Scholarships for International Students in Germany

What Is a Scholarship in Germany?

A scholarship in Germany is a form of financial support awarded to students based on merit, need, or specific eligibility criteria. Most scholarships are monetary grants at their core. However, some also offer additional, non-material support, such as access to networking events or student consulting.

How Scholarships Support International Students

Scholarships in Germany do more than just ease financial pressure for international students. They also:

• Offer access to mentoring and professional development
• Provide networking opportunities with scholars and professionals
• Help students focus on their studies without needing part-time jobs
• Sometimes cover health insurance or language courses

This support can be a huge relief while adjusting to a new academic environment in Germany.

Types of Scholarships Available in Germany

Whether you're just starting your studies or a few semesters in, there’s likely a scholarship that fits your needs. Scholarships in Germany aren’t one-size-fits-all – they cater to a wide range of academic levels, personal backgrounds, and fields of study. Some are purely merit-based, while others consider your financial situation or commitment to social causes.

Here are the most common types of scholarships available to international students in Germany:

• Merit-based scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements or exceptional talent in a particular field.
• Need-based scholarships: Designed for students who can demonstrate financial hardship or limited access to funding.
• Field-specific scholarships: Offered to students in certain disciplines, such as engineering, medicine, environmental studies, or the arts.
• Target group scholarships: Tailored for applicants from specific regions, developing countries, or with refugee status.
• Research scholarships: Focused on master's, doctoral, or postdoctoral students involved in research areas or projects.
• Social engagement scholarships: For students actively involved in volunteering, politics, or community service, often supported by political or social foundations.

These categories sometimes overlap, for instance, a scholarship may be both merit-based and field-specific. Always read the details carefully to see where you might be a strong fit.

Who Offers Scholarships for International Students in Germany?

Many institutions offer scholarships for different fields of study, degree programmes, and purposes. These scholarships are available to people from all over the world who wish to study in Germany. The main sponsors of these scholarships are government organisations, private foundations, and academic institutions.

Here are some of the top scholarship providers in Germany and their target groups:

DAAD

With more than 100,000 supported students and researchers every year, the DAAD is one of the biggest funding organisations. DAAD scholarships are awarded to talented people from all around the world.

Graduates, doctoral students, and postdocs are the main target groups for DAAD grants. Nevertheless, language students can also find support from the DAAD. There are even scholarships available for people attending an academic programme or doing research in their home country.

The funding at DAAD usually consists of €992.00 per month for graduates or €1,400.00 for doctoral students. It is often supplemented by free or reduced rates for health insurance and other benefits, depending on the scholarship. More information about the scholarships can be found in the DAAD database.

Deutschlandstipendium

The Deutschlandstipendium is granted to students with outstanding academic performances. Applicants should be able to show responsibility and overcome challenges in both their daily lives and education.

The Deutschlandstipendium grants €300.00 per month. Half of the grant is sponsored by the state, while the other half is sponsored by diverse private institutions. You can ascertain your university’s participation in this programme by checking your university’s website.

Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft – Klaus Murmann Stipendium

The Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft has supported more than 7,500 scholars from different societal backgrounds. As with most other scholarships, good academic performance is a basic requirement for this one.

The financial support offered is based on the income of the holder. A flat amount of €300.00 per month is paid to every student, while the maximum amount is €812.00 per month. Doctoral students are awarded a maximum, income-dependent scholarship of €1,650.00 per month. Additionally, they receive €100.00 per month for research costs.

Scholarship holders receive additional support for direct interaction with companies and participants in the German economy. Furthermore, you can train and test your skills in competitions organised by the foundation’s members. There are fixed deadlines for the application process for this scholarship. More information about the whole application process can be found here.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

The main values of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung include personality, socio-political commitment, and outstanding performance. The foundation supports responsible young talents advocating for a free democracy.

The amount of financial support offered depends on a multitude of factors, including the parents’ income. The maximum amount is for graduate students is €992.00 per month, while the amount for doctoral students is €1,400.00 per month.

During the application process, it will be evaluated whether your personality and values align with those of the foundation. More information about the application process can be found here.

Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung

The focus of the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung lies on individuals who demonstrate high levels of social and political engagement. A special focus is put on applications from:

• Women
• Students from non-academic families and migrant backgrounds
• Socially needy students
• People with disabilities
• Students in science and technology fields

The scholarship is not awarded to international students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The foundation supports its scholarship holders with €934.00 per month, with some additional lump sums to be attained. Doctoral students receive €1,400.00 per month with a mobility allowance of €100.00. Additional information about the application process can be found here.

