DAAD Success Rate 2027
DAAD does not publish acceptance rates. Our estimate puts overall acceptance at 10–25%. Here's how the odds may differ by programme and what improves your chances.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
1 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
The Numbers at a Glance
10-25%
Overall acceptance (estimate)
130K+
Funded in 2025 (all programmes)
20-30%
Rejected for errors (estimate)
64
Countries eligible for the Master's (2027/28)
Acceptance Rate by Program
Estimates only
DAAD does not publish acceptance rates by programme. The figures below are our rough estimates and vary a lot by country and year.
What Improves Your Chances
- Strong grades. Academic achievement is the first selection criterion DAAD lists. Our estimate is that winners are usually in the top 10-20%.
- Tailored motivation letter. Written specifically for this program, showing a clear connection between your background, the degree, and your future plans.
- Strong recommenders. Professors who know your work well and can speak to specific strengths — not famous names who barely know you.
- Well-prepared study plan. DAAD rates the quality of your preparation, including your choice of programme, host university and contacts. An admission letter helps show this.
- Relevant work experience. Especially for EPOS and Helmut Schmidt. But even for other programs, it shows commitment to your field.
- Complete, error-free documents. DAAD does not consider incomplete applications, so a clean, complete file already puts you ahead.