Are you an international student dreaming of studying in Germany? You could qualify for one of these scholarships.
Scholarships in Germany for International Students
Germany is a top choice for studying abroad, especially since 2014, when all 16 German states got rid of tuition fees for both local and international undergrads at public universities.
But even if you qualify for free tuition, you’ll still need to budget for other expenses—like housing, food, and flights.
The good news? There are plenty of scholarships in Germany for international students. Below is a list to kickstart your search. Keep in mind, this isn’t an exhaustive list, so make sure to dig deeper into what you might be eligible for.
Many universities and specific courses also offer their own funding options, so it’s worth reaching out to your chosen school directly for details.
You can also explore this handy scholarship database from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to get started.
Helpful guides:
- Everything you need to know about studying in Germany
- The cost of studying at a German university
- Graduate employability: top German universities ranked by employers
- Best universities in Germany
- A guide to student visas for international students in Germany
- Post-study work visas in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Scholarships
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is a government-funded organization offering various scholarships to international students in Germany. Some options include:
- DAAD Scholarships for Master’s Studies
- Monthly payments of up to €934 (~£810) for 10–24 months (depending on program length).
- Awards are based on academic merit and research proposal strength.
- Additional benefits may include health insurance, travel costs, rent subsidies, disability support, and German language course fees.
- Subject-specific scholarships are also available for music, fine art, performing arts, and architecture.
- DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Programs
- Primarily for students from developing and threshold countries.
- Supports individual research projects or structured doctoral programs.
- Monthly grant of €1,200 (~£1,041), plus health insurance, travel costs, and a one-time research allowance.
- Possible extras: rent subsidies, family allowances, disability support, and German language course fees.
Private Scholarships
Some businesses and private donors fund scholarships, often based on merit or targeting specific nationalities. A few options:
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
- Over 1,000 scholarships/year for undergrads, postgrads, and PhD students in Germany.
- Up to €860/month + additional allowances.
- Applicants should show commitment to sustainability, human rights, and social justice, along with strong academics.
- German American Fulbright Program
- For U.S. citizens studying in Germany for 10 months or two semesters.
- Covers travel, health insurance, and a monthly stipend (up to €1,200).
- Some grants include a spouse allowance.
- Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship
- For students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, or Eastern Europe.
- Monthly stipend of up to €850 for undergrad, master’s, or PhD studies.
- €276/month family allowance for students with children.
- Based on academic merit and social/political engagement.
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship
- Offers up to €1,200/month for EU/non-EU students and refugees in most fields.
- Initial funding for one year, renewable for up to two more years.
Other Scholarships
Beyond private and DAAD options, scholarships are also offered by state governments, businesses, and universities, sometimes in partnership:
- SIST LMU Study Grant
- Funded by the German Foreign Office for high-achieving students at Ludwig Maximilian Universität München (LMU).
- Up to €650/month for 10 months max.
- Technical University Munich (TUM) Scholarships
- In collaboration with the Bavarian government, offers €500–€1,500 per semester based on financial need.
- Renewable each semester.
- Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship (Stipendium Plus)
- €300/month for talented domestic and international students.
- Half funded by businesses/private donors, half by the German government.
- Many universities also provide mentoring, networking, and internship opportunities.
- Check this interactive map for participating schools.
- Heidelberg University Hans-Peter Wild Talent Scholarships
- For students in math, computer science, natural sciences, or tech.
- Up to €1,000/month for the entire program duration.