DAAD Required Documents 2026

Document Checklist

Check off each document as you prepare it. Start at least 3 months before the deadline.

Your Progress

All mandatory documents ready! Double-check program-specific extras below.

Program-Specific Extras

Some programs need additional documents. Select yours to see what's extra.

Employment Certificates

Prove at least 2 years of work experience after your Bachelor's. Letters on company letterhead showing job title, duration, and responsibilities.

Publications List

All published works: journal articles, conference papers, book chapters. Use consistent citation style.

Research Proposal (5-10 pages)

Research question, methodology, theoretical background, timeline, and significance.

Portfolio

Architecture, fine arts, design, music. Show your best work and creative growth. Check program for format/size rules.

Formatting Rules

DAAD is strict. Get these wrong and your documents get rejected.

Every degree certificate, transcript, and entrance qualification needs an official stamp from your university registrar, a notary, or a government office. Regular photocopies won't work.

No Word docs, no JPEGs. Upload everything as PDF. Each file readable, right-side up, under the size limit (usually 2-4 MB per file).

Documents not in German or English need a certified translation by a sworn/accredited translator. Upload both original and translation together.

Mistakes That Get People Rejected

DAAD won't chase you for missing stuff. They just reject you.