Studying in Germany opens up a lot of opportunities in today’s incredibly competitive job market. The country has a large number of universities for undergraduates looking to make their mark. Germany is also a promising destination for those chasing after their post-graduate programs.

The idea of studying in Germany can be very attractive, but on the financial side of things, it can be a difficult path. Scholarships in Germany can be a way to negate a lot of monetary burden along the way to your diploma.

Another great thing is that tuition in most public German universities is free and students are only required to pay for semester fees. So, if you want to study in Germany without having to spend too much? Here are some of Germany’s best scholarships for international students you can apply to.

Different Types of Scholarships in Germany

Numerous scholarships are available for domestic and international students, and they vary in their types and scholarship coverage. Scholarships are mainly separated into categories: External Scholarships which are awarded by institutions and organizations that do not belong to the education field, Governmental Scholarships which are offered by the country’s government as financial help for domestic and international students, and University Scholarships which are mostly offered by specific universities based on their programs, and in most cases, they are merit-based.

Top External Scholarship Options in Germany

As stated above, these external scholarships are given by different organizations to be applied to universities in Germany. While most of these scholarships can be applied to any university in Germany, there might be some restrictions, so please check the pages linked to see if there are any restrictions.

1. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung is a non-profit political foundation in Berlin, Germany, that promotes social democracy in the country and worldwide. They aim to support activities upholding the same values and assist students who give importance to social democracy. This scholarship is open to domestic and international students with limited financial capacity to support their studies.

To qualify for this scholarship in Germany, the applicant must have a strong personality, be a critical thinker with a political mindset, and be able to work in a team. In addition, he should also have excellent academic standing. The applicant should know about speaking and understanding the German language. You can start your application on their official website, and kindly note that you should be enrolled in your chosen university. If the team approves your application, they will request additional documents to support it.

2. Heinrich Boll Scholarships for International Students

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The Heinrich Boll Foundation in Berlin, Germany, is an independent political foundation formed in 1997. This foundation aims to promote political education in Germany and internationally. As they advocate these things, they also assist undergraduate and graduate students in their studies by giving financial aid. As of today, they support more than 1,500 students in Germany and globally.

These scholarships are given to non-European citizens who want to study in Germany. You can start your application in their online application portal, and please note that you should have good knowledge of the German language. Proof of your proficiency in the German language should be presented when you apply for a scholarship. Other documents and forms are detailed on their website. You need to upload your supporting documents to the portal that must be translated into the German language.

3. Erasmus Scholarship Programs in Germany

International postgraduate students can apply for scholarships through the Erasmus scholarship program that is available in Germany. This is a great opportunity because the scholarship covers the full tuition fee for the academic year and the travel costs of students. The main advantage that students gain from this scholarship is that it helps them create social interactions with other students who fall under this program and helps them gain international experiences.

The scholarship has a separate application process, meaning students would need to submit a different set of requirements aside from the university admissions.

4. Bayer Foundation Scholarship

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Master’s, Ph.D.

The Bayer Foundation offers scholarships to students who are interested in undergoing their fellowships in Germany. This scholarship is available for both domestic and international students who are planning to conduct and research various topics that are of high importance.

One of the conditions for this scholarship is that candidates must possess great talent and potential and can research topics that are considered innovations in their respective educational fields.

5. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships

This scholarship is open to international students currently undergoing the highest level of education in their respective fields. It is mostly focused on postgraduate studies that have the main aim of conducting research programs in Germany.

The scholarship covers living expenses, mobility allowance, research and training costs, and other indirect expenditures.

6.  Mawista Scholarship

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

This scholarship is not like the rest of the scholarships offered in Germany for the sole reason that it supports a class of students who normally do not get much attention. It is well known that studying in a foreign country while having children and taking care of them is a challenge on its own. With a one-time payment of $3,000, this scholarship program tends to help parents who have the will to study but are taking care of their children.

Even though this payment would not cover half of the total academic fees, it is still a great step in helping them achieve their dreams and formal education.

7.  Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships for International Students

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The Scholarship Department of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung offers scholarships to all degree levels. They are granted to students who have been exemplary in their academic studies. This scholarship does not cover tuition fees, because in most cases the tuition fees are free for international students. Still, it is focused on covering the students’ living expenses and other costs that will make them feel comfortable in Germany.

