DAAD scholarships for Tunisian students

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, German Academic Exchange Service) is the largest organisation funding academic mobility in the world. Every year, its DAAD scholarships are open to Tunisian students, graduates and researchers to study or do research in Germany. Here are the main programmes available from Tunisia, what they fund and how to build a strong application.

Programmes, requirements and deadlines are published every year in the DAAD scholarship database. Our advisors help you identify the programme that matches your profile and your timeline.

Who can get a DAAD scholarship?

DAAD scholarships are mainly aimed at graduates: most programmes are for candidates who already hold a bachelor's (for a master's) or a master's (for a doctorate). Scholarships for a full bachelor's degree in Germany are very rare. If you have just passed the bac, it is more realistic to aim for a public university with no tuition fees and apply to the DAAD later, for the master's.

Usual criteria:

• a very good academic record;

• a degree obtained within a limited number of years (varies by programme);

• a clear and well-argued study or research plan;

• an appropriate language level (German or English depending on the programme);

• for some programmes, work experience.

The main programmes open to Tunisians

Study scholarships for a master's

They fund a full master's or part of a master's at a German university, for graduates of all disciplines. Selection is based on academic excellence and the quality of the plan.

EPOS programmes (development-related courses)

A selection of master's and doctoral programmes related to development (engineering, economics, public health, environment, agriculture, urban planning…). They generally require a few years of work experience after graduation. Applications are often made directly to the university offering the course.

Research scholarships (doctorate)

For a full doctorate in Germany, a joint (cotutelle) doctorate or a short research stay. A letter of acceptance from a supervisor in Germany is generally essential.

University summer course scholarships

To attend a summer course in German language and culture at a German university. This is an excellent first contact with Germany for bachelor's students who are learning German.

Thematic programmes and partnerships

Depending on the year, the DAAD also funds specific programmes (public policy, good governance, German-Tunisian university partnerships). Consult the DAAD database, selecting Tunisia as your country of origin.

What does a DAAD scholarship cover?

Depending on the programme:

• a monthly stipend for living costs;

• health insurance;

• a travel allowance;

• sometimes rent support or a family allowance;

• sometimes a German course before studies begin.

A DAAD scholarship covering living costs can replace the blocked account as proof of funds for the visa. See Blocked account in Germany.

The application file

The usual documents:

• the online application form (DAAD portal);

• a CV in the requested format;

• a detailed motivation letter;

• diplomas and transcripts (translated if necessary);

• one or more recommendation letters from professors;

• a language certificate;

• for research: a research proposal, a timeline and the letter of acceptance.

When to apply?

There is no single date: each programme has its own deadline, often about a year before the start of studies or research. For a master's starting in October, applications may close as early as the autumn of the previous year. EPOS programmes have their own timelines depending on the university.

Our advice: identify your programme 12 to 15 months before the target intake.

Our tips for a successful application

1. Show a precise plan: why this master's, why this German university, and how it fits into your career.

2. Explain your impact: for EPOS and thematic programmes, the link with Tunisia's development is an important criterion.

3. Take care over the recommendation letters: from professors who really know you.

4. Learn German even for a programme in English: it is a plus for selection and for life there.

5. Have a plan B: apply in parallel to universities with no tuition fees and to other scholarships.

Sample structure for the DAAD motivation letter

1. Your background: studies, results, significant experiences.

2. Your plan: the target master's or research, and the question that drives you.

3. Why Germany and why this university: professors, laboratories, programme.

4. Your career goals and the expected impact in Tunisia.

5. Your connection with Germany: language, stays, interest in the country.

A clear, structured and personal letter is better than a long, general text.

Common mistakes

• Applying to a programme whose experience or graduation date requirements you do not meet.

• Sending recommendation letters that are too general.

• Neglecting the link between the plan and Tunisia's development for EPOS programmes.

• Discovering the deadline too late: it often falls a year before the intake.

Our support

Worldwide Studies helps you choose the right DAAD programme, write the motivation letter and the plan, prepare for any interview and put together your university application in parallel via uni-assist. See our page Study in Germany.

👉 Deadlines vary by programme: talk to an advisor to identify the DAAD scholarship that suits your profile.