Scholarships in Germany
Tuition is already free at public universities — but these scholarships can also cover your living costs, insurance and travel. Most are open to international students.
14 of 14 scholarships
DAAD Study Scholarships
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Germany's flagship scholarship for international Master's students — fully covers stipend, insurance and travel.
Amount
€934/month + travel + insurance
Duration
10–24 months
Deadline
Mostly October–November (varies by country)
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Graduates with above-average academic results
- ›Completed Bachelor's degree before starting
- ›Open to all nationalities, prioritising developing-country students
- ›Language proficiency in English or German depending on the programme
What it covers
- ✓Monthly stipend
- ✓Health, accident and personal liability insurance
- ✓One-off travel allowance
- ✓Study and research allowance
DAAD Research Grants
DAAD
DAAD's main route for international PhD candidates — long, well-funded research stays in Germany.
Amount
€1,200/month + extras
Duration
Up to 4 years
Deadline
Typically October–November
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Excellent Master's degree
- ›Confirmation of supervision from a German professor
- ›Open to international applicants from most countries
What it covers
- ✓Monthly PhD stipend
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Travel allowance
- ✓Research allowance
Deutschlandstipendium
German Federal Government + private sponsors
Talent-based scholarship: half from the federal government, half from a private sponsor. Apply directly through your university.
Amount
€300/month (tax-free)
Duration
Minimum 2 semesters, often the full degree
Deadline
Apply once enrolled — deadlines set by each university
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Strong academic performance
- ›Open to all students at participating German universities (including international)
- ›Social engagement and personal background also considered
What it covers
- ✓€300/month stipend on top of any other funding
- ✓Mentoring and networking events at the university
Erasmus+
European Union
EU programme funding study exchanges across Europe (and beyond). Apply through your home university's international office.
Amount
€350–€600/month + mobility top-up
Duration
3–12 months
Deadline
Set by your home university — usually 6–12 months before mobility
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Enrolled at a European partner university (or partner country)
- ›Mobility must be between Erasmus+ partner institutions
What it covers
- ✓Monthly mobility grant
- ✓Travel allowance (for long-distance or green travel)
Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
German National Academic Foundation
Germany's most prestigious general scholarship — highly selective, very strong network and academic enrichment.
Amount
Up to €934/month + study costs
Duration
Standard length of degree
Deadline
Rolling — usually nominated in 1st/2nd semester
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Outstanding academic record and personality
- ›Nominated by professor, school, or competition winners can self-apply
- ›International students enrolled at a German university are eligible
What it covers
- ✓Monthly stipend (income-dependent)
- ✓Study/research costs
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Academic seminars and summer schools
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Heinrich Böll Stiftung (Green Party-affiliated)
Foundation linked to the Greens, supporting socially-engaged students — especially in sustainability, ecology and human rights.
Amount
€934/month for international students
Duration
Standard length of degree
Deadline
1 March / 1 September each year
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Excellent academic record
- ›Demonstrated social/political engagement (environment, human rights, democracy)
- ›Open to international students
What it covers
- ✓Monthly stipend
- ✓Travel allowance
- ✓Family/childcare allowance if applicable
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (CDU-affiliated)
Foundation linked to the CDU, supporting academically strong and civically engaged students from around the world.
Amount
Up to €934/month
Duration
Standard length of degree
Deadline
Annual — typically by July
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Above-average academic record
- ›Christian-democratic / civic engagement
- ›Open to international students with a connection to Germany
What it covers
- ✓Monthly stipend
- ✓Insurance support
- ✓Academic seminars
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarships
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (SPD-affiliated)
Foundation linked to the SPD, supporting students committed to social justice and democracy.
Amount
Up to €934/month
Duration
Standard length of degree
Deadline
Continuous applications; review rounds quarterly
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Strong academic record
- ›Social-democratic values and demonstrated engagement
- ›Open to international students
What it covers
- ✓Monthly stipend
- ✓Family allowance
- ✓Seminars and academic events
Avicenna-Studienwerk
German Federal Government (for Muslim students)
Federally-funded foundation supporting Muslim students with strong academic performance and social engagement.
Amount
Up to €934/month
Duration
Standard length of degree
Deadline
1 April and 1 October
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Strong academic record
- ›Muslim faith
- ›Studying in Germany (German university)
- ›Open to German and international students
What it covers
- ✓Monthly stipend
- ✓Study allowance
- ✓Networking and seminars
Cusanuswerk
Federal Govt (for Catholic students)
Catholic scholarship foundation for academically excellent students.
Amount
Up to €934/month
Duration
Standard length of degree
Deadline
1 May / 1 November
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Strong academic record
- ›Catholic faith
- ›Studying in Germany
What it covers
- ✓Monthly stipend
- ✓Academic events
- ✓Networking
Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst
Federal Govt (for Protestant students)
Protestant scholarship foundation supporting academically strong students with strong personalities.
Amount
Up to €934/month
Duration
Standard length of degree
Deadline
1 March / 1 September
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Strong academic record
- ›Protestant faith
- ›Studying in Germany
What it covers
- ✓Monthly stipend
- ✓Seminars and personal development
ELES (Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk)
Federal Govt (for Jewish students)
Jewish scholarship foundation supporting talented Jewish students in Germany.
Amount
Up to €934/month
Duration
Standard length of degree
Deadline
1 March / 1 September
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Strong academic record
- ›Jewish faith
- ›Studying in Germany
What it covers
- ✓Monthly stipend
- ✓Academic and cultural seminars
KAAD Scholarships
Catholic Academic Exchange Service
Scholarship for students from developing countries (does not require being Catholic, but applicants must be from a country KAAD partners with).
Amount
€934–€1,200/month
Duration
Standard length of degree
Deadline
15 June / 15 January
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Students from developing countries (Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East)
- ›Master's or PhD studies in Germany
- ›Strong academic record + social commitment
What it covers
- ✓Monthly stipend
- ✓Travel
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓German language course
University-specific scholarships
Individual universities
Most German universities also offer their own scholarships funded by alumni, industry partners or state ministries. Always check your university's website.
Amount
€300–€1,000/month (varies)
Duration
Varies by programme
Deadline
Varies by university and scholarship
Eligibility & what it covers →
Eligibility
- ›Open to admitted/enrolled students of that university
- ›Often based on academic merit and/or financial need
- ›Specific eligibility depends on each scholarship
What it covers
- ✓Monthly stipend or one-off grant
- ✓Sometimes tuition waiver (in BW)