Introduction to DAAD (Germany) grant and scholarship programs

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a non-profit organization founded in 1925 to serve as a scientific bridge. Today, DAAD has become one of the leading organizations supporting student and scientific exchange programs.

In Vietnam, the DAAD Representative Office was opened in Hanoi in 2003, and the Information Center was opened in Ho Chi Minh City in 2002. The Hanoi Representative Office assists in the exchange of students, scientists, artists, and higher education administrators. DAAD awards short-term and long-term scholarships annually; promotes internationalization in the field of science; supports the development of the German language in Vietnam through cooperation with universities; and provides advice on education, diplomacy, and development policy.

Stephen Hase-Bergen, Head of the DAAD Representative Office in Hanoi, hopes to receive many applications from candidates at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Typically, DAAD's fully funded scholarship programs include a cash allowance (€850/month for postgraduate students, €1,200 for doctoral students), airfare, support for family gatherings, a research allowance of €460/year, health insurance, and accident insurance. Applicants will study German for 2, 4, or 6 months and receive excellent care.

The programs are divided into three categories targeting three different groups: for postgraduate students, such as Master's Programs with topics related to developing countries (EPOS), and Research Programs for international students in fields such as Performing Arts, Architecture, Music, and Fine Arts; for doctoral students, such as scholarships to complete a research project in Germany, one-year co-supervised research scholarships, and short-term research programs of 7-10 months; and for university lecturers and researchers, such as the Re-invitation Program and the In-depth Research Program. In addition, there are other programs such as the Government Scholarship Program (DAAD), funding for alumni conferences, and the Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies (DIES) training course.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Nhung introduced the various types of scholarships and grants offered by DAAD.

In her presentation, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Nhung focused primarily on doctoral programs. Accordingly, doctoral students can enroll in either the traditional model or a course-based model. In the traditional model, doctoral students are supervised by a German professor whose specialization best suits them, working independently and freely exploring their research interests. In the course-based model, doctoral students enroll in pre-structured programs, participate in experimental research groups, international university or doctoral programs, and receive active support from the academic team within the group.

DAAD representatives also suggested a suitable timetable for applicants. In the first year, applicants spend the first eight months researching information, writing proposals, searching for a doctoral course or professor in Germany, contacting professors, submitting applications, and maintaining contact with DAAD. If the application is accepted, applicants complete the registration process through the DAAD portal by the deadline of October 15th. Interviews are held at the end of November. In the second year, applicants receive interview results in February and March, participate in a German language course from May to August in Vietnam or Germany, travel to Germany to acclimatize to the living and learning environment in September, and officially begin their doctoral program at a university in October. To be accepted, applicants need a clear and coherent research proposal, along with a letter of sponsorship from a German professor or an offer of admission to a doctoral program.

Following her presentation, Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Nhung also took the time to advise the audience on her experiences studying and researching in Germany, interview tips and language skills development, and the required application documents for each program.