Scholarships in Germany for International Students
Planning to study in Germany? Explore a range of scholarships available for international students in 2026 that can make your study abroad journey more affordable.
Find the right scholarship in Germany — get expert guidance on your application
What you'll learn in this article
Germany has firmly established itself as one of the most popular study destinations in Europe, attracting over 380,000 students in the 2024-2025 winter semester. However, the reality of semester contribution fees, private university tuition, and the rising cost of living means financing your education is still a major challenge. This challenge leads to one crucial question for every prospective student: how can I fund my dream of studying in Germany?
You have found the answer. On this page, we cut through the confusion and present the complete, updated list of scholarships in Germany for international students. We cover everything, from prestigious government-backed DAAD grants and university-specific funding to essential private financial aid options.
Ready to secure your funding? Let’s get started.
Find the right scholarship in Germany — get expert guidance on your application
Types of Scholarships in Germany for International Students
When exploring scholarships to study abroad, the first step is to understand the types of scholarships available in Germany for international students. Unlike many other countries, Germany mainly offers merit-based and social-commitment-based scholarships. These are the key criteria used by government bodies, universities, and private institutions when awarding scholarships to study in Germany.
Each scholarship aims to make student life in Germany more financially manageable while helping students build valuable connections with government and private academic partners. This support can also improve opportunities for securing a post-study work visa in Germany after graduation.
Government Scholarships in Germany
These awards are sponsored by the German Federal government, and a majority of these scholarships apply to both public and private universities. The eligibility criteria of these scholarships are highly dependent on the applicant’s merit, also known as Deutschlandstipendium in Germany, and their social and political commitment towards Germany.
Non-Government Scholarships in Germany
Private scholarships in Germany are focused mainly on master’s and research-based doctoral programmes. Many large German foundations require applicants to demonstrate socio-political engagement or alignment with the foundation's values. These criteria include volunteer work, community leadership, or advocacy, which is a key factor alongside academic excellence.
University-Sponsored Scholarships
Apart from the government and private scholarships, universities in Germany also have their own individual scholarships applicable to both domestic and international students. These scholarships are applicable at various education levels, be it for undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programmes.
Also Read: Scholarships for Indian students in Germany
Feeling overwhelmed by the study abroad process? AECC counsellors guide you through admissions, scholarships, and more — all in one place
Government Scholarships in Germany
The German government offers multiple scholarships to study in Germany for international students. These scholarships are very generous and cover the entire cost of studying in Germany from the semester contribution fees to living expenses, travel costs, health insurance and more at both public and private universities depending on the type of university.
But it is important to note that these scholarships in Germany are highly competitive and are dependent on fulfilling mandatory eligibility requirements. Here is the list of top 9 Government Scholarships to study in Germany:
| Scholarship Name | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarships | Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service, these scholarships support international students at various academic levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes from a state-funded university. | Monthly stipend of €992 and Annually study allowance of €460 for graduates, €1,400 for doctoral candidates, plus travel and health insurance. |
| Erasmus+ Program | This European Union initiative facilitates multiple scholarships to international students. Like the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters and is applicable to selected public and private universities in Germany. | Full Scholarship covering travel, visa, a living allowance. |
Many government-linked scholarships in Germany, such as the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships, Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships, Hans Böckler Foundation Scholarships, Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships, and KAAD, are other popular government-sponsored scholarships to study in Germany. But these scholarships are mainly funded by Stiftungen, which are political foundations connected to different German political parties.
One crucial eligibility criterion for these scholarships is to demonstrate long-term commitment to the foundation’s political or social values, often through proven activism, community engagement, or political participation.
Additionally, most of these scholarships are aimed at master’s and PhD students rather than bachelor’s applicants, and they typically require a German language level of B2 or higher, even if the academic programme is taught in English.
These conditions make them difficult to access for international students who are new to Germany, lack political involvement in the country, or are still developing their German language skills.
Looking for scholarships to study in Germany? AECC counsellors can help you find the right government-funded options to manage your study costs.
