German University Scholarships: International Students' Opportunities

Germany is a popular destination for international students due to its affordable education system, top universities, and excellent infrastructure. The country attracts around 350,000 international students each year. While German public universities are mostly tuition-free, international students may struggle with the country's high living costs, which can reach EUR 1200 per month. To help with this, there are many scholarships available for international students in Germany, including those offered by the universities themselves, as well as by the government and other organisations.

Government-funded scholarships

Germany is a popular destination for international students due to its affordable education system and top universities. The German government offers several scholarships to international students, which can be beneficial in easing financial burdens. Here is some detailed information about government-funded scholarships:

DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the largest scholarship provider for international students in Germany. It offers scholarships for various degree levels, including bachelor's, master's, and PhD programmes. The scholarships cover monthly stipends, ranging from 992 euros for graduates to 1,200 euros for doctoral candidates. DAAD also provides travel allowances, health insurance contributions, and annual study allowances. The application deadlines vary by type and country, so it is recommended to check the official DAAD website for accurate information.

Erasmus+ Scholarship Programs

Erasmus+ is the largest provider of scholarships for studying in the European Union. It is funded by the European Commission and offers grants to cover living costs for international students participating in exchange programmes within Europe. Erasmus+ scholarships are available for students in short-cycle, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes. In addition to financial support, Erasmus+ scholars are exempt from tuition and other fees at the receiving institution. The application deadlines vary depending on the sending and receiving countries, so it is advisable to check with the home institution's international office for more information.

DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship Program

The DeutschlandStipendium is offered by the German Federal Ministry of Education and is available to students enrolled or planning to enrol at partner institutions. It provides a monthly stipend of 300 euros for at least two semesters, with the possibility of extension. The scholarship is merit-based and is awarded based on academic performance, social engagement, and personal achievements. It is not influenced by personal or parental income and does not affect other grants. The application period usually falls around the months leading up to the start of the academic year.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship is available to international students with a first university degree who wish to pursue a master's, PhD, or research programme lasting at least four semesters at a German university. The scholarship offers financial assistance, personal guidance, a seminar programme, and access to the KAS network. Master's students receive 992 euros per month for two years, while PhD students receive 1,200 euros per month for three years. Additional subsidies for health insurance, family allowance, and course-related fees may be available. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, possess B2-level German language skills, engage in voluntary work, and support democracy and human rights. The application deadlines vary for international applicants from different regions, so consulting the foundation's office in the home country is recommended.

Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships are open to students and doctoral candidates accepted into state or state-recognized German universities. The scholarship values differ based on nationality and level of studies. For EU nationals or students educated in Germany, the scholarship provides up to 812 euros per month, plus a 300-euro study allowance and other possible allowances. For non-EU nationals or refugees not educated in Germany, the scholarship offers 992 euros per month, plus health insurance and other allowances. The application deadlines vary by program and applicant group, aligning with different academic stages.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships are open to master's and doctoral students of all nationalities studying at German universities, universities of applied sciences, or universities of the arts. The scholarship values depend on nationality and level of studies. EU nationals or students educated in Germany receive up to 812 euros per month, plus allowances. Non-EU nationals or refugees not educated in Germany receive 992 euros per month, plus health insurance and other allowances. The application deadlines are March 1st and September 1st of each year, accommodating the two semesters.

Non-government scholarships

Germany is a popular destination for international students due to its affordable education system and top universities. While the cost of studying in Germany is relatively low, international students often find it challenging to cover the cost of living, which can be around EUR 1200 per month. Fortunately, there are many non-government scholarships available to help international students finance their studies and living expenses in Germany. Here is a list of some of the most prominent non-government scholarships:

Heinrich Boll Scholarships:

The Heinrich Boll Foundation provides scholarships for international students, including refugees, pursuing degrees at all levels. The foundation primarily awards scholarships to students studying STEM fields, particularly environmental sciences, as well as journalism, economic or legal studies, and art degrees.

Bayer Foundations:

The Bayer Foundation offers scholarships to both German and international students pursuing various research projects. The only requirement is that students must demonstrate excellent academic results, and their research project must focus on an innovative topic and approach.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships:

The KAS scholarships are available to international students planning to pursue a master's or PhD in Germany. Applicants must be under 30 years old and have completed a university degree in their home country. They must also provide outstanding academic scores and actively participate in voluntary work that benefits society in their home country.

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung:

This organization offers scholarships to German and international students with an interest in social and political matters. Applicants must demonstrate above-average academic results and a sense of civil responsibility. The scholarship can provide up to EUR 1000 per month to cover enrolment fees, health insurance, and required books and study materials.

Mawista Scholarship:

These scholarships are designed for applicants who are studying abroad while also taking care of a child. The grant amount is approximately EUR 500 per month.

Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) For Developing Countries:

These scholarships are open to international researchers moving within Europe from other parts of the world to pursue postdoctoral research in Germany. The amount granted can reach up to EUR 15,000 per year.

In addition to these non-governmental scholarships, there are also numerous other opportunities for financial aid, including party-associated foundations such as the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung and Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, as well as religious organizations like KAAD Scholarships and Evangelischen Studienwerk e.V. Villigst.

