Germany continues to attract thousands of international learners every year, thanks to its world-class education system, cultural richness, and strong commitment to academic exchange. For 2026, the DAAD
(German Academic Exchange Service) has officially opened applications for its University Summer Courses—a prestigious scholarship programme designed for international undergraduate and master’s students who want to strengthen their German language skills while experiencing German culture firsthand.
This annual opportunity allows students from around the world to spend several weeks in Germany participating in intensive language courses, cultural sessions, and specialized technical German classes.
If you have been looking for a meaningful academic experience abroad in 2026, this scholarship is an excellent chance to immerse yourself in German life, boost your academic profile, and enhance your career prospects.
Programme Objective
The primary goal of the DAAD University Summer Courses is to help international students deepen their knowledge of the German language. This includes both general German and technical German, depending on each course’s focus. Beyond language learning, participants also gain insight into regional studies, German society, and cultural understanding—giving them a holistic academic and cultural experience.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to a wide range of international students:
- Undergraduate students (e.g., bachelor’s level) from all disciplines
- Master’s students in any field of study
However, one important condition applies: Undergraduate students must have completed at least two years of university studies by the time the scholarship period begins. This ensures applicants have an adequate academic foundation before joining the courses.
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What Does the Scholarship Fund?
The DAAD covers nearly all essential costs, making this programme highly accessible:
- Full coverage of course fees for language and cultural studies
- Accommodation for the entire course duration, typically in a single room in a student dormitory, shared apartment, or private household
- A one-time allowance of 450 EUR for personal expenses
- A country-specific travel allowance (depending on your home country)
- Comprehensive insurance, including health, accident, and personal liability coverage
An important note: these allowances are not transferred abroad. Instead, DAAD sends the funds to the course provider, who will then give scholarship holders their allowance in cash upon arrival.
Course Duration and Structure
The summer courses run between June and September 2026. Each programme includes:
- A minimum of 18 teaching days
- Up to 5 days of classes per week
- At least 25 teaching hours per week
- In-person attendance only—remote participation is not allowed
- Courses taught entirely in German
These intensive sessions are designed to ensure maximum language immersion, helping learners accelerate their fluency and confidence within a short period.
Selection Criteria
A committee will thoroughly review all applications. The decision is based on:
- Academic achievements to date
- A compelling motivation letter, explaining your interest in German language learning and your future academic or career plans
Strong applicants usually demonstrate a clear purpose for studying German and a strong academic record.
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Course Offerings
The DAAD provides an extensive list of participating institutions offering various topics and language levels. Students can choose from general language courses, academic German programmes, or technical language courses tailored to specific fields. Full course lists are available through downloadable Excel and PDF files on the DAAD website.
Why You Should Apply
This scholarship is more than just a language course—it’s a chance to:
- Build international experience
- Improve your German for academic or professional goals
- Explore Germany’s culture, cities, and educational institutions
- Grow your global network
- Strengthen your CV with a respected international programme
Whether you plan to pursue full-time studies in Germany or simply want a meaningful summer experience, the DAAD programme offers a perfect stepping stone.
Official Application Link
If you’re passionate about the German language, eager to explore new cultures, and committed to advancing your academic journey, the DAAD University Summer Courses 2026 could be your gateway to an unforgettable international experience. Apply early and prepare for a transformative summer in Germany!