Non-Government Scholarships in Germany
Government scholarships in Germany can be used at any recognised German university. Because of this, there are fewer non-government options. However, many private scholarships are still available, mainly for international students studying master’s degrees or research programmes.
Here is the list of non-government-sponsored scholarships to study in Germany:
| Scholarship | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship | Fellowship sponsored by the Einstein Foundation for postdoctoral candidates to sponsor a junior researcher under him at a university in Berlin. | An item of expenditure of up to € 20,000 per year to cover material resources for the Einstein Postdoctoral Fellow. |
| Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) | These are Postdoctoral research scholarships for international students wishing to study in Germany, funded by the European Commission (now part of Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships). | Covers a monthly allowance, living allowance, if applicable, family, long-term leave and special needs allowances. |
| Mawista Scholarship | Scholarships for those studying abroad while taking care of a child, including those pursuing study in Germany. | Amount varies depending on applicants profile |
| Deutschland Stipendium | Merit-based scholarships of €300 a month available to highly talented students enrolled at German universities. Nationality and personal income do not affect consideration. | €300 per month |
University-Specific Scholarships to Study in Germany
Scholarships in Germany for international students are offered by many universities to attract and support incoming students. Below is a detailed list of some of the top German university-specific scholarships available to international students.
| University | Descriptions | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| RWTH Aachen University- Degree Completion Scholarship for International Doctoral Candidate | These scholarships support high-achieving international students enrolled in doctoral programmes at RWTH Aachen University. | €1,356 per month. |
| IU International University of Applied Sciences – IU Scholarships for International Students | Provides partial scholarships for international students studying bachelor’s and master’s programmes at IU, based on academic potential and professional goals. | Up to 75% tuition fee reduction |
| Jacobs University Bremen – Merit Scholarships | Offers merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate and postgraduate students based on academic excellence and leadership motivation. | Up to €12,000 per year (varies by programme) |
| University of Hamburg | Awarded to international students with excellent academic records and social engagement, supporting them during their studies. | Up to €992 per month. |
| Heidelberg University | Offers various scholarships to international students, including the Amirana Scholarship for medical students and scholarships for students in other fields. | €300 per month |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management – Excellence Scholarships | Provides financial support for international students based on academic performance in business, finance, and management programmes. | Up to 50% tuition fee reduction |
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | TUM offers various scholarships to international students, including the Bavarian Government Scholarship and the Deutschlandstipendium. | One-time financial aid between €500 and €1,800 per semester. |
Eligibility Criteria for Applying to Scholarships in Germany
Scholarships in Germany offer valuable financial support to international students. To be considered for these scholarships, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
Academic Excellence: Demonstrate outstanding academic performance with high grades or GPA.
Language Proficiency: Achieve required scores in language tests, such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL, or TestDaF, based on the language of instruction.
Field of Study: Apply for scholarships aligned with the applicant’s chosen field or programme of study.
Financial Need: Provide evidence of financial need or justify how the scholarship will impact their educational journey.
Nationality: Proof of international student identity if the scholarship has nationality-specific requirements.
Supporting Documents: Submit necessary documents, including letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and evidence of extracurricular activities or leadership roles.
These criteria help ensure that scholarships for international students in Germany are awarded to the most qualified candidates.
How Do You Apply for Scholarships in Germany?
Applying for scholarships to study in Germany involves several key steps to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and submit a compelling application.
Step 1: Research Scholarship Options.
Look for scholarships available in Germany that fit your study subject, level of education, and personal circumstances. Check university websites, scholarship portals, and relevant foundations.
Step 2: Understand the Eligibility Criteria.
See to it that the eligibility criteria of every scholarship match your qualifications with respect to academic performance, language ability, and financial need.
Step 3: Organise all Documents.
These will include academic transcripts, language test scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Demonstrate financial needs. Ensure that all documents are complete and as per the specifications of the scholarship.
Step 4: Write a Strong Application.
The scholarship essay or motivational letter to be attached has to specify your academic achievements and describe your career goals, showing how the scholarship will benefit your studies and further plans.
Step 5: Submit Application.
Carefully follow the instructions and send in applications before the deadline. This may involve online submission or mailing of physical copies, whichever a scholarship requires.
