Development co-operation

Programmes

The DAAD runs over 200 programmes, ranging from semesters abroad for undergraduates to doctoral programmes lasting several years, from study visits to specialist courses, from information-gathering visits by high level delegations from foreign universities to assistance in the establishment of effective higher education systems in developing countries. As a matter of principle, the DAAD’s funding programmes are open to scholars from all disciplines and countries in the world for either visits to or from Germany. In certain cases, the framework and procedure for exchange are outlined in international cultural agreements or in memoranda of understanding between the DAAD and foreign partner organisations. In the majority of such cases, the other party to the agreement provides services in return e.g.   reciprocal scholarships, funding, or exemption from study fees.

Independent Selection by Performance

Even when it was controversial, the DAAD has always supported an elitist system of funding based purely on performance, assured by independent academic selection committees, and thus open to all who meet these high standards. In addition to intellectual ability, funding recipients should also have a personal profile, which   indicates that they will, either directly or indirectly, provide something in return to the association that supported them.

Balanced Subject Distribution

In principle, DAAD programmes are open to all subjects and disciplines on an equal basis. However, due to either the issues prevailing at the time or the stipulations made by individual sponsors, special programmes may apply to specific subject areas. A further aspect of the principle of a balanced subject distribution is the DAAD´s strong commitment to supporting up and coming young artists and artistes (authors, musicians etc.) from all artistic spheres. With almost 2000 grants and scholarships per annum for German and foreign artists, the DAAD is now Germany’s largest funding organisation for young artists.

Appropriate Regional Distribution

The DAAD endeavours to ensure the widest possible regional distribution of its programmes, funds and funding recipients between countries. Differences may, however, arise due to fluctuations in demand and the quality of candidates, the traditional relationships between countries in the sphere of higher education and research, and the excellence of the political and cultural relationships between certain countries e.g. between Germany and France. While the scholarship quotas for foreigners are set politically in agreement with the German Federal Foreign Office in its capacity as the DAAD’s sponsor, the quotas for Germans are essentially set in accordance with demand. In addition, the DAAD also occasionally offers special programmes to boost interest in a specific region e.g. "Go East” and "Language and Practice in China”.

For more detailed information on DAAD current programmes and the balance of exchange, please refer to the annual report or access the DAAD database for funding opportunities for foreigners or Germans.

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• Africa Sub-Sahara
• Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Oceania
• Central and Eastern Europe
• Latin America
• North America
• Northern Africa and the Middle East
• Western Europe