Lori Meadows
Germany is a popular study-abroad 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. In addition, Germany abolished tuition fees for both domestic and international undergraduate students at all public universities in 2014. However, the cost of living in Germany can be high, which is why scholarships are so important for international students. Luckily, Germany offers several fully and partially funded scholarships for international students, including the DAAD Scholarship, the Erasmus Scholarship, and the Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship. These scholarships provide monthly stipends, tuition fee waivers, and help with living expenses such as accommodation and travel costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries eligible for scholarships | In 2025, focus countries include Central Asia (Tashkent) and Mongolia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia) as well as Mexico (Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama). |
| Who can apply | International students with a first university degree who want to pursue a master's, PhD, or research program lasting at least four semesters at a German university. |
| Requirements | Applicants should demonstrate good academic performance and achievements. Depending on the scholarship, they may need to present a recognized school-leaving certificate, proof of proficiency in the language of instruction or working language(s), and relevant internships or work experience. |
| Scholarships | DAAD Scholarship, Erasmus Scholarship, European Postdoctoral Fellowships within the MSCA program, Neufert-Foundation Scholarships, Jacobs University Bremen Scholarships, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation Scholarship, International Max Planck Research School PhD Scholarship, IMB International PhD Program, Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship, The Leo Baeck Fellowship program, SBW Berlin Scholarship, Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship |
| Amount covered | Monthly stipends, tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, travel allowance, family allowances, research costs, and more. |
| Application deadline | Deadlines vary depending on the scholarship and the sending and receiving country. |
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What You'll Learn
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarships
Germany offers several scholarships to international students, including the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarships. DAAD is the world's largest funding organisation of its kind, supporting over 100,000 German and international students and researchers each year. DAAD scholarships are primarily aimed at graduates, doctoral students, and postdocs pursuing study and research visits at universities and non-university research institutions in Germany. Some programmes also fund internships.
DAAD scholarships are highly competitive and based on merit. Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance and achievements. They may also need to present a recognised school-leaving certificate, proof of proficiency in the language of instruction, and relevant internships or work experience. In some cases, DAAD scholarships are specifically targeted at students from developing and emerging countries.
The DAAD scholarship database provides information on the various types of scholarships available, including fully and partially funded scholarships. The scholarships typically cover monthly stipends, with €992 for graduates and €1,300 for doctoral/PhD students. Most programmes also offer travel allowances, contributions towards health insurance costs, and annual study/research allowances. DAAD scholarships do not need to be paid back, making them an attractive option for students seeking financial support during their studies in Germany.
The application process for DAAD scholarships may vary depending on the specific scholarship programme and country. Interested candidates should refer to the official DAAD website and the scholarship database for detailed information on eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and selection procedures. The DAAD scholarship application process typically involves independent and voluntary selection committees that assess applicants' professional qualifications, the quality of their research projects, and their overall potential.
In addition to the standard DAAD scholarships, there are also specific programmes such as the "Hilde Domin Programme," which targets students and doctoral candidates at risk of being denied educational or other rights in their country of origin. For these scholarships, candidates cannot directly apply but are nominated by an institution or organisation domiciled in Germany.
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Erasmus+ scholarships
Germany offers several scholarships to international students, including the DAAD Scholarship Germany and the Erasmus+ Scholarship programmes.
Erasmus+ is a programme of the European Union that helps students study or participate in educational exchanges in Europe, including Germany. To be eligible, your country must be an Erasmus+ partner country, and your university must have a partnership with a university in Germany. Exchanges for university students last from 3 to 12 months, and students receive a monthly grant to help with living costs and a one-time travel fund. Erasmus+ students are also exempt from paying tuition fees at the host university.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are prestigious international masters programmes, jointly designed and delivered by a group of higher education institutions. These programmes involve at least three institutions from at least three different countries and multiple associated partners from academia and non-academic fields. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters may offer full scholarships to the best-ranked students worldwide. Scholarships cover participation costs and contribute to a joint or multiple degree certificates.
Students interested in studying in Germany through Erasmus+ should contact the Erasmus/international office at their home university to ask about any agreements with universities in Germany.
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Private scholarships
Germany is a popular destination for international students due to its affordable living costs and education. While tuition fees at most public universities are free, there are still other expenses to consider, such as accommodation and other living costs. Scholarships are a great way to help manage these expenses.
Another private scholarship option is the Expatrio scholarship. This scholarship is open to international students from all countries who plan to start their studies in Germany during the Winter Semester. Expatrio offers a range of prizes, including monetary awards and other benefits such as rent payment and German language lessons. Applicants are assessed based on a video submission, answering how their studies in Germany will positively impact others.
The FES scholarship is another option for international students, offering a monthly stipend of €992 for students in state or state-recognized degree programs. Doctoral students can receive up to €1,400 per month for up to three years.
Additionally, the European Postdoctoral Fellowships within the MSCA program offer scholarships for researchers of any nationality who wish to pursue a 1-2 year research project in an EU Member State. This scholarship provides support for living expenses, mobility, and research activities.
Lastly, the Heinrich Boll Foundation is mentioned as a potential source of private grants for international students in Germany, although specific details about this scholarship are not readily available.