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung

The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung specifically grants scholarships for international students who represent democratic values and demonstrate social responsibility. The foundation aims to support international exchange. Some of the requirements for applicants include:

• Above-average academic results
• B2 German language level or higher
• Active engagement in voluntary work
• Broad general education and a strong interest in political issues

International students receive monthly support of €992.00 for a standard duration of 2 years. Doctoral students receive a monthly grant of €1,400.00 for a duration of 3 years. In addition to those stipends, multiple other subsidies are offered depending on your family situation. Scholars also profit from membership in a large network of former and current scholars and access to mentors. All necessary information regarding the application process can be found here.

Heinrich Böll Stiftung

Heinrich Böll Stiftung specifically also grants scholarships for international students. Prerequisites are a good knowledge of German (B2 level or higher) and impressive personal and academic skills. The support offered is dependent on your parents’ income as well as other personal factors. However, the maximum amount offered for international graduate students is €992.00 per month, while doctoral international students receive a monthly support of €1,400.00 with a possible family allowance of €276.00. To apply, simply follow the steps listed on their website.

Peter Fuld Stiftung

The Peter Fuld Stiftung supports young students from all fields of study, who are struggling with difficult circumstances or who would have to suspend or discontinue their education without financial assistance. Next to the financial support, the organisation also offers non-material support in the form of educational seminars on personal development, stress management and career orientation.

The amount of financial support depends on individual need and study progress. Undergraduate students can receive funding for up to six semesters, while doctoral students may be supported for the same duration, with half of the scholarship provided as an interest-free loan to be repaid at a later stage. To learn more about the requirements and application process, feel free to visit their website.

What Are the Requirements for Getting a Scholarship?

As mentioned above, there are certain requirements to be granted a scholarship. Because each scholarship provider has unique requirements, it is not feasible to provide a definitive guide to applying for them. However, we can give you recommendations on what is usually expected of scholarship holders. This may increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship.

Academic Performance and Grades

Academic achievement is one of the most common criteria for scholarship selection in Germany. Scholarship providers often expect a strong academic record that shows consistency, motivation, and the potential to succeed in your chosen field. This could be demonstrated through:

• High school or university grades (depending on your level of study)
• Academic awards or honours
• Research experience or publications (especially for master’s or PhD applicants)

If you feel your grades and academic performance are not perfect, don’t be discouraged. Many scholarships take a holistic view and consider your personal background, motivation, and societal engagement.

Language Proficiency and Study Programme

Since many degree programmes in Germany are taught in either German or English, scholarship providers typically require proof of language proficiency. This ensures that you can follow the course content and integrate successfully into your academic environment.

Here’s what’s usually expected:

• For German-taught programmes: Proof of German language skills, often at B1–C1 level, depending on the university or scholarship provider. Recognised tests include TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe-Zertifikat.
• For English-taught programmes: English proficiency through standardised tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English.

Additionally, your chosen field of study should align with the goals of the scholarship. For example, an environmental foundation may favour students in sustainability or energy-related fields.

Special Requirements for Certain Scholarships

In addition to academic and language criteria, many scholarships have specific requirements based on personal background, social engagement, or intended impact. These criteria often reflect the values and mission of the scholarship provider. Some examples include:

• Voluntary work or social engagement
• Political or religious affiliation
• Specific nationality or regional background
• Financial need documentation

Always read the eligibility criteria carefully and tailor your application accordingly.

Where and How to Apply for Scholarships in Germany

Due to the variety of scholarships offered, there are countless places where you can apply for scholarships in Germany. With so many options available, knowing where to start is half the battle. Here’s where you can find reliable scholarship opportunities and how to go about applying.

National and International Scholarship Databases

Scholarship databases are one of the most effective ways to find relevant and up-to-date funding opportunities in Germany. Some platforms allow you to filter scholarships based on your nationality, level of study, field of interest, and other criteria. This saves you time and helps you discover options you may not have considered. These are some of the most widely used databases for international students:

• DAAD Scholarship Database: Filter by country of origin, study level, and subject
• MyStipendium: Helps match students with private and public scholarships
• ScholarshipPortal: For EU-wide and Germany-specific opportunities
• Stipendienlotse: Scholarships from across Germany, including those from universities, foundations, and government programmes

Direct Applications to Foundations

Many scholarships in Germany are awarded directly by political, religious, or private foundations, each with its own mission and selection process. Applying directly to these organisations requires a bit more preparation, but it also gives you the chance to stand out and demonstrate why you’re a perfect fit for their values and goals.

What to expect when applying to foundations:

• Application materials often include a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, proof of enrolment, and letters of recommendation.
• Some foundations may request proof of voluntary work, political interest, or financial need depending on their focus.
• You may also be invited to a selection interview or to participate in an assessment centre.

When applying, make sure to thoroughly research the foundation’s background and mission. Tailor your motivation letter, accordingly, showing not just your academic goals, but also how your values and experiences align with theirs.