International students studying in Germany can apply for the DAAD Graduation Grants for International Students 2026, a financial support program designed to help students successfully complete the final stage of their degree programs. The grant is particularly intended for international students who are close to graduation but face financial difficulties that could delay the completion of their studies.
The program is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service under the STIBET programme, which supports international students at German universities. Through this initiative, selected students receive temporary financial assistance so they can focus on completing their thesis, final examinations, or other graduation requirements.
SUMMARY:
- Scholarship Sponsor(s): DAAD
- Scholarship Type: Graduation Grant
- Host Institution(s): Partner Universities in Germany
- Scholarship Worth: See Benefits
- Number of Awards: Several
- Study Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
- Nationality: International Students
Also Check: DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027 [Fully Funded]
Program Overview | DAAD Graduation Scholarships 2026
The DAAD Graduation Grant (often called STIBET Study Completion Grant) is offered through participating universities in Germany to support international students who are in the final phase of their studies.
The program aims to:
- Help international students overcome short-term financial challenges near graduation
- Enable students to complete their degree within the planned study period
- Support academic success and integration of international students in Germany
Unlike many scholarships that fund entire degree programs, the graduation grant is short-term financial support typically awarded during the last semester or final months before graduation.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the DAAD Graduation Grant, applicants generally must:
- Be an international student (non-German citizen) studying at a German university.
- Have obtained their university entrance qualification outside Germany.
- Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctoral program at the time of application.
- Be in the final phase of their studies, with graduation expected within approximately 12 months.
- Demonstrate good academic performance and strong study progress.
- Show financial need, particularly if financial difficulties could delay completion of their degree.
Scholarship Benefits
The financial support provided under the DAAD Graduation Grant varies by university because the funds are administered locally. However, the grant typically includes:
- Monthly financial support ranging from about €250 to €992 per month, depending on the university and available funding.
- Funding for 1 to 6 months, usually during the final thesis or examination phase.
- In some institutions, the grant may be a fixed monthly payment such as €450–€550, or a short-term payment distributed in installments.
How to Apply
Applications for the DAAD Graduation Grant are submitted through the international office of the host university, not directly through DAAD.
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Check with the international office of your university to confirm if the DAAD Graduation Grant is available.
- Obtain the official application form and guidelines from the university’s scholarship or international office portal.
- Prepare all required documents, including proof of academic progress and financial need.
- Submit the complete application before the university’s specified deadline.
- Await evaluation by the university selection committee.
Successful applicants are nominated by their university and funded through the DAAD STIBET program.
Application Documents
Although requirements vary by institution, applicants are commonly required to submit:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts or transcript of records
- Proof of enrollment at the university
- Statement explaining financial need
- Confirmation from academic supervisor or faculty regarding expected graduation timeline
- Copy of passport or proof of nationality
- Additional documents may be requested depending on the university.
Application Deadline
Application deadlines vary by university. Many institutions open applications once or twice per year, often around:
- March – April (summer semester)
- October – November (winter semester)