Top Government Scholarship Options in Germany

8. Deutschlandstipendium Program (German Public-Private Scholarship)

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s

The Deutschlandstipendium Program or German Public-Private Scholarship is funded by the federal government and some private sponsors. It is merit-based and awarded to international students with excellent academic standing at their respective German universities.

German universities are the ones that are responsible for processing and selecting the recipients. You can check with your chosen university if they offer this scholarship and follow the application process. The documents needed and submission dates will depend on your university. Lastly, you need to present vital academic records and kindly include your social involvement and personal achievements in life.

9. Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance)

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Full tuition and other expenses
  • Eligible Degrees: Master’s

The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Masters Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance Program is one of the best government scholarship opportunities for international students in Germany. This program is focused on international students who come from developing countries with difficult financial backgrounds, and it helps them by covering their tuition fees and providing them with a monthly allowance.

For students who benefit from this program, the scholarship also includes financial assistance with health insurance and coverage, as well as a travel allowance. The program will also provide financial coverage for their spouse and children if they fall under the program’s requirements. This scholarship has a connected application system with the university, and the students who meet the right requirements are awarded the reward.

10. DAAD Scholarships (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses)

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: up to full funding (vary)
  • Eligible Degrees: Master’s, Ph.D.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarship opportunities to foreign students from developing countries to study in Germany.

These scholarships are mostly focused on courses such as business administration, economics, political science, and development, from which students can gather great knowledge and skills.

The main advantage of these scholarships is that they offer great value to students because they give them full tuition fee coverage, monthly allowance, health insurance, and travel fees. That is one of the main reasons why this scholarship is highly requested by international students.

Top University Scholarship Options in Germany

11. TUM – Scholarships for International Students

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s

The Technical University of Munich offers a merit-based scholarship for international students taking up undergraduate or graduate programs at the university. The scholarship is intended for students having financial problems supporting their studies but showing excellent academic performance.

To start your application for these scholarships in Germany, answer the online form on the university’s website and prepare the documents needed. These documents should be translated into German or English. Some documents required are a motivational letter, a current grade report from the university, two recommendation letters, and proof of your parent’s income. The complete list of documents needed can be found on the scholarship link.

12. Heidelberg University – Amirana Scholarship

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Dentistry and Medicine degrees

The Amirana Scholarship at Heidelberg University provides financial assistance to international students from Global South countries taking a degree in medicine or dentistry. They aim to provide funds to support these future doctors or medical practitioners.

If your country is included, you can apply for the scholarship by preparing the supporting documents along with your application form. Usually, they will require you to present your previous academic transcripts, curriculum vitae, and proof of English proficiency, such as results from the TOEFL, IELTS, and other English tests.

13. RWTH – Student Assistantships

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The RWTH Aachen University offers a partial scholarship to European and international students. The student assistantship requires students to work and the amount to be paid will depend on the hours worked by the student. This type of scholarship can help cover the living expenses of the student.

Students need to check the RWTH Job Portal to search for the available jobs and their eligibility. As you search, go over the requirements and eligibility to see if you fit in the position, and then submit your credentials on the email provided on each job posting.

14. LMU – SIST LMU Study Scholarship

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: partial funding of €650 per month (10 months)
  • Eligible Degrees: Full-time and Ph.D. degree students

The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich gives scholarships to international students taking full-time doctoral programs. The Federal State of Bavaria funds this scholarship, which aims to help students in their studies. All applications will be evaluated and reviewed by the LMU International Office.

To be eligible for this German scholarship, you need to have excellent academic records for the past semesters and you should show that you need financial assistance for your studies. All application forms and required documents must be submitted electronically, so ensure that all your documents are complete. Incomplete requirements will automatically rejected. After the evaluation process, the International Office Advisory Committee of the university will select the successful applicants. Applicants will then be notified if they are selected as one of the recipients.

15. Ulm University – STIBET Scholarship

Established in 1967, Ulm University houses more than 10,000 local and international students. This public university in Germany is highly recognized for its academic programs in science, engineering, and medicine. They also established their reputation for providing quality research in various fields.

To support international students, the university offers this scholarship to international students who are finishing their university degree. Funded by DAAD, this award is not long-term, recipients will be awarded a monthly stipend of 250 euros for six months, or in rare cases, up to 12 months.

