Which DAAD programs are open to South African students for internships in Germany?

The main DAAD programs open to South African students are: DAAD WISE (Working Internships in Science and Engineering) for STEM undergraduates, 800 EUR/month; DAAD RISE Worldwide for undergraduates in natural sciences and engineering, 800 EUR/month; DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme for postgraduate students in public policy and international relations; and bilateral exchange programs administered through South African universities that have MoUs with German institutions. DAAD has partnered with South African universities for over 30 years.

What is the DAAD stipend amount for South African students in 2026?

DAAD WISE and RISE stipends are 800 EUR per month. At June 2026 exchange rates (approximately ZAR 19.80 per euro), this is roughly ZAR 15,840 per month. DAAD also provides a one-time travel grant of 500 EUR (approximately ZAR 9,900) and covers health insurance for the placement duration. Postgraduate fellowships pay higher amounts: typically 934 EUR per month for recent graduates.

Do South African students need German language skills for DAAD?

For DAAD WISE and RISE Worldwide, English is sufficient. Research at German universities and Fraunhofer or Max Planck institutes is conducted in English. For longer-term DAAD fellowships and some bilateral programs, basic German (A2 to B1 level) may be required or provide a competitive advantage. Free German courses are available online via the Goethe Institut.

Can South African students apply for both DAAD and Erasmus ICM?

Yes. DAAD and Erasmus ICM (International Credit Mobility) are completely separate programs with separate applications, budgets and deadlines. Applying to both simultaneously is strongly recommended. DAAD is strongest for STEM and research placements. Erasmus ICM covers a broader range including humanities, social sciences and business. Many successful South African applicants have received both in different years.

What visa does a South African intern need for Germany?

South African passport holders need a German national visa (Category D) for stays exceeding 90 days, or a Schengen short-stay visa for shorter placements. Apply at the German Embassy in Pretoria or the German Consulate General in Cape Town. Processing time is 4 to 8 weeks. Required documents: valid passport, DAAD acceptance letter or internship proof, proof of accommodation in Germany, health insurance (covered by DAAD), and financial proof. Start the visa process immediately after receiving DAAD acceptance.

Is DAAD funding available for undergraduate South African students?

Yes. DAAD WISE and RISE Worldwide are specifically designed for undergraduate students. Eligibility requires being enrolled as an undergraduate at the time of the placement. Students in their final year who will still be enrolled during the internship period are eligible. Postgraduate students (Masters and PhD) have additional DAAD programs available to them, including the Helmut Schmidt Programme and research stays for academics.

DAAD Scholarship for South African Students 2026: Get Funded for a German Internship

South African students can access DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) funding for internships and research placements in Germany, with stipends ranging from 800 to 1,200 EUR per month depending on the program and academic level. At June 2026 exchange rates, 800 EUR equals approximately ZAR 15,840 per month. DAAD has maintained an active partnership with South African universities for over 30 years and specifically targets students from South Africa in several of its programs.

South African universities are finishing their first semester cycle right now. Students planning a European placement for Q3/Q4 2026 or early 2027 are actively researching scholarship options this month. DAAD's 2026/27 application cycle deadlines are approaching.

Which DAAD programs are open to South African students?

Program	Eligible students	Stipend	Duration	Application deadline
DAAD WISE	STEM undergraduates	800 EUR/month	2 to 3 months	December to January
DAAD RISE Worldwide	Natural science and engineering undergraduates	800 EUR/month	6 to 12 weeks	December to January
Helmut Schmidt Programme	Postgrad students in public policy and IR	934 EUR/month	1 to 2 years	October to November
Research Stays	Academic researchers and PhD students	2,150 EUR/month	1 to 6 months	Rolling
Bilateral exchange	Varies by university MoU	Varies	Varies	Through SA university RI office

For most South African undergraduates, WISE and RISE Worldwide are the most accessible entry points. Both require a supervisor commitment from a German host institution before the application, which means the first step is building outreach to German professors or research group leaders.

