DAAD WISE Scholarship for South African Students 2026: Research Internship in Germany
DAAD pays 934 EUR per month (approximately ZAR 19,500) for South African STEM students to research at German universities. How to qualify, find a host professor, and apply for the 2026 cycle.
South African STEM students can apply for DAAD WISE (Working Internships in Science and Engineering), which pays 934 EUR per month (approximately ZAR 19,500) for a 6 to 12 week research internship at a German university or research institute. The 2026-2027 application cycle opens in October 2026. The critical preparation step: identifying a German host professor and securing a written host confirmation before the portal opens.
DAAD is Germany's most prestigious international scholarship organisation. For South African students, DAAD WISE is the most accessible entry point to German research, because it is open to undergraduate and Master's students across STEM fields, and the stipend covers living costs in Germany comfortably. This guide covers the full WISE program, plus two other DAAD programs available to South Africans.
DAAD Programs Available to South African Students
| Program | Who it is for | Duration | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD WISE | STEM undergraduates and Master's students | 6 to 12 weeks | 934 EUR/month |
| Helmut Schmidt Programme | Professionals and postgraduates in public policy | Master's degree (1-2 years) | 850-1,200 EUR/month |
| NRF-DAAD bilateral | Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers | 3 to 12 months | Varies by NRF call |
This guide focuses on DAAD WISE as the most accessible program for SA undergraduate and Master's students. The Helmut Schmidt Programme is applied for separately through public policy graduate schools in Germany, and the NRF-DAAD program requires an active NRF grant application on the South African side.
DAAD WISE 2026 Stipend: What You Receive
| Component | EUR amount | ZAR equivalent (Jun 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly stipend | 934 EUR | approx. ZAR 19,500 |
| Travel allowance (one-time) | 575-800 EUR | approx. ZAR 12,000-17,000 |
| Health insurance (Germany) | Included | Worth approximately 110-130 EUR/month |
| Visa support letter | Included | Official DAAD letter for German national visa |
Living costs in German university cities (Heidelberg, RWTH Aachen, TU Munich, University of Stuttgart) run approximately 900 to 1,100 EUR per month for a shared flat, groceries, local transport and utilities. The 934 EUR stipend covers the majority of this, and the travel allowance offsets the flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town (typically 550 to 700 EUR return).
Eligibility: Who Qualifies
- Nationality: South African citizen, enrolled at a South African university
- Study level: Penultimate or final year of Bachelor's, or Master's student
- Field: STEM only. Natural sciences, life sciences, engineering, computer science. Not eligible: humanities, social sciences, economics, management, law
- Academic standing: Strong academic record; most accepted applicants have a distinction average or equivalent (65% or above consistently)
- Age: Under 32 at the time of the internship
- Host confirmation: A written invitation from a German professor is required before you can submit your application
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Find a German host professor (Start now: June to September 2026)
Search faculty pages at institutions such as Heidelberg University, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, TU Berlin, KIT Karlsruhe, RWTH Aachen or Max Planck Institutes. Identify professors whose current research aligns with your own work. Read their recent publications (2024 to 2026) and write a targeted email that references a specific paper and proposes a 6 to 12 week research contribution.
Send 15 to 30 targeted emails. Response rates from German professors to unsolicited internship requests are typically 5 to 15%. Quality of the fit explanation matters far more than volume of emails sent. Follow up once if you receive no reply within 3 weeks.
Step 2: Secure the host confirmation letter
When a professor agrees to host you, request a formal letter on university letterhead stating your name, the research topic, proposed dates, and their agreement to supervise. This letter is the most critical document in your application and without it your submission cannot proceed.
Step 3: Prepare your application documents
- CV (2 pages, academic focus)
- Motivation letter (1 page; specific to the research project and why Germany)
- Full academic transcripts (official copies)
- Two academic reference letters from South African university professors
- Host confirmation letter from your German professor
- Research proposal (1 page; what you will investigate and why it matters)
- Proof of enrolment at your South African institution
Step 4: Apply via the DAAD portal (Opens October 2026)
The DAAD application portal opens in October each year for the following summer cycle (May to August 2027). Submission deadline is typically mid-November 2026. Results are communicated in February or March 2027. The portal is at daad.de; create your account before October so you are ready to submit immediately when it opens.
See how students from South Africa successfully present international research experience on our platform, for example via an engineering student's international profile example.
Life in Germany for South Africans
Cost of living: German university cities cost approximately 900 to 1,100 EUR per month in a shared flat. Berlin is slightly more expensive (900 to 1,200 EUR), smaller cities like Heidelberg or Aachen run 750 to 950 EUR. The DAAD stipend comfortably covers these costs.
Language: German is not required for WISE. Research is conducted in English. For daily life (supermarkets, public transport, landlords, doctors outside the university context), basic German makes life easier. A free course on Duolingo or Goethe Institut online before departure helps significantly.
Weather: German summers (May to August, the typical WISE internship period) are mild to warm, 15 to 28 degrees Celsius. Winters are cold; if your placement extends into autumn you will need proper winter clothing unavailable at SA prices. Pack accordingly.
SA community: Most German university cities have South African student groups, typically accessible via WhatsApp communities or Facebook groups. Braai culture is alive in Germany; do not be surprised to find South Africans hosting regular gatherings.
Key 2026-2027 Deadlines
| Action | Timing |
|---|---|
| Contact German professors | June to September 2026 |
| Secure host confirmation letter | September to October 2026 |
| DAAD portal opens | October 2026 |
| Application deadline | Mid-November 2026 |
| Results announced | February to March 2027 |
| Internship period | May to August 2027 |
South African students targeting a January 2027 start in Germany should note that the DAAD WISE cycle only covers summer placements. For January starts, look at the NRF-DAAD bilateral program or direct contact with German universities about semester-long visiting researcher status.
Related reading: our article on Erasmus ICM for South African students covers another strong funding route for European research visits that operates on a different timeline to DAAD.
Create your free profile on our platform to connect with South African students who have completed DAAD placements and to access our Germany destination resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can South African students get a DAAD scholarship for a research internship in Germany?
Yes. DAAD WISE is available to South African STEM students and pays 934 EUR per month (approximately ZAR 19,500) for 6 to 12 week research internships at German universities.
How much is the DAAD stipend in ZAR for South African students?
At June 2026 exchange rates, 934 EUR converts to approximately ZAR 19,500 per month, plus a travel allowance of approximately ZAR 12,000 to 17,000 and health insurance.
Do I need to speak German for DAAD WISE?
No. Research is conducted in English. German is not required and not evaluated in the selection process.
What DAAD programs are available specifically to South African students?
DAAD WISE (research internship), DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (Master's in public policy), and the NRF-DAAD bilateral scholarship for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
Is DAAD competitive for South African students?
Acceptance rates are approximately 10 to 15% globally. South African students from UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch and UP have historically performed well. The most critical factor is securing a confirmed German host professor before applying.