Graduate School Scholarship Programme- GSSP
Guidelines and Information for Foreign Applicants
Within the framework of the GSSP programme, scholarships are awarded in a two-stage competition and selection procedure. During the first stage, students are nominated for a scholarship by a graduate school or a graduate programme at a German university. The nominees must then submit an application form with supporting documentation. A committee at DAAD comprised of university professors makes the final decision in the selection of the scholarship recipients.
- Submission of Applications
A completed application contains thefollowing documents:
- DAAD application form, “Application for Research Grants and Study Scholarships,“ with all supporting documents in original and two copies. The application form can be downloaded at: (
Please submit thefollowing documents in German or English along with the application form:
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter which confirms that the applicant meets all necessary requirements for the Graduate School Scholarship Programme and is aware of the scientific profile
of the Graduate School Programme
●Two letters of recommendation by different professors from the applicant's home university which were issued within the past two years. Referees may use either the DAAD Letter of Recommendation form ( or write an original letter using the above mentioned criteria.
- Educational certificates: copies of the following documents and their respective translations when necessary, may be submitted during the application process. Certified/official copies must be submitted to DAAD after a Letter of Award has been received.
-Secondary school leaving certificate or high school diploma qualifying you for admission to higher education in your own country
-Transcripts or certificates of annual examinations taken at the home university showing grades and an explanation of the grading system
-Certificates of any academic degrees or advanced qualifications
- For French speaking countries: Licence or Maitrise with Assez-Bien along with a DEA/DESS degree or a master’s degree according to the LMD system.
At the time of the application, the last final exam must have taken place during the last six years.
● The application must include a proposal of the intended field research
- Documents certifying knowledge of the foreign language required by the graduate school
- Proof of internship(s) where appropriate
- List of publications
Country-specific information:
The DAAD website provides further specific information for applicants from your country.
Printed and signed applications must be sent to the following address:
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service)
Internationalisierung von Forschung und wissenschaftlichem Nachwuchs/521
Mrs Hristina Mileva
Kennedyallee 50
53175 Bonn
Germany
- Language Skills
German language skills are generally required, although the required level depends on the applicant's project and topic, as well as the available opportunities for learning German in the applicant's home country. In the natural sciences and in engineering disciplines in particular, and when English is spoken at the host institute, proof of good English language skills may also be accepted. The DAAD decides on a case-by-case basis whether the applicant can attend a German language course before beginning the research grant (free of charge for the award holder).
- Contact and Additional Information
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service)
Internationalisierung von Forschung und wissenschaftlichem Nachwuchs/521
Kennedyallee 50
53175 Bonn
Germany
Mrs Hristina Mileva
(Monday to Friday: 8:30 am– 1:00 pm)
tel.: +49/0228.882-8713
E-Mail:
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