The DAAD Combined Study and Practical Semesters Abroad Scholarship 2026-2027 offers an incredible chance for students enrolled in German universities to gain international academic and professional experience. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this program allows students to combine a semester of study with a practical internship abroad — enhancing both their academic knowledge and hands-on professional skills.

Degree Level

The DAAD Combined Study and Practical Semesters Abroad Scholarship is open to students pursuing:

• Bachelor’s degrees
• Master’s degrees
• Diplom and State Examination degrees (or equivalent programs)

Both undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at state or state-recognized universities in Germany are eligible to apply.

Program Objective

The goal of the program is to help students gain academic and practical international qualifications through an integrated study and internship experience abroad. Students can choose to begin their program with either the academic semester or the internship semester, both of which must be completed in the same host country.

Available Subjects

• All subjects

Benefits

The DAAD Combined Study and Practical Semesters Abroad Scholarship 2026/27 provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• Monthly stipend: Varies by host country (use DAAD’s scholarship calculator).
• Travel allowance: Based on the destination country.
• Health, accident, and liability insurance.
• Tuition fee subsidy: Up to a maximum limit.
• Language course grant (for national or working language).
• Family benefits for accompanying partners or children.
• Disability or chronic illness support: Additional funding for necessary extra costs abroad.

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to all nationalities, including non-German students enrolled in a degree program at a recognized university in Germany.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the DAAD Combined Study and Practical Semesters Abroad Scholarship 2026/27:

Enrollment:

• Must be enrolled at a German university in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diplom, or State Examination program.
• Undergraduate students must have completed at least the second semester by the time of application.

Field of Study:

• The practical semester must be an integral part of the academic curriculum and officially recognized by the home university.

Academic Excellence:

• Strong academic record and clear motivation for study and internship abroad.

Language Proficiency:

• Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction or work (certificate not older than two years).

Project Quality:

• The study and internship plan must show a clear academic and professional purpose.

Application Procedure

Follow these steps to apply for the DAAD Combined Study and Practical Semesters Abroad Scholarship 2026/27:

• Register on the DAAD Portal.
• Complete the online application form.
• Upload all required documents under the “Attachments” section, including:

1. Tabular CV
2. Proof of internship placement or certificate confirming internship requirements
3. Letter of motivation (max. 2 pages)
4. Study plan (max. 5 pages)
5. Academic transcripts and certificates
6. Language proficiency certificate (DAAD form or recognized equivalent)
7. Letter of recommendation from a university lecturer

• Submit the online application before the deadline (portal closes at midnight CET/CEST).

Application Deadlines 2025–2026

Deadlines vary by region:

• Western Europe, Iberian Peninsula: October 6, 2025
• Northern/Eastern Europe, Central Asia: October 7, 2025
• USA & Canada: October 8, 2025
• Latin America, MENA, Sub-Saharan Africa: September 18, 2025 / March 18, 2026
• South/Southeast Asia, Oceania: September 11, 2025 / February 19, 2026
• Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea: February 19, 2026
• China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan: September 11, 2025

Selection Process

Pre-selection based on documents.

• Interview or presentation before a DAAD selection committee (in Bonn or virtually).
• Evaluation criteria: academic performance, project quality, motivation, and potential for personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

The DAAD Combined Study and Practical Semesters Abroad Scholarship 2026/27 is an excellent opportunity for students to gain global exposure while enhancing their academic and professional skills. With full financial support, international experience, and recognition from Germany’s top funding agency, this scholarship can be a key stepping stone toward a successful global career.