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The DAAD University Summer Courses for 2026 offer a unique opportunity for international undergraduate and master’s students to enhance their academic knowledge while experiencing German language and culture in an immersive setting. Organized by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), these courses are held at state or state-recognized universities and affiliated language schools across Germany. Participants benefit from expert instruction, cultural integration, and academic enrichment, all under a fully funded program.
These summer courses span a range of topics, chiefly focusing on German language acquisition from beginner to advanced levels, as well as thematic offerings in regional studies. Some courses equip students with technical vocabulary in specialized fields, helping them build linguistic precision alongside cultural competence. While the exact host institutions change year to year, courses of this nature frequently run in cities like Tubingen, Giessen, Kassel, Berlin, and other academic hubs where DAAD collaborates with university language centers.
Specific course offerings can be found here:
https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fimp.daad.com%2Fmedia%2Fdaad_de%2Fpdfs_nicht_barrierefrei%2Fin-deutschland-studieren-forschen-lehren%2Fhsk_kursanbieterliste.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK
Eligibilty Criteria
To be eligible, students should be enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s program at the time of application and throughout the course.
Bachelor’s students must have completed at least two academic years before the start of the summer program. Applicants must also be at least eighteen years old and enrolled in a university outside Germany. A gap of at least two full years must exist between any prior DAAD-funded winter or summer course, meaning candidates are ineligible if their last grant occurred more recently.
Within this framework, applicants should demonstrate sufficient German language skills for lectures and group work, typically proving proficiency with a current certificate at A2 level or higher, although in some cases B2-level certificates issued earlier may still be accepted.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants from all countries receive a one-time allowance of 450 Euros, set at 1,192 Euros in general or 1,367 Euros for applicants from Least Developed Countries. In addition, DAAD covers country-specific travel allowances (lump sum for 2026 not yet determined, will be published as soon as available), with comprehensive insurance covering health, accidents, and personal liability.
The courses guarantee at least eighteen teaching days and typically include cultural excursions and workshops to reinforce learning and foster cross-cultural exchange.
How to Apply
Applicants must prepare a set of documents for the online application process. These include a completed application form on the DAAD portal, a full resume written, and a letter of motivation (both in German). Academic records or transcripts must also be submitted, such as a school-leaving certificate for bachelor’s students or a degree certificate for master’s students, with translations in German or English where needed. Proof of course credits from the last two academic years is required, as is the German language certificate. Additional documentation, such as employment certificates or evidence of placements, should be translated into German or English and uploaded if applicable.
All documents must be prepared according to DAAD’s instructions and submitted before the deadline.
Here’s link for the program, select your country and status and check the relevant procedure and requirements:
https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=50035295
The application period for DAAD University Summer Courses 2026 opens well in advance of the program dates, with the final deadline set for December 1, 2025. Prospective applicants must submit all forms and supporting documents through the DAAD online portal by this date to be considered.
Explore the full scope of the DAAD University Summer Courses 2026, its enriching academic offerings, funding support, and immersive cultural design, you may be asking yourself: are you ready to translate your language goals and academic ambitions into action? Do you have clarity on your German proficiency level, your availability this summer, and whether you meet the eligibility criteria? If your answer is yes, start preparing your documents and reach out to relevant contact for any guidance you need.
For regular updates on DAAD scholarships, application strategies, and global education opportunities, stay connected with Scholarship Planet. Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to take your next step toward study abroad success.