Study Scholarships – Postgraduate Studies in Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film

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  • Agency:
    Deutscher Academischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD)

DAAD Study Scholarships – Postgraduate Studies in Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), invites eligible graduates in the arts to apply for the DAAD Study Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies in Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication and Film.

This scholarship programme, offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), provides international students with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate or complementary studies in Germany in creative and artistic disciplines. The programme also promotes academic exchange, professional networking, and artistic collaboration among scholars and practitioners.

Objective

The scholarship aims to support talented graduates in the arts who wish to further their academic and artistic training at German universities, while fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

  • Hold a first university degree in an arts-related discipline

  • Demonstrate strong artistic ability and academic potential

  • Apply for study in fields such as:

    • Fine Art

    • Design

    • Visual Communication

    • Film

This programme is specifically intended for artistic and creative projects. Applicants with research projects in Art History or Art Studies should apply to other DAAD scholarship programmes.

What Can Be Funded

The scholarship supports the following study options at a state or state-recognised German university:

  1. Master’s Degree or Postgraduate Programme

    • Leading to a final qualification in Germany

  2. Complementary Study Programme (Non-degree)

    • A one-year study stay in Germany as part of a programme at the home university

    • An independent artistic project or specialised course supervised by a professor or instructor in Germany

A formal connection with a German university in the arts is mandatory and must be confirmed by a supervising academic.

Funding cannot be granted for Master’s or postgraduate programmes already started in Germany.

Duration of Funding

  • Master’s/Postgraduate Degree:

    • Between 10 and 24 months, depending on the programme duration

  • Complementary Studies (Non-degree):

    • Up to 12 months

The scholarship usually begins on 1 October of the following year, although an earlier start may be possible if a German language course is required before the study programme begins.

Scholarship Value

The scholarship includes:

  • Monthly stipend of €992

  • Travel allowance

  • One-off study allowance

  • Health, accident and personal liability insurance

Additional benefits may include:

  • Monthly rent subsidy

  • Family allowance for accompanying dependents

  • Additional support for scholars with disabilities or chronic illnesses

  • Green Mobility Top-Up or reimbursement for carbon offset payments for air travel

German Language Support

To support scholars preparing for their stay in Germany, DAAD may provide:

  • Funding for an online German language course

  • A 2–6 month German language course in Germany before the start of the programme (if required)

  • Allowance for a self-selected German language course during the scholarship period

  • Reimbursement for TestDaF or DSH language test fees

Note: The scholarship does not cover university tuition fees.

Selection Process

Applications are first reviewed for formal eligibility and completeness. Shortlisted applicants will then be asked to submit an artistic portfolio.

Final selection is conducted by a DAAD expert committee composed of professors from German art, design, and film institutions.

Selection criteria include:

  • Artistic ability and maturity demonstrated through academic records and portfolio

  • Quality and feasibility of the proposed study project

  • Strength of the study plan and motivation letter

The selection process typically takes up to six months, with results usually announced between March and April.

Important Notes

  • Receiving the scholarship does not automatically guarantee admission to a German university.

  • Applicants must apply separately to the chosen university and meet its admission requirements.

  • Entrance examinations or interviews may be required depending on the institution.

Interested KNUST graduates and researchers are encouraged to contact the Office of Grants and Research for institutional guidance prior to submitting their applications.