SFSD – DAAD Scholarship Program

Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD), in cooperation with its administrative partner the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) grants two scholarships yearly, to outstanding graduates from the four German schools in Egypt: DEO, DSB Cairo, DSB Alexandria and ES in New Cairo, to pursue their studies and earn their bachelor and master degrees in any field of study (excluding Medicine) from one of Germany’s most prestigious universities. Sawiris Foundation has always prided itself with ensuring quality education, both traditional and nontraditional, is accessible to everyone. One of our goals is to ensure all students have an accessible and inclusive environment to learn.

During the scholarship period, an annual review is conducted to ensure the Excellency level of scholars and to ensure the continuity of the scholarship. Designed workshops and seminars are obligatory to the scholarship holders to attend during their study in Germany, to ensure their knowledge and familiarity with the SFSD – DAAD scholarship policy and regulations.

Country: Germany

Eligibility Criteria:

  • To be an Egyptian national residing in Egypt (preference will not be given to dual nationality holders)
  • Holder of the ABITUR certificate with highest GPA demonstrating academic excellence (Average grade must be 1.5 or higher)
  • Be a recent graduate from one of the German schools in Egypt: DEO, DSB Alexandria, DSB Cairo, and ES in New Cairo
  • The scholarships are awarded based on financial need as well as merit and character demonstrated through academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and social behavior
  • Scholarships are granted for any field of study except for Medicine
  • Satisfy entry requirements for the respective university
  • The maximum duration for the scholarship is generally limited to five academic years
  • Return to Egypt for three years after graduation

Selection Timeline:

Activity Period of Implementation
Scholarship program announcement December until February of each year
Personal interviews at the DAAD premises in Cairo February/March of each year.
Announcing the selected scholars June of each year

For inquiries, please contact:

From SFSD: scholarships@sawirisfoundation.org
From DAAD: schulen@daadcairo.org

  • Implementing NGO
  • Project Duration

  • Geographical Area

  • Total Budget

  • SFSD Contribution
  • Project Status

External Links:

Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD)

Application Process:

  • Interested students fulfilling the selection criteria can apply for the program by filling in a pre-selection application and presenting it to DAAD
  • The online application portal for the scholarship’s call is available in December of each year. Further information is distributed by the responsible person at the respective German schools
  • Students fulfilling all criteria are invited for an interview at the DAAD-Cairo office
  • Interview reports are sent with the applications to the DAAD-Bonn office for the final selection

Selection Committee:

The selection process is implemented through a joint committee of DAAD and Sawiris Foundation along with a panel consisting of DAAD alumni, German university professors, as well as representatives from the German Embassy and the Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZFA).

Scholarship Benefits:

The SFSD-DAAD scholarship covers tuition fees, educational material, living allowance, travel fees and health insurance

Period of Funding:

Up to 5 years of studying, depending on the field of study and the degree