Step 6: Follow-up.
Monitor in email and the scholarship portal in case of changes or further requirements.
The verdict is clear: there are multiple scholarships to study in Germany. All international students need to do is show extraordinary academic excellence and social commitment through voluntary work. This can be proved through letters of recommendation from social volunteer programmes and through other participation certificates.
If you need more help to find the right scholarship for you, then speak to an AECC expert and find the best match for your profile.
Scholarships in Germany FAQs
Yes, 100% or fully funded scholarships are available for international students in Germany. These include monthly stipends for living expenses, travel allowances, and health insurance. The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is a prominent provider of such fully funded scholarships. These scholarships are highly achievable, particularly for Masters and PhD programmes. Their primary goal is to cover your living expenses, as tuition is often already free at most public universities in Germany for international students.
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarships are the largest and most significant scholarship provider for international students in Germany. Other popular political and religious scholarships available for international students include the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Hanns Seidel Foundation, Cusanuswerk (Catholic), and KAAD (Catholic Academic Exchange Service for developing countries). These scholarships provide financial aid to cover living costs and a monthly stipend, as tuition fees are free in German public universities.
Yes, scholarships in Germany are competitive for international students. While there's a wide variety of scholarships available from major providers like DAAD and various political and religious foundations, many are designed to cover living expenses (as public university tuition is often free). All these scholarships demand high academic standards and specific eligibility criteria, which can include factors like nationality, programme level, or social engagement. Despite the competition, the availability of numerous dedicated scholarships means that securing funding is a realistic goal for academically strong international applicants who strategically identify and apply for scholarships that match their profile.
For international students seeking a German bachelor's scholarship, the focus is on living expenses, as public universities are largely tuition-free. Begin by exploring programmes like the Deutschlandstipendium (applied directly at universities) and Foundation Scholarships. While DAAD offers fewer full bachelor's scholarships, it does fund short-term programmes. Crucial requirements include strong academic transcripts, a compelling statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Additionally, you will need IELTS Academic/TOEFL scores for English-taught programmes or German language certificates (TestDaF/DSH) for German-taught degrees. Always check individual scholarship criteria and deadlines carefully.
Yes, international students can get a full scholarship for a Master's degree in Germany. A "full" scholarship covers living costs (e.g., a monthly stipend of around €992), health insurance, and sometimes travel/language course expenses, as tuition fees in Germany are free for all students. DAAD scholarships and various political foundations (e.g., Heinrich Böll, Friedrich Ebert) offer comprehensive funding based on academic excellence, relevant experience, and social engagement. Strong applications require excellent grades, compelling motivation, and strong recommendations.
International students seeking scholarships to study in Germany can explore opportunities primarily through government portals (like the DAAD database), various foundation websites, or direct university scholarship pages. To ensure a smooth online application process, crucial pre-application steps include meticulously selecting scholarships that align with their profile and programme, and gathering all necessary documents such as academic transcripts, a compelling statement of purpose, and strong letters of recommendation. Additionally, obtaining valid test scores (like IELTS Academic or TOEFL for English-taught programmes, or German language certificates such as TestDaF/DSH for German-taught degrees) is mandatory. It is paramount to apply for scholarships well in advance of deadlines to avoid impacting overall study plans.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Anuj Gupta
ICEF Canada Certified Education Specialist | 15 Years Advising International Students
Anuj Gupta holds ICEF Canada certification, one of the most widely recognised professional credentials in international student recruitment, and has been advising students on Canadian and European university pathways for 15 years.
Since Canada introduced its study permit cap in 2024, Anuj has spent a significant part of his time helping students work through the implications. Some are proceeding with Canada on adjusted timelines. Others are considering Germany, Ireland or the Netherlands, where English-taught programmes are available and post-study work routes are more predictable. He advises students on both options without steering them towards one by default.
The conversations he has with students tend to be specific: which course gives the best return on a particular budget, which province currently has faster processing times, and whether a diploma-to-degree pathway makes financial sense given the student's long-term goals. That is what his articles are written around. He holds an MBA in Finance and is based at AECC's Ahmedabad office.
