The DAAD and its programmes are largely financed through public funding bodies. In 2021 the DAAD had 634,7 million euros at its disposal.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world’s largest funding organisation dedicated to promoting the international exchange of students and researchers. Its operating budget in 2021 totalled approximately 634,7 million euros. Its most important funding providers include the Federal Foreign Office – AA (33,5%), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research – BMBF (32,5%), the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development – BMZ (7,5%) and the European Commission  and other international organisations European Union – EU (20,7%).