DAAD Study Scholarships - Postgraduate Studies in the Field of the Performing Arts
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Application deadline
15 Oct 2026
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Overview
This is a DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship. It lets you go to Germany for a postgraduate or continuing course of study in the performing arts.
The programme funds only performing arts projects: Drama, Theatre Directing/Theatre Dramaturgy, Musicals, Performance Studies, Dance and Choreography. You can use it either for (a) a Master's or postgraduate degree course at a state or state-recognised German university, or (b) a complementary course without a degree at such a university. A link to a German arts university is compulsory and must be proved with a confirmation of supervision. A Master's programme that has already started in Germany cannot be funded.
You can apply if you have a first university degree in the field of the performing arts. As a rule that degree should not date back more than 6 years at the application deadline. Your application cannot be considered if you have lived in Germany for longer than 15 months at the deadline. The study must be full-time and in attendance; part-time programmes and mostly e-learning programmes are not accepted.
The scholarship pays 992 euros a month, plus a travel allowance (on request), a one-off study allowance, and health, accident and personal liability insurance. DAAD does not pay tuition fees. Funding runs for 10 to 24 months for a degree course, or one academic year for complementary studies.
You apply online through the DAAD portal. Applications open on 1 June each year and close on the stated deadline.
At a glance
| Who can apply | PG |
|---|---|
| Streams | Performing Arts, Drama, Theatre Directing / Theatre Dramaturgy, Musicals, Performance Studies, Dance, Choreography |
| Category | All |
| Age | — |
| Income limit | — |
| Gender | — |
| States | All India |
| Benefit / amount | A monthly payment of 992 euros, plus a travel allowance (on application only), a one-off study allowance, and payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover. DAAD does not cover tuition fees. |
| Duration | Master's/postgraduate degree course: between 10 and 24 months, depending on the length of the chosen study programme. Complementary studies not leading to a final qualification: one academic year (usually 12 months). |
| Renewable | — |
| Last date | 15 Oct 2026 |
| Opened | — |
Documents you'll need
- Full curriculum vitae in tabular form
- Letter of motivation (statement about academic and personal reasons for the planned study project in Germany, 1-3 pages)
- For a Master's/postgraduate degree course: the form 'Information about your preferred master programmes'
- Letter of acceptance from the host university, if already available
- For complementary studies: confirmation of supervision from a German university teacher, or proof that credits earned in Germany will be recognised by your home university
- A current Transcript of Records with individual grade(s)
- All university degree certificates indicating final grade(s)
- Proof of your current proficiency in the language of instruction (language certificates may not be older than three years)
- Other additional documents that might be important (for example internships, awards)
- Samples of your work (artistic portfolio) plus the supplementary list, uploaded later to the DAAD media database
How you're selected
DAAD first carries out a formal check of the documents uploaded to the DAAD portal, to see whether the application requirements are met and the application is complete. If it passes, you are asked to submit your artistic portfolio to the DAAD media database. A special DAAD committee made up of professors from German art, design and film schools then makes the final decision, based on the written application and the artistic portfolio. There is a period of up to seven months between submitting the application materials and being told the committee's decision.
FAQs
Who can apply? You can apply if you have gained a first university degree in the field of the performing arts, at the latest by the time your scholarship-supported study programme starts. As a rule, that degree should not date back more than 6 years at the time of the application deadline. Your application cannot be considered if you have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline. The study programme must be full-time and in attendance.
Which subjects are covered? Only performing arts: Drama, Theatre Directing/Theatre Dramaturgy, Musicals, Performance Studies, Dance and Choreography. If your field is Theatre and Dance Studies, or you have a scientific project, DAAD points you to its 'Study Scholarships - Master Studies for All Academic Disciplines' programme instead.
How much do I get? A monthly payment of 992 euros. You also get a travel allowance (only if you apply for it), a one-off study allowance, and contributions towards health, accident and personal liability insurance. In some cases extra help is possible, such as a monthly rent subsidy, an allowance for accompanying family members, and support in case of a disability or chronic illness. DAAD does not cover tuition fees.
How long does the funding last? For a Master's or postgraduate degree course, between 10 and 24 months, depending on the length of the programme you choose. For complementary studies without a final qualification, one academic year (usually 12 months). Funding usually starts from 1 October of the following year, or earlier if you take a German language course first.
What is the last date? The official page lists 15.10.2026 as the current application deadline, with selection in April 2027 and funding beginning from October 2027. Applications are possible between 1 June and that deadline. The DAAD portal closes at 24.00 hrs (CET or CEST) on the last application day. DAAD updates these dates at least once a year, so always check the official notification before you apply.
How do I apply? You apply online. First register on the DAAD portal, fill in the online application form, and upload your documents as PDF files. If your application passes the formal check, DAAD emails you a link to upload your work samples and the supplementary list to the DAAD media database. Your application is only valid if you submit everything in both places. Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered. All documents must be in German or English.
Does the scholarship guarantee me a university seat? No. Confirmation of a scholarship does not automatically guarantee admission to a university. The university decides whether to offer you a place, and in most cases you must take an entrance examination. A DAAD Scholarship Award Letter is only valid if you have been admitted to the host university named in your application.