Which documents are required for a DAAD application?

Documents for DAAD scholarship applications vary from category to category, but the basic document package is generally the same.

#General Mandatory Documents

#Personal

• Passport copy (visa information)
• Biometric photo (scanned, 4 copies)
• CV (Europass format recommended, 2 pages)
• Birth certificate (sworn translation + Apostil)

#Education

• High school diploma + transcript (sworn translation + Apostil)
• University diploma + transcript (for Bachelor's - if applicable)
• Anabin equivalence certificate (if required)

#Language Certificates

• German: TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, DSH, telc B2+ (B2 is sufficient for Master's)
• English: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 90+ (if your program is in English)
• Turkish exams: YDS 80+, e-YDS, ÖSYM YÖKDİL — accepted by DAAD in some categories

#Academic Materials

• Motivation letter (3-5 pages, German/English)
• Reference letters (2-3 copies) — from university professors, sealed
• University admission letter (for Master/PhD — Zulassungsbescheid)
• Study plan (Master) or Forschungsexposé (PhD)

#Additional Documents by Category

#Master Studies in Germany (1-Year Scholarship)

• Sworn translation of Bachelor's diploma
• If you are in your final year of Bachelor's, a graduation statement (transcript)
• Admission letter for a Master's program in Germany

#PhD in Germany (3-4 Year Scholarship)

• Sworn translation of Master's diploma
• Forschungsexposé (5-15 pages, German/English):
  • Research topic
  • Question-and-answer plan
  • Method (methodology)
  • Timeline
  • Expected results
• German professor's support (Betreuungszusage)

#Research Grants

• Research plan (10-20 pages)
• Acceptance letter as a researcher at a German Universität
• List of previous publications (if any)

#Translation + Apostil Requirements

All documents must be in German or English

#Document Preparation Process in Turkey

1. Diploma/Transcript:

   • Obtain original from your Universität
   • Sworn translator → Turkish → German/English
   • District Governor's Office/Provincial Governor's Office Apostil
   • Total time: 1-2 weeks
   • Cost: ~150-300 €

2. Criminal Record:

   • Via E-Devlet (5 minutes)
   • Sworn translator → German
   • Validity: 6 months
   • Cost: ~25-40 €

#Document Upload

• Upload as PDF via the DAAD Portal
• File size max 2 MB per document (check)
• Document naming: "Surname_Document_Type.pdf" (e.g., "Yilmaz_Diploma.pdf")
• If you submit incomplete documents, your application will be rejected — double-check is essential

#Common Mistakes

• Reference letter from a non-professional (neighbor, family friend)
• Motivation letter not specific to DAAD (template text)
• Expired language certificate (TestDaF valid for 2 years, Goethe for 1 year)
• No Apostil → documents invalid in Germany

Related: DAAD application process | Reference letter.