Application

DAAD Recommendation Letter

Who should write it, how the mandatory DAAD form works, when to ask, and how to help your referee write a detailed, specific letter.

ScholarshipUnion Editorial 1 min read Updated Oct 5, 2026

Who Should Write It?

Thesis supervisor. Best choice. Knows your work deeply.
Professor who taught you multiple courses. Can speak to your abilities over time.
Famous professor who barely knows you. A vague letter from a big name hurts more than it helps.
Employer (unless the program allows it). The referee must be academic unless specifically stated otherwise.

About the DAAD Form

DAAD will not accept regular letters on university letterhead. You must generate the DAAD-specific form through portal.daad.de and send it to your referee. It is a writable PDF. Your referee fills it in and sends it back to you, and you upload it under ‘Letter of Recommendation’.

Use the current form

Download the current version from the portal. The form can only be generated during the application period, so don’t reuse an old one.

When to Ask

1
6 weeks
First ask
Explain the program and what you need.
2
4 weeks
Send the materials
Send them the DAAD form, your CV, and motivation letter.
3
2 weeks
Gentle reminder
Confirm they have everything they need.
4
1 week
Final reminder
Offer to help with any questions.

Help Your Referee Help You

Give them your CV, motivation letter, program description, and specific things you would like them to highlight. Make it easy for them to write a detailed, specific letter.

The less work they have to do researching you, the better the letter will be.