The DAAD University Summer Courses in Germany offer international students and graduates an opportunity to improve their German language skills while experiencing German culture and regional studies. The programme supports students from different academic backgrounds and provides funding for a four-week summer course in Germany.
DAAD University Summer Courses in Germany – Overview
The DAAD University Summer Courses are designed for students and graduates who want to strengthen their German language and subject-specific language skills. Participants attend an intensive course in Germany, with classes delivered entirely in German.
The DAAD scholarship provides financial support for the course, accommodation, travel and insurance, making it an attractive opportunity for international students interested in studying or conducting future academic work in Germany.
Scholarship Details
- Scholarship: DAAD University Summer Courses
- Location: Germany 🇩🇪
- Funded by: DAAD and the Federal Foreign Office
- Study level: Undergraduate students and graduates
- Field of study: All subject areas
- Duration: 4 weeks
- Course period: June–September
- Teaching: At least 25 hours per week
- Language: German
- Study mode: In-person
- Course type: Language and cultural studies / technical language
- Application: Through the DAAD scholarship application system
What Is the DAAD University Summer Courses Programme?
The DAAD University Summer Courses programme aims to deepen participants’ knowledge of the German language and improve their understanding of German regional and cultural studies.
The programme is particularly useful for international students who want to develop their German language abilities while gaining experience in Germany.
Courses may focus on:
- General German language skills
- Technical and subject-specific German
- German culture
- Regional studies
- Language development for academic purposes
All courses funded under this DAAD scholarship programme are conducted exclusively in German.
Who Can Apply for the DAAD Summer Course Scholarship?
The DAAD University Summer Courses scholarship is open to students and graduates from all academic disciplines.
Undergraduate applicants must have completed at least two academic years of university study by the beginning of the funding period.
Students who are in their final year of higher education when applying can also be eligible if they plan to begin postgraduate studies immediately after graduation.
Therefore, applicants should carefully check their academic status and the specific eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
DAAD Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD University Summer Courses scholarship provides several important benefits to successful applicants.
💰 Course Fee Coverage
The scholarship covers the cost of participating in the approved language course.
🏠 Accommodation
Accommodation is provided by the course organiser for the duration of the programme. This may include a single room in:
- A student residence
- A shared apartment
- A private household
💶 €475 One-Time Allowance
Successful scholarship holders receive a one-time allowance of €475.
The allowance is transferred to the course provider rather than being sent abroad. The provider distributes the amount in cash to scholarship recipients at the course location.
✈️ Travel Allowance
The DAAD scholarship also includes a country-specific travel allowance. The exact amount depends on the applicant’s country of origin and the applicable DAAD travel allowance rates.
🏥 Insurance
The scholarship includes benefits for:
- Health insurance
- Accident insurance
- Personal liability insurance
These benefits help reduce many of the major costs associated with attending a summer course in Germany.
How Long Is the DAAD Summer Course?
The funded courses last four weeks.
Participants receive intensive instruction of at least 25 teaching hours per week, with courses running for a maximum of five days per week.
The courses take place between June and September.
The DAAD summer course grant is not extendable, meaning the funding period cannot be extended beyond the approved programme duration.
What Courses Are Available?
Applicants can select from approved course offerings listed by DAAD.
The available courses can differ in:
- Course dates
- German language level
- Course focus
- Teaching content
- Location
- Course provider
Applicants should therefore review the official course list carefully before selecting their preferred programme.
DAAD Summer Course Language Requirement
One of the important features of the DAAD University Summer Courses is that courses are taught exclusively in German.
Applicants should therefore have an appropriate level of German proficiency for the course they intend to attend.
Since language requirements can vary according to the individual course, applicants should check the requirements of their selected course before applying.
Selection Criteria
Applications for the DAAD scholarship are assessed by a selection committee.
Two important selection criteria include:
1. Academic Performance
Previous academic achievements are considered during the selection process. Applicants should therefore provide accurate and complete academic records.
2. Motivation
The motivation letter is also important.
Applicants should clearly explain their reasons for choosing the programme and demonstrate how the summer course connects with their academic plans and future academic project.
A strong application should show that the applicant has a clear reason for improving their German and participating in the selected course.
How to Apply for the DAAD University Summer Courses
Applicants interested in the DAAD University Summer Courses in Germany should follow the official DAAD application procedure.
Before applying, candidates should:
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Check whether they meet the required university study period.
- Review the available summer courses.
- Select an appropriate course.
- Check the German language requirements.
- Prepare their academic documents.
- Write a convincing motivation letter.
- Submit the application through the official DAAD application system.
Because course availability and application requirements can change, applicants should always rely on the latest information published by DAAD.
Application Documents
Applicants should carefully check the current application requirements because the documents required may depend on the programme and applicant circumstances.
Important application information may include:
- Academic records
- Proof of university study
- German language evidence where required
- Motivation letter
- Information about the chosen summer course
- Other supporting documents requested by DAAD
Applicants should ensure that all information is accurate and that documents are submitted according to the official instructions.
How to Strengthen Your DAAD Application
Competition for DAAD scholarships can be strong, so applicants should make their applications clear and convincing.
Highlight Your Academic Performance
Explain your academic achievements and demonstrate consistent progress in your studies.
Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Your motivation letter should explain:
- Why you want to learn German
- Why you selected the particular course
- How German language skills support your academic goals
- How the programme fits into your future plans
Connect the Course With Your Future Plans
Avoid presenting the summer course simply as an opportunity to travel to Germany. Instead, demonstrate how the programme contributes to your academic development and future project.
Choose Your Course Carefully
Review the available courses and select one that matches your current German level, academic interests and future goals.
Important Things to Know
The DAAD University Summer Courses are not online programmes. Participation is strictly in person, and remote participation is not available.
The funding is also specifically connected to the approved course period. The four-week grant cannot be extended.
Applicants should also note that the €475 allowance and applicable travel allowance are handled through the course provider and are not transferred abroad before the programme.
Application Deadline
The application deadline depends on the current DAAD application cycle and should be checked on the official scholarship announcement before applying.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to verify the current deadline, eligible countries, course list and application requirements directly with DAAD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DAAD University Summer Course fully funded?
The programme provides substantial funding, including course costs, accommodation, a €475 one-time allowance, a country-specific travel allowance and insurance benefits.
Who can apply?
Students and graduates from all academic disciplines can apply, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Can Bachelor’s students apply?
Yes. Undergraduate students must generally have completed at least two academic years of university study by the beginning of the funding period.
How long is the summer course?
The funded course lasts four weeks and includes at least 25 teaching hours per week.
Are the courses online?
No. The courses are conducted in person in Germany, and remote participation is not possible.
Are all academic fields eligible?
Yes. The programme is open to students and graduates from any subject area, provided they meet the other eligibility conditions.
What is the main purpose of the scholarship?
The main purpose is to improve German language skills, including general and technical German, while expanding knowledge of German regional and cultural studies.
Final Thoughts
The DAAD University Summer Courses in Germany are a valuable opportunity for international students and graduates who want to improve their German language abilities through an intensive four-week programme in Germany.
With course fee coverage, accommodation, €475 in financial support, a travel allowance and insurance benefits, the DAAD scholarship can significantly reduce the cost of participating in a German summer course.
Students interested in Germany, German-language study and future academic opportunities should carefully review the available courses and prepare their application well in advance.
Visit the Official DAAD Website
For the latest DAAD University Summer Courses, eligibility requirements, course options, application instructions and deadline information, applicants should use the official DAAD scholarship database and application portal.
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