How do Erasmus and DAAD scholarships compare?

Erasmus+ and DAAD scholarships serve different purposes – they're not alternatives to each other, but different categories.

#Quick Comparison

#Erasmus+ Features

#Erasmus+ Studies (Most Common)

• Duration: 3-12 months.
• Purpose: Short-term study in Germany while enrolled at your Turkish university.
• Amount: 350-540 €/month (program is free, only living support).
• Advantage: You earn your Turkish university diploma, gain short-term Germany experience.
• Disadvantage: Insufficient for full cost of living in Germany.

#Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

• Duration: 2 years.
• Purpose: Pursue a Master's degree in 2-3 different EU countries.
• Amount: 1,400 €/month + travel + tuition + insurance.
• Advantage: Support similar to (or even better than) DAAD.
• Disadvantage: Highly competitive (50-100 students/program annually).

#Erasmus+ Mobility for Trainees (Internship)

• Duration: 2-12 months.
• Purpose: Internship in Germany.
• Amount: 400-650 €/month.
• Advantage: Professional experience.
• Disadvantage: Only for enrolled students.

#DAAD Features

#DAAD Master Studies in Germany

• Duration: 1-2 years (full Master's program).
• Amount: 992 €/month + insurance + relocation allowance.
• Advantage: Full Master's degree acquisition + comprehensive support.
• Disadvantage: Highly competitive (around 50 students from Turkey annually).

#DAAD PhD in Germany

• Duration: 3-4 years.
• Amount: 1,200 €/month + insurance + additional contributions.
• Advantage: High academic freedom.
• Disadvantage: Very technical application (Forschungsexposé).

#DAAD Research Grants

• Duration: 1-12 months (depending on category).
• Amount: 992-2,400 €/month.
• Advantage: Allows for sandwich programs where you pursue a PhD in Turkey and conduct research in Germany.

#Which Scholarship for Your Scenario?

#Your Profile → Recommended Scholarship

#Can You Hold Both Simultaneously?

⚠️ You cannot receive two EU scholarships simultaneously — Erasmus+ and DAAD together are prohibited. ⚠️ Sequential is possible — e.g., Erasmus for 6 months, then apply for a DAAD Master's scholarship the following year. ⚠️ DAAD supports degrees from Turkey — applying for DAAD after Erasmus can be an advantage.

#Cost Comparison

#1-Year Master's in Germany with Erasmus (Half Year)

• Erasmus: 6 months × 400 € = 2,400 €
• Missing funding: 6 months × 600 € = 3,600 € (out-of-pocket)
• Total out-of-pocket cost: ~6,000 €

#1-Year Master's in Germany with DAAD

• DAAD: 992 € × 12 = 11,904 € + insurance + relocation allowance.
• Out-of-pocket cost: 0 € (fully covered).

✅ DAAD is financially much more advantageous for long-term stays.

#Advantages of Erasmus Over DAAD

✅ Easier acceptance (less competition). ✅ Turkish diploma is preserved (return to Turkish university). ✅ Short duration like 6 months — no 2-year commitment if you're unsure. ✅ "Exchange experience in Germany" on your CV — an advantage for later DAAD Master's applications.

#Practical Strategy

✅ In your Bachelor's 3rd year, do Erasmus+ Studies (6 months in Germany). ✅ Complete your diploma in Turkey + practice English/German. ✅ In your final Bachelor's year, apply for DAAD Master Studies. ✅ Get a full scholarship for your Master's and come to Germany.