What are the DAAD short-term (3-6 months) scholarship opportunities?

DAAD's short-term (3-6 month) scholarship options are particularly suitable for research, summer school, and exchange programs.

#Short-Term Scholarship Categories

#1. Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists

• Duration: 1-3 months
• Target Group: Researchers with a PhD
• Monthly amount: 2,070-2,400 € (depending on academic level)
• Application: Open all year

#2. Short-Term Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates

• Duration: 1-6 months
• Target Group: Those pursuing a PhD in Turkey who wish to conduct partial research in Germany
• Monthly amount: 992 € + health insurance
• Application: March, May, September - 3 periods

#3. Sandwich Programme

• Duration: 6 months - 1 year
• Target Group: PhD student in Turkey + research period in Germany
• Monthly amount: 992 € + health + travel costs
• Application: Twice a year

#4. International Summer Course Programme (Yaz Okulu)

• Duration: 3-4 weeks (intensive)
• Target Group: Learning German, cultural activities
• Monthly amount: 1,000-1,500 € (one-time package)
• Application: December-January (for the following summer)

#5. University Summer Course Grant

• Duration: 3-4 weeks summer school
• Target Group: Bachelor's/Master's student, language + subject-specific courses
• Monthly amount: 1,061 € (package)
• Application: December-January

#6. Re-invitation for Former Scholarship Holders

• Duration: 1-3 months
• Target Group: Individuals who have previously received a DAAD scholarship
• Monthly amount: 2,070 €
• Application: Open all year

#7. Working Internships in Science and Engineering (WISE)

• Duration: 2-3 months summer period
• Target Group: Bachelor's students in natural sciences, engineering
• Monthly amount: 1,061 € + travel allowance
• Application: October-December

#Advantages of Short-Term Scholarships

• Less competition — compared to long-term scholarships
• Gaining experience in Germany — more advantageous for long-term applications later
• Strengthening your CV — international experience
• Quick decision — 2-4 months from application to acceptance
• Ease in the visa process — short-term visa (Schengen)

#Application Process

1. daad.de → Scholarship Database
2. "Short-term" or "Summer course" filter
3. Online application + documents
4. Interview (usually Skype, at the DAAD office in Turkey)
5. Decision: 2-4 months

#Important Tip

A short-term scholarship can be a gateway to a long-term scholarship:

• If you received a good reference during your WISE scholarship → advantage in the DAAD Master Studies application the following year
• If you completed the Sandwich Programme → priority in the DAAD PhD application
• Summer school experience can be used in your motivation letter

#Combination Strategy

3-4 weeks summer school (1st-2nd year Bachelor's) → 6 months Sandwich (during Master's) → 2 years DAAD Master Studies (for Master's) → 3-4 years DAAD PhD

By joining the DAAD network at each stage, you gain references.

Related: DAAD Master scholarship | DAAD application.