DAAD Scholarship Interview Preparation
DAAD is a popular scholarship program in Germany that gives scholarships opportunity to the international students to study in Germany. When you apply for this scholarship and they like your application, they call you for an interview. This interview is so that they can talk to you directly, find out how good you are, why you want to go to Germany, and what you think. This interview helps them decide whether to give you this scholarship or not. Each DAAD scholarship interview can be a little different, so be sure to read the full information about the scholarship you are applying for. Some places have an interview and some don't.
Also Check: DAAD Scholarship Program 2026
Things to Remember for the DAAD Interview
There are some simple things you should remember during the interview:
1. Who will be the people? Usually, 3 to 5 people interview you. These are people who are familiar with your field of study or who are experts in different fields.
2. What language will you speak? It depends on which program you are going to study in Germany. If the program is in English, the interview will also be in English, and if it is in German, some questions may also be asked in German. If you know a little German, let them know.
3. What is the main purpose? The main purpose of the interview is to see if what you wrote in your application (such as why you want to go, your entire study record, and your research plan if you have a PhD) is true. They also want to understand what you want to do after studying in Germany, and how you react in difficult situations.
4. So tell the truth in everything you say. Don't lie. Keep your answers clear and concise. Dress well and show that you are serious. Be confident and presentable during the interview.
How to Prepare for DAAD Scholarship Interview?
Here are some best tips for preparing for a DAAD scholarship interview:
· Write down your application: Memorize everything you wrote in your DAAD application (such as the letter explaining why you want to go to Germany, all your information, your research plan, and your degrees). They can ask you questions about anything.
·
Know your university and program: Learn everything about the university and field of study
you have chosen in Germany. What they teach, how they teach, etc.
Learn how this study will benefit your future.
· Information about Germany: Why did you choose Germany? Why do you like studying there and living there? How different is the German education system from ours?
· Future plans: What will you do after completing your scholarship? What have you thought about a job or your career? How will you benefit your country after studying in Germany?
· Get to know yourself: Think about your strengths and weaknesses. When you share your weaknesses, also mention how you are improving them. Be prepared to talk about your academic and work achievements. If you have done anything outside of your studies (such as volunteering or participating in an activity), talk about that too.
· Practice questions: Practice answering the common questions below so that you can answer them easily and confidently in the interview.
· Mock interview: Practice a mock interview with your friends, teachers or someone who has previously received a DAAD scholarship. This will increase your confidence and improve your answers.
Also Check: German Language Exam Preparation For Students
Interview Questions Asked in a DAAD Scholarship Interview?
The following questions are usually asked in the DAAD scholarship interview:
I. About you and your studies:
· Tell us a little about yourself.
· Why did you choose this field of study?
· What is your greatest achievement in your studies?
· What is your biggest weakness and how are you improving it?
· Tell us more about something specific (experience or skill) you wrote about in your papers.
II. About the program and Germany:
· Why did you choose this particular program and university?
· How will this program help you reach your career goal?
· Why did you choose Germany to study?
· What are your expectations from studying in Germany?
· What do you know about German culture and language?
· Do you see any differences between the German education system and the system in your home country?
III. Scholarship and future plans:
· Why are you applying for a DAAD scholarship?
· Why should you receive this scholarship?
· What will you do after the scholarship is over?
· How will you benefit your country after returning from Germany?
· Where do you see yourself in the next 5 or 10 years?
IV. Research plan (for PhD holders):
· Give a brief introduction to your research plan.
· What are the objectives of your research?
· Why did you choose this research topic?
· What new knowledge will your research contribute to?
· How will you conduct your research?
· What challenges might you face in your research and how will you overcome them?
V. Other questions:
· What motivates you?
· How do you work in difficult situations?
· Do you prefer working in a team or alone?
· Do you have any questions for us? (This is a very important opportunity! Always have some good and thoughtful questions ready that show your interest and seriousness. Don't ask questions that can be answered on the internet.)
Also Check: Top Public Universities in Germany for International Students
Final tip for your DAAD Scholarship Interview Process
Remember DAAD scholarship program interview is like a conversation. Be relaxed, speak clearly, and show the interviewers how excited and qualified you are to study in Germany.