Scholarships can make studying abroad more accessible to students from around the world. Even in Germany, where many post-secondary programmes have low or no tuition cost at public universities, students must still cover expenses related to course materials and living in a new country.
Many incoming international students must also prove they have the financial capacity to study in Germany when applying for a student visa. Scholarships, like blocked accounts (Sperrkonto) and bank guarantees (Bankbürgschaft) can help to provide this proof.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular scholarship opportunities for international students in Germany.
- Some of the sections below refer to individual scholarships, like the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships and Hilde Domin Programme.
- Others refer to a range of opportunities offered by one organization (Erasmus+, DAAD).
- Interested in a specific opportunity? Click on the relevant link in the “In This Article” sidebar to jump ahead.
As part of your student visa application, many future students are expected to show they can cover the costs related to living and studying in Germany. Learn how a bank guarantee is different from a blocked account, and use our guide to prepare for this visa requirement.
DAAD Scholarships
The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), or German Academic Exchange Service, supports over 100,000 German and international students and researchers every year through a wide variety of scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
Most DAAD scholarships are built for post-graduate studies, from master’s students to postdoc researchers. If you’re planning to pursue graduate studies or a postdoc opportunity in Germany, visit the DAAD scholarship database to find scholarship programmes that match your academic profile.
In many cases, DAAD scholarships include a monthly scholarship payment, and a flat-rate travel allowance. In some cases, they will also include insurance, family benefits, or one-time research allowances.
Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Program
The Deutschlandstipendium scholarships are granted by participating universities, and are open to newly-enrolling and current international students who are within the standard duration of their studies (two years for master’s students, four years for doctoral students).
Funding comes partially from businesses and foundations, and partially from the German federal government. Applicants are judged based on their academic history, extracurriculars, and personal achievements.
Recipients receive a monthly award for a minimum of two semesters, up to the total duration of their studies. Every two semesters, recipients are reassessed for fit with the award criteria. Deutschlandstipendium recipients also benefit from dedicated mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and internships which can build their professional skills.
Erasmus+ Program
The Erasmus+ program is open to tertiary students at levels ranging from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees who wish to participate in a short-term or long-term student exchange program. Applicants must be enrolled in a study programme at an institution which participates in Erasmus+, and their time abroad must be relevant to their degree-related learning. Their home institution must also sign an Erasmus cooperation agreement with the German institution where the student will be enrolled.
This program primarily serves students from EU member states and associated countries. However, it’s still worth looking into as a student from another country, as non-EU opportunities like the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters exist under the Erasmus+ umbrella.
Erasmus+ recipients receive a single grant to travel to and from Germany, and a monthly stipend for living expenses. They are also exempt from tuition, exam, and registration fees at the university.
Stay on track financially while studying abroad by drafting and sticking to a monthly budget. Get started with our guide to the cost of living in Germany for international students.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
If you’re planning to pursue graduate (master’s or doctoral) studies in Germany and can prove you have German language proficiency of Level B2 or DSH 1 or higher, consider applying to the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships.
These scholarships accept submissions twice yearly. Their application deadlines are March 1 and September 1. The application portal usually opens around six weeks before the deadline.
While total scholarship amounts vary, funding may be used toward all graduate degrees at state or state-recognized universities across Germany. The scholarship lasts for the regular period of study for that degree, and may be extended for one semester. Scholarships may also include additional funding for things like health insurance or family support.
Hilde Domin Programme
This scholarship program supports master’s students and doctoral candidates who are at risk of (or who are) denied educational or other rights in their country of origin. Hilde Domin Programme recipients receive a full scholarship for their study or research stay, in a degree course not including professional degrees like medicine, pharmacy, and law. Recipients pursuing a master’s degree will receive up to 24 months of funding, where doctoral students receive up to 48 months.
Prospective scholarship recipients must be nominated by an institution or organization based in Germany. Additionally, recipients must be able to speak German or English at a B2 level or higher.
Interested? While nominating organizations may submit applications at any time, there are two formal application periods. Students who plan to start their studies in the summer semester have a March-April application period. Meanwhile, students starting in winter semester will have a September-October scholarship application period. For the most current timelines, check the DAAD website.
You’ve just learned about a few of the most popular scholarships for international students in Germany. Your academic institution, study-related businesses, or regional government within Germany may also offer scholarships, so it’s wise to start your scholarship research early. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can take the next step towards studying abroad!
Learn about study abroad opportunities in Germany on the free-to-use ApplyBoard platform today.