University-specific scholarships

Humboldt University International Research Fellowship

The Humboldt University of Berlin offers international research fellowships for history, anthropology, law, sociology, political science, geography, economics, or area studies.

Heidelberg University Scholarships

Heidelberg University is one of the most popular universities in Germany. It offers various scholarships to international students from different fields. One example is the international ambassador scholarship for undergraduate students, which is awarded based on the student’s academic performance in high school.

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Scholarships

Hamburg University offers scholarships of up to EUR 400 per month to international students for four months or a semester.

RWTH Aachen University Scholarships

The RWTH University offers funding opportunities to both international and home students. The university will cover up to 50% of the tuition fees of selected students who get the scholarship.

Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Doctoral Tuition Waivers

Frankfurt School of Finance and Management offers tuition waiver scholarships for doctoral students studying an English-language program within finance, accounting, mathematics, and business administration.

Leipzig Graduate School of Management Scholarship

Leipzig Graduate School of Management offers scholarships or financial aid for students enrolled in various MSc courses.

Ulm University Scholarships for International Students

Ulm University offers need-based scholarships for international students nearing graduation. Funding is offered for one semester only.

Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarships

Universität Hamburg offers merit scholarships to all outstanding international students (of all degree levels and subjects) who have been enrolled in their program for at least two semesters. These scholarships also consider applicants’ financial needs, and recipients should be prepared to get involved with the internationalization of Universität Hamburg.

Berlin International University of Applied Sciences Christian Wulff Scholarship

The Christian Wulff scholarship at Berlin International University is awarded to one BA or MA student of the university based on outstanding academic achievements and extraordinary engagement within the BI community. The scholarship covers 50% of the tuition fee from the time it is awarded until the end of the regular studies (up to the 6th semester).

TUM Linde / MDSI Master Scholarship

The Technical University of Munich offers the TUM Linde / MDSI Master Scholarship to outstanding German and international students enrolled in one of the master’s programs: “Data Engineering and Analytics” or “Mathematics in Data Science”. The scholarship offers a monthly stipend of EUR 1000 for up to 12 months.

Heidelberg University HAUS Scholarships

The Heidelberg University HAUS Scholarship is for qualified students from the United States who have been accepted into a bachelor's or master's study program at the University of Heidelberg. Bachelor’s program students receive USD 4,500 for one semester, while master’s students receive USD 7,000. Depending on the funds available, scholars can get an extension for one more semester.

Degree-specific scholarships

Bachelor's Degree Scholarships:

• Technical University of Munich - Oskar Karl Foster Scholarship: This scholarship is for books and learning materials.
• Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Scholarship: This scholarship is for Indian nationals pursuing a bachelor's degree.
• Domestic and International State Grants at Munich Business School: These grants are available for bachelor's students.
• DAAD Bavarian Government Scholarship at Hochschule Hof, Germany: This scholarship is offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
• KAS Foundation Scholarship, Germany: This scholarship is offered by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).
• Leaky Foundation: Joan Cogswell Donner Scholarship: This scholarship is for students worldwide.

Master's Degree Scholarships:

• DAAD Scholarships for Development-related Postgraduate Courses: Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), these scholarships are for development-related postgraduate courses.
• DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master’s scholarship for public policy and good governance): Also offered by the DAAD, this scholarship is for public policy and good governance.
• Heinrich Boll Scholarships in Germany for international students: The Heinrich Boll Foundation offers scholarships for students planning to study STEM fields, journalism, economic or legal studies, and art degrees.
• Goethe Goes Global - masters scholarships: These scholarships are for master's students.

Doctoral Degree Scholarships:

• DAAD Scholarships for research studies: These DAAD scholarships are for doctoral research studies.
• Stipendienlotse scholarships: These scholarships are for students opting for doctoral studies.
• University of Cologne International Doctoral Scholarships: These scholarships are for international doctoral students.

Scholarships for international students from developing countries

Germany is a popular destination for international students due to its affordable education system, top universities, and excellent infrastructure. German universities offer internationally recognised programmes at a relatively cheaper cost compared to the UK, USA, or Australia. There are also many scholarships available for international students, including those from developing countries.

DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for international students to study in Germany at various degree levels. The DAAD Scholarship Database provides details of all the scholarships available.

In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme

The In-Country/In-Region scholarship programme supports the training of future professionals and managerial staff in developing countries, especially university teachers. Scholarships are available for postgraduate programmes and doctorates. The programme currently focuses on sub-Saharan Africa, but similar programmes are run in Central America, South America, South and Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)

The EPOS programme offers individual scholarships to participants from developing countries to study development-related postgraduate courses at selected universities in Germany. The programme has been running since 1987 and has awarded more than 7,000 scholarships, with about 50% going to women.

Other Scholarships

There are also many other scholarships available for international students from developing countries, including:

• KAAD Scholarships for Developing Countries
• Kofi Annan MBA Scholarships for Developing Country Students
• Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) for Developing Countries
• Mawista Scholarship
• Humboldt Research Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers
• Erasmus+

Frequently asked questions