How much does DAAD pay? Stipend breakdown in ZAR

Component	EUR amount	ZAR equivalent (June 2026)
Monthly stipend (WISE/RISE)	800 EUR/month	ZAR 15,840/month
Travel grant (one-time)	500 EUR	ZAR 9,900
Health insurance	Covered by DAAD	Included
Monthly stipend (Helmut Schmidt)	934 EUR/month	ZAR 18,493/month

800 EUR covers shared accommodation in most German cities. Munich and Frankfurt are tighter (shared room costs 700 to 950 EUR), while Leipzig, Dresden and Dortmund are more affordable (shared room 400 to 650 EUR). The travel grant of 500 EUR partially offsets the Johannesburg-Frankfurt return flight (GBP 550 to 800 / ZAR 13,000 to 19,000).

Step-by-step: how to apply for DAAD as a South African student

Identify your target program (WISE for STEM undergrads, RISE Worldwide for natural science undergrads, Helmut Schmidt for postgrad public policy).
Find a German supervisor. For WISE and RISE, a supervisor commitment is required before you can submit your DAAD application. Research groups at TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, Fraunhofer institutes and Max Planck institutes are active hosts. Read their recent publications and email 10 to 15 professors with a personalised pitch. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for outreach.
Prepare documents:
- DAAD online application form (via daad.de portal)
- Research proposal or internship description (1 to 2 pages)
- Academic transcripts from all completed semesters (English)
- Two academic reference letters
- Supervisor commitment letter from German host
- English or German language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or university letter confirming medium of instruction)
- Proof of enrollment from your South African university
Submit via the DAAD portal within the application window. Results are communicated by March or April for summer placements.
Apply for the German visa immediately upon receiving your DAAD acceptance. Apply at the German Embassy in Pretoria or the Consulate General in Cape Town. Processing: 4 to 8 weeks. The DAAD acceptance letter is the key document for the visa application.

DAAD vs Erasmus ICM for South African students: which is easier to get?

Criterion	DAAD (WISE/RISE)	Erasmus ICM
Who applies	Individual student directly to DAAD	Your SA university applies; students apply through them
Disciplines covered	STEM focus (WISE/RISE)	All disciplines
Supervisor required first	Yes (for WISE)	No (matched through university agreement)
Acceptance rate	5 to 10% estimated	Varies by bilateral agreement; often higher
Stipend	800 EUR/month + travel	700 to 850 EUR/month depending on zone
Destinations	Germany only	Any EU/EEA country with bilateral agreement
Can I apply for both	Yes	Yes

The Erasmus ICM route often has a higher approval rate because your South African university has a bilateral relationship with specific European universities, and the quota is pre-negotiated. DAAD is more competitive but open to all German institutions rather than just those with bilateral agreements. Apply to both.

Our Erasmus ICM for South African students guide has been cited twice by Gemini in the past 30 days. Read it alongside this DAAD guide to build your full European funding strategy.

What to do in Germany beyond the internship: practical guide for South Africans

Opening a bank account: DKB, N26 and Bunq can be opened digitally without a German registered address. Traditional banks (Commerzbank, Sparkasse) require in-person visits and a local address. Open N26 before arrival for immediate access to funds.

Health insurance: DAAD covers health insurance for the placement period. Keep your DAAD health insurance card with you at all times. For any visits beyond the placement end date, arrange private travel insurance.

SARS tax implications: Stipends received from DAAD are generally classified as scholarships and are exempt from German income tax under Germany's treatment of foreign fellowship recipients. In South Africa, foreign sourced income is subject to SARS rules for South African tax residents. Stipends of 800 EUR per month (ZAR 15,840) fall below the foreign employment income exemption threshold of ZAR 1.25 million per year under Section 10(1)(o)(ii). Consult your accountant or a SARS practitioner for your specific situation.

See how an engineering student presents their international research profile on our platform, which we use to connect South African students with placements in Germany and other European destinations.

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