A Journey of Discovery with DAAD Scholarship: An International Student’s Experience

As an international student, securing a scholarship to study in Germany can be a life-changing experience. I was fortunate enough to receive the Deutschlandstipendium (DAAD Scholarship) back in 2020, starting in September of that year. This scholarship covered my stay for two years, and it was an incredible journey.

Living on DAAD Scholarship

The DAAD funding is more than generous. It not only covers the average but even above-average student lifestyle. Lucky for me, I landed in the affordable city of Bonn, where I could effortlessly live within budget. I had the freedom to travel around Europe several times, which was a privilege not many self-financing students could afford. Unlike many of my peers, I did not have to pay any health insurance contributions, which made life much more comfortable and cost-effective.

Academic Progress and Reporting

One thing I found important was the academic progress report required by DAAD after the first year of funding. You need to provide evidence of your academic progress, which includes your grades and credits. If you are still learning German, you can also include your language certificates. This requirement ensured that I was maintaining my academic standards while receiving the generous support of the scholarship.

Networking and Community

DAAD offers more than just financial support; it provides a strong community for international students. They hold meetings and conferences in major cities like Munich, as well as in their headquarters in Bonn. At these events, you have the opportunity to meet hundreds of students from different backgrounds, all sharing a common goal: to succeed in Germany. Additionally, there are regional communities like DAAD Friends in Cologne, which invite students to various events, often with free or discounted entry. These events range from cultural workshops to academic seminars, and the selection is consistently impressive.

Reflection and Gratitude

I am deeply grateful to be part of the DAAD family. This scholarship has not only shaped my educational journey but also my personal life. I am not sure where I would be today if it weren't for this opportunity. The support I received has been invaluable, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such a positive impact on my life.

For anyone considering studying in Germany, securing a DAAD scholarship could be a game-changer. It offers more than just financial support; it provides a network, community, and a support system that can make your time in Germany both enriching and rewarding. If you are an international student, seize this opportunity and make your dreams a reality.

References and Further Reading

To learn more about the DAAD Scholarship and the support you can receive as an international student, visit the official DAAD website:

Additionally, you can explore the experiences of other international students by reading success stories or reviews on platforms like or Student Experts.