It is important to note that application processes and requirements may vary for each scholarship, so interested students should carefully review the criteria and deadlines for each opportunity.
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German state government scholarships
Germany offers several scholarships to international students, including those provided by the German federal and state governments. German state government scholarships are offered by individual German states to support students studying in their respective states. One example is the BW-Stipendium scholarship, which is offered by the state of Baden-Württemberg. This scholarship is open to students studying in Baden-Württemberg who want to go abroad, as well as students from international universities studying in the state. The BW-Stipendium scholarship provides a monthly stipend ranging from €600 to €1,400 for 3 to 11 months and includes non-material assistance and access to an international network.
Another example of a German state government scholarship is the Avicenna-Studienwerk, which is recognized by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Avicenna provides scholarships to talented and engaged Muslim students and researchers, offering a monthly grant and funding for study or research expenses. This includes sponsorship for semesters abroad, conferences, internships, and language courses.
In addition to these state-specific scholarships, there are also federal government scholarships available to international students in Germany. One notable organization is the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), which is the largest scholarship provider for international students in Germany. The DAAD offers various scholarships and grants for international students at all levels of education, including bachelor's, master's, and PhD programs. The DAAD scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowances.
Other German government scholarships include the Erasmus+ scholarships, which are open to students in short-cycle, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs participating in exchange programs in Germany. Erasmus+ provides a one-time travel grant, monthly stipends, and exemptions from tuition and other fees. Additionally, the German government offers European Postdoctoral Fellowships within the MSCA program, which are open to researchers of all nationalities holding a doctoral degree wishing to pursue research projects in EU member states. These fellowships provide funding for living expenses, mobility, family allowances, and research costs.
To summarize, Germany offers a range of state and federal government scholarships to support international students. These scholarships vary in their eligibility criteria, funding amounts, and benefits, but they all contribute to making Germany an attractive destination for higher education, known for its affordable and high-quality education system.
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University scholarships
Germany is a popular study-abroad destination, offering internationally recognised programmes at a relatively low cost compared to other countries. In 2014, 16 German states abolished tuition fees for both domestic and international undergraduate students at all public universities. However, there are still other costs to consider, such as accommodation, food, and travel.
There are extensive scholarship opportunities in Germany for international students, including both partial and fully funded scholarships. These scholarships are provided by the German government, state governments, universities, and private businesses.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a national government organisation that offers scholarships to international students in Germany. These scholarships are available for master's and doctoral students of all nationalities and cover monthly stipends, health insurance, travel allowances, and research allowances. The monthly stipend is €992 for graduates and €1,300 for doctoral students.
Erasmus+ Scholarships
The Erasmus Scholarship programme in Germany supports students across Europe, offering full and partial funding for undergraduate, master's, and PhD students.
Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship
The Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship offers €300 per month to talented domestic and international students at participating German universities. Half of the funding comes from businesses, foundations, or private individuals, and the other half comes from the German federal government.
Neufert-Foundation Scholarships
The Neufert Foundation offers scholarships to international students pursuing a master's degree in architecture, landscaping, and urban development.
Jacobs University Bremen Scholarships
Jacobs University Bremen offers fully funded scholarships of up to €12,000 per year for international master's students based on merit.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship that provides a monthly stipend of €850 for master's students and €1,200 for PhD students.
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation Scholarship
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, offering a monthly stipend of up to €850, health insurance, and family and baby allowances.
International Max Planck Research School PhD Scholarship
The International Max Planck Research School PhD Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship that includes health insurance, pension contributions, and other social benefits. The net take-home pay for PhD students is a minimum of €1,700 per month.
IMB International PhD Program
The IMB International PhD Program is a fully funded scholarship for international PhD students.
Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship
The Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for master's and PhD studies, covering the entire duration of the program.
Leo Baeck Fellowship Program
The Leo Baeck Fellowship Program is a fully funded research grant for international students, providing a monthly stipend of €1,350 plus a monthly research cost allowance of €100.
SBW Berlin Scholarship
The SBW Berlin Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for undergraduate and master's studies, offering a 100% tuition fee waiver, monthly stipend, accommodation, travel allowance, and other benefits.
European Postdoctoral Fellowships
The European Postdoctoral Fellowships within the MSCA program are open to researchers of all nationalities and disciplines who hold a doctoral degree and wish to pursue a 1-2 year research project in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. The scholarship covers living, mobility, and family allowances, as well as funds for research, training, and networking activities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Germany offers several scholarships for international students. These include the DAAD Scholarship, Erasmus Scholarship, Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship, and many more.
The requirements vary depending on the scholarship. However, common requirements include demonstrating academic merit, having a university degree or accepted into a German university, and in some cases, work experience.
The scholarships can cover a range of expenses, including tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, travel allowances, and research costs. Some scholarships also provide monthly stipends, which can range from €850 to €1,400 per month.
The deadlines vary depending on the scholarship and the university. Generally, the application period is around the months leading up to the start of the academic year (June to August). It is recommended to check with your home institution's international office or the specific scholarship programme for accurate information.
