If you’re a student dreaming of gaining both academic and hands-on international experience, the DAAD Combined Study and Practical Semesters Abroad Program is designed just for you. This unique opportunity allows you to study abroad while also completing a practical semester (internship) in the same country, giving you the best of both worlds—academic qualifications and practical exposure.
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What is this program about?
The program is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and helps students enhance their career prospects by combining a semester of study with a professional internship abroad. You can start with either the study semester or the internship semester, but both must be completed in the same country. This way, you gain in-depth cultural, academic, and professional experience all at once.
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Who can apply?
This program is open to:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diplom, or State Examination students (or equivalent degree holders).
- Non-German citizens are also welcome to apply.
- Applicants must show that their practical semester is required by their degree curriculum and is recognized by their home university in Germany.
What is funded?
Wondering what financial support you’ll get if you win this scholarship? The DAAD Combined Study and Practical Semesters Abroad Program offers an attractive funding package that ensures you can focus on your studies and internship without worrying about the basics.
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You’ll receive a monthly stipend, which varies depending on your host country (use the DAAD scholarship calculator to estimate the amount). On top of that, a travel allowance helps you cover the cost of flying to your study destination.
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Your health, accident, and liability insurance are included, giving you peace of mind while you’re abroad. Students can also apply for extra support, such as:
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- Tuition fee subsidies (up to a fixed limit)
- Language course grants to sharpen your skills in the national or working language
- Family benefits if your spouse, partner, or children join you abroad
- Disability or chronic illness subsidies to cover justified additional costs
- Project-related travel grants within the host country
Important: Accommodation costs are not covered, and travel between your study site and internship location will not be reimbursed.
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Duration of Funding
The DAAD Combined Study and Practical Semesters Abroad Program is designed to give you enough time to make the most of both academic and practical experiences. The funding period ranges from 7 to 12 months in total, depending on your project and host country.
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Your study semester must last at least 3 months, allowing you to complete coursework abroad that contributes to your degree. The practical semester (internship) must be at least 2 months, in line with your university’s curriculum requirements.
This flexible timeline ensures you gain well-rounded international exposure—balancing academic learning with hands-on professional experience.
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Application Deadlines 2025–2026
The deadlines vary by region and host country:
| Region | Application Deadline | Selection & Start of Funding |
| Western Europe, Iberian Peninsula | 30 Sept 2025 | Selection in March, funding from Sept–Nov 2026 |
| Southern, Central & Eastern Europe, Turkey | 2 Dec 2025 | Selection in March, funding from Sept–Nov 2026 |
| Northern/Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus | 30 Sept 2025 | Selection in Mar/Apr, funding from Sept–Nov 2026 |
| USA & Canada | 1 Oct 2025 | Selection in Feb, funding from Sept 2026 |
| Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, North Africa | 18 Sept 2025 & 18 Mar 2026 | Funding from Feb–Mar 2026 or Aug–Sept 2026 |
| South/Southeast Asia & Oceania | 11 Sept 2025 & 19 Feb 2026 | Funding from Feb–Mar 2026 or Aug–Sept 2026 |
| Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea | 19 Feb 2026 | Selection in June, funding from Jul–Oct 2026 or Feb–Apr 2027 |
| China, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Taiwan | 11 Sept 2025 | Selection in Dec, funding from Sept 2026 |
Why apply?
This program doesn’t just pay for your semester abroad—it gives you the chance to:
- Gain international academic and professional experience.
- Improve your career prospects with global exposure.
- Build an international network of peers and professionals.
- Develop both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills in your field.
For students wanting a serious edge in the global job market, this is one of the best opportunities available.
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Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.
DATE . Sep/29/2025