STIBET Scholarship restricts applicants who have already been receiving funding grants from other agencies. If you are planning to apply for this scholarship program, make sure that you are not in any way receiving any financial awards.

16. Heidelberg University – Hans-Peter Wild Talent Scholarships

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s

Heidelberg University is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities, located in the heart of Heidelberg. The institution was founded in 1386, and it has been a hub for students from across Europe but has recently started to attract international students from around the world. It offers more than 110 fields of study at the bachelor’s level and over 80 majors at the master’s level.

The university is offering Hans-Peter Wild Talent Scholarships for international students with a funding amount of 1,000 euros per month over the standard course of study. This award is available for those pursuing undergraduate degrees in mathematics, computer science, the natural sciences, or technology.

Since the university requires an online application for these awards, applicants should prepare the documents beforehand. Typically, international bachelor’s students should prepare their previous academic records, a letter of motivation, a recommendation letter, MINT-related documentation (such as awards and prizes), and notification of admission. This goes the same for graduate students, the documents required are almost the same. It is highly encouraged that applicants complete their forms and papers early to avoid any delay.

17. University of Hamburg – Merit Scholarship

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The University of Hamburg is a public research university in Hamburg, Germany.  It was founded on March 28, 1919, but was established as a fully accredited university in January 1922. Since its establishment, the institution has been recognized as an international research university with strengths in law, medicine, and economics. The first doctoral program was opened in 1924, and it has been considered one of the best universities in Germany for graduate training and undergraduate education. ]

The university offers merit scholarships at all degree levels. You can apply for the award online but before proceeding, make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria. If you are eligible, then you can submit the following documents for evaluation: A CV, letter of motivation, proof of social and intercultural activities, and evaluations from two professors are required, along with the application form.

18. Leibniz University Hannover – Degree Completion Grant

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

Leibniz University Hannover is an institution in Lower Saxony, Germany. It was founded in 1831 as the Royal Institute of Artillery, Engineering, and Manufacturing in Hanover, becoming the Technical University of Hanover in 1969 before finally gaining its current name in 2003.

The Degree Completion Grant aims to support international students during their degree completion phase. The awarding committee decides on the amount and duration of the grant for each applicant individually. It is based on the available funds, the number of applications, and the student’s needs. If your application is accepted, you will promptly receive an invitation to a personal interview usually lasting for about 20 – 30 minutes, during which you can explain your situation in person.

19. Ruhr-University Bochum Scholarships

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

Ruhr-University Bochum is a state university in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. The university was founded in 1966 as the successor to the Technical University of Applied Sciences Essen and is organized into various faculties. It is one of the biggest German universities with a focus on technology, and it offers a wide range of courses and programs in engineering sciences, natural sciences, economics, social sciences, and the humanities.

RUB offers financial support to international students. Scholars will receive a monthly stipend for six months which can be used to cover tuition fees, living costs, and other expenses related to their studies. You need to apply online if you want to apply for this scholarship. But do take note, that you can only apply for one scholarship, so you need to thoroughly check which scholarship is suitable for your academic financial needs.

20. University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Scholarship

  • Scholarship Page
  • Scholarship Type: Partial Funding
  • Eligible Degrees: Master’s, State Examination degrees

The University of Erlangen-Nuremberg is a public university located in Germany. It was founded in 1693 and is one of the oldest universities in the country. The school has an excellent reputation for its research facilities.

To be eligible for this scholarship, you need to have excellent grades, and you must also demonstrate financial need. Only students with a gross monthly income of under 861 euros can apply. In the application form, a statement regarding the applicants’ financial needs has to be explained, and the age restriction for this award is 35 years or below.

You also need to send an up-to-date transcript and the online application form to apply. You would also need to write up your CV and request a letter of recommendation from a professor at the university.

 

Germany is very generous in providing financial support to international students, especially those who are greatly in need. From government, and external to university scholarships, students have extensive options on what financial aid they can apply to. Be sure to research the scholarship program before even submitting your application. Make a list then apply to those that can support your financial needs.

 

Hopefully, this article will help you in looking for the right scholarship you need. If you want to learn more about Germany, then check the Study in Germany and Available Programs for more articles and study opportunities!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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2 Comments

  1. Mushahid Hussain - Reply

    Apply link for scholarships.

    • Hyun Lee - Reply

      Hi, please check out “scholarships link” bullet point for German scholarships on our list.

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