the DAAD offers several language learning opportunities:
- Payment for an online German language course after receiving the Scholarship Award Letter.
- A pre-study German language course (2, 4, or 6 months) if required.
- An allowance for a self-selected German language course during the scholarship period.
- Reimbursement of TestDaF or DSH test fees, taken either before arrival or during the funding period.
Application Process
The two primary steps in the application procedure are uploading work samples and submitting the application materials.
- Submission of Application Documents:
- Fill out the application online at the DAAD portal.
- Enclose a one to three page motivation letter and your complete curriculum vitae.
- Provide a thorough study schedule and specifics about the master’s programs you are interested in.
- If your host university has proof of acceptance, submit it; if not, make sure your application is submitted in a timely manner.
- Transcripts, degree certificates, and evidence of language proficiency should be provided.
- Provide evidence of supervision or credit recognition from your home university for any additional studies you are doing.
- Submission of Work Samples:
- Following the preliminary review of your application, you will receive a link to submit your work samples to the DAAD media database. Pay close attention to the directions given and adhere to all deadlines.
Selection Process and Criteria
A DAAD committee made up of German professors will first formally review your application before it is evaluated. The selection process can take up to five months. Important selection factors include of:
- Artistic Maturity and Qualification: Evaluated based on work samples and academic achievements.
- Project Quality: Assessed using the motivation letter and study plan as a basis.
Aspects of equal opportunity are also taken into account when making selections.
Important Considerations
- Scholarship confirmation does not guarantee university admission. You must meet the admission requirements and deadlines of your chosen university, which may involve entrance exams.
- Ensure all documents are complete and submitted by the deadline, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
You can improve your chances of receiving a DAAD scholarship and furthering your artistic career in Germany by following these instructions and carefully completing your application. Wishing you luck!
