Scholarships in Germany aren’t as common as in countries like the US. German universities don’t offer as many scholarships in general, mainly because most public universities already don’t charge tuition fees.
But there are still plenty of opportunities even for international students who study Bachelor’s, Master’s, or do a PhD. You just need to know where to look.
1. DAAD Scholarships
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is one of the biggest scholarship providers for international students in Germany. It offers many different scholarships, especially for Master’s and PhD students. There are also some opportunities for Bachelor’s students, but they are much more limited.
Depending on the program, Master’s students can get around €992 per month and PhD students around €1,400 per month. Some scholarships also cover travel costs and health insurance.
Where to apply: DAAD Scholarship Database
2. Deutschlandstipendium (€300 per Month)
The Deutschlandstipendium (“Germany Scholarship”) is one of my favourite scholarships because it’s so simple. You get €300 per month in support, and international students can apply as well.
Good grades are important, but universities also look at your personal achievements, volunteer work, and challenges you’ve overcome. So you don’t necessarily need a perfect GPA to have a chance.
Where to apply: Directly through your German university. Search for “Deutschlandstipendium” + your university’s name.
3. German Foundation Scholarships
Germany also has a couple of large foundations that support students financially. Some of the best-known ones are:
- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung: Good for students who are interested in social justice, democracy, and community work.
- Heinrich Böll Stiftung: Focuses on sustainability, human rights, and the environment.
- Konrad Adenauer Stiftung: Supports students who are interested in leadership, politics, and social engagement.
- Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung: Focuses on equality, social justice, and political engagement.
Some of these scholarships offer about €900 or more per month. But getting one isn’t easy. Most foundations look for good grades, social engagement, and a strong connection to their values.
For many of these scholarships you need at least B2 German (even if you’re studying an English-taught degree). Some also only accept Master’s or PhD students.
In case you want to learn German, check out my popular guide on the best way to learn German as beginner.
4. University Scholarships
German universities also offer their own scholarships. For example, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has a scholarship for eligible international students. It pays out €500 to €1,800 per semester as a one-time payment.
Bachelor’s students usually need to be in at least their third semester and Master’s students in at least their second semester. Financial need and academic performance matter a lot.
Other universities have similar scholarships, emergency grants, and financial support programs.
Where to apply: Search for “Scholarships for international students” + your university’s name.
5. Company and Private Foundation Scholarships
There are also scholarships that are given out by private foundations and companies. These can be especially interesting if you’re studying engineering, chemistry, or natural sciences.
For example, the Evonik Foundation supports selected Master’s thesis projects and PhD research in natural sciences. These scholarships are very specialized and only support certain research topics.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
Getting a scholarship in Germany can be competitive, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances.
First, don’t just apply to the biggest scholarships. Smaller scholarships often have fewer applicants. Second, write a personal motivation letter instead of copying the same text for every application. Don’t underestimate your achievements outside school. Volunteer work, personal projects, and community involvement can sometimes make a big difference.
And third: Focus on what you’ve already achieved, not just what you want to achieve in the future. Anyone can write about their big dreams, goals, and ambitions, but the scholarship committee can’t really verify those promises. Instead, show them what steps you’ve already taken, what you’ve accomplished, and how those experiences connect to the scholarship you’re applying for. Real examples are much more convincing than big promises.
How to Find Even More Scholarships in Germany
To find even more scholarships, check out the free website myStipendium.de.
It’s a search engine for scholarships in Germany, with more than 3,260 scholarship programs listed. You can enter your background and study plans to find scholarships that might fit you.
