Which Scholarships are available in Germany
TL;DR
Scholarships in Germany work differently from what you may know. Most public universities are already tuition-free, so scholarships here cover living costs, not tuition. The biggest funder is the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), supporting over 100,000 students yearly. The Deutschlandstipendium gives €300 per month regardless of nationality. Political foundations offer strong funding but expect values alignment and often German language skills. Fully funded scholarships exist but are rare and fiercely competitive. Most international students combine a partial scholarship with part-time work and savings.
- Scholarships should not be your Plan A for financing your studies. Secure your blocked account and living costs first.
- Start searching at least 12 months before your intended start date.
- Apply broadly. Cast a wide net across DAAD, your university, political foundations, and your home country.
Why Scholarships in Germany Are Different
If you are coming from a country where scholarships cover full tuition and living costs, Germany will surprise you. Here is what makes the system different.
Tuition is already free at most public universities. Since tuition is not the problem, most German scholarships focus on helping with living expenses, roughly €992 per month as of 2026. For more on what you actually pay, see Tuition Fees in Germany and Semester Fees in Germany Explained.
German citizens get government support through BAföG. Because the state already funds low-income German students through BAföG, there has never been a strong need for a US-style scholarship culture. International non-EU students are generally not eligible for BAföG.
Most scholarships are partial. A typical scholarship gives €300 to €992 per month. That helps, but it is rarely enough to live on alone without savings or part-time work.
Few scholarships are available before your first semester. Most funding organisations expect you to already be admitted or enrolled at a German university. Plan to self-fund at least your first semester.
Merit and engagement matter more than financial need. German scholarship providers look for academic excellence, social engagement, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose. Financial need is rarely the main criterion.
Do not plan your move to Germany around getting a scholarship. Non-EU students still need a blocked account with at least €11,904 regardless of any scholarship. Treat scholarships as a bonus, not your financial safety net.
The Major Scholarships for International Students
DAAD Scholarships
The DAAD, short for Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, is the world's largest funding organisation for international academic exchange.
- Who can apply: Primarily master's students, doctoral candidates, and postdocs. Some programmes also support undergraduates and language learners, though options at bachelor's level are limited.
- What it covers: Monthly stipend of approximately €992 for master's students or €1,200–€1,400 for doctoral candidates, plus health insurance, travel allowance, and sometimes a rent subsidy.
DAAD also funds shorter stays like summer courses, research visits, and language courses. Even if you do not qualify for a full study scholarship, check for smaller grants that can help with specific costs.
DAAD scholarships are competitive, with acceptance rates around 10–15% for popular programmes. A strong application needs a clear research or study plan, good grades, and evidence of social or professional engagement.
Deutschlandstipendium
The Deutschlandstipendium, also known as the Germany Scholarship, is a national programme jointly funded by the federal government and private sponsors. It is available at most participating universities.
- Who can apply: All students enrolled at a participating German university, regardless of nationality. Open to bachelor's and master's students.
- What it covers: €300 per month for at least two semesters.
- Selection criteria: Academic achievement is the main factor, but the programme also values social engagement, overcoming personal challenges, and extracurricular activities.
- How to apply: Directly through your university's scholarship office. Each university sets its own deadline, typically in spring or early summer.
The Deutschlandstipendium does not count against BAföG and can usually be combined with other scholarships. It is one of the few options genuinely open to bachelor's students.
Political Foundation Scholarships
Germany has 13 major scholarship foundations — called Begabtenförderungswerke — many linked to political parties or worldviews. These are prestigious and well-funded, but each has its own values and expectations. They primarily fund master's and doctoral students.
Key foundations for international students:
- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) — Social democracy and social justice. Up to €992 per month for non-EU students, plus health insurance. Prioritises students from developing countries.
- Heinrich Böll Stiftung — Green politics, ecology, sustainability. Up to €992 per month for non-EU students. Open to master's and doctoral students of all nationalities.
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) — Christian democratic values. Requires a first degree and German at B2 level or above. Selects focus countries each year.
- Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung — Social equality and democratic socialism. Open to international students and doctoral candidates.
- Friedrich Naumann Stiftung — Liberal values and individual freedoms.
- Hans Böckler Stiftung — Trade union-linked. Focuses on students from non-academic backgrounds.
Political foundation scholarships generally require strong German language skills (B2 or higher) and genuine engagement with the foundation's values. The selection process often includes interviews conducted in German. These are not scholarships you can apply for casually.
Erasmus+
If you are already studying in an EU country and want to spend a semester at a German university, Erasmus+ provides mobility grants of roughly €300–€450 per month plus travel support. Apply through the international office at your home university. Erasmus+ is for exchange semesters only, not for full-degree programmes.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many German universities offer their own smaller scholarships that are less well-known and therefore less competitive.
- STIBET Scholarships: Funded by the DAAD and distributed by individual universities. Typically €200–€300 per month for international students already enrolled. Ask your university's international office.
- Bavarian State Scholarships: Available at universities like TU Munich and LMU Munich. One-time grants of €500–€1,800 per semester.
- Private university scholarships: Schools like ESMT Berlin, HHL Leipzig, WHU, Frankfurt School, and Mannheim Business School offer merit-based tuition waivers of 25–100% for MBA and master's courses. See MBA in Germany for more on this.
Always check your university's scholarship page directly. Many university-level opportunities are poorly advertised and have far less competition than national scholarships.
Scholarships at Private Universities
Private universities in Germany charge tuition fees, often between €5,000 and €30,000 per year. However, many offer their own scholarship programmes to attract strong international candidates.
- Business schools commonly offer merit-based tuition waivers as part of the application process.
- If you receive an offer from a private university, always ask about scholarship options. Some funding is not publicly listed.
- Compare the net cost after subtracting the scholarship from tuition with a tuition-free public university before deciding.
What About Bachelor's Students?
This is one of the most common questions, and the honest answer is: options are limited. Most major scholarships target master's or doctoral students.
What bachelor's students can realistically access:
- Deutschlandstipendium — €300/month, open to all enrolled students
- STIBET and university-specific grants — small, but available after enrollment
- Home country scholarships — check your national education ministry
- Part-time work, up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year for non-EU students
The most common financial strategy for international bachelor's students is a combination of savings, family support, and part-time work, with a scholarship as a welcome bonus rather than a foundation.
How to Find Scholarships
- DAAD Scholarship Database — The most comprehensive starting point. Filter by country, degree level, and subject. Search here.
- Your university's international office — Ask about Deutschlandstipendium, STIBET, and any local funding.
- Political foundation websites — Apply directly if your values align.
- myStipendium.de — A free scholarship matching platform listing hundreds of options in Germany.
- Stipendienlotse — The German government's official scholarship search tool.
- Your home country — Many governments and organisations fund students going abroad. This is often the most realistic option, especially at bachelor's level.
The Funding Stack: How Most Students Actually Pay
Very few international students in Germany rely on a single funding source. The realistic approach is to stack multiple smaller sources.
| Source | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Blocked account release | €992 |
| Part-time work, up to 20 hrs/week | €500–€700 |
| Deutschlandstipendium, if awarded | €300 |
| Home country scholarship | €200–€400 |
At the 2026 minimum wage of €12.82 per hour, a part-time job alone can cover a significant share of your expenses. For a full breakdown of what you will spend, see Cost of Living in Germany.
Looking for the right university in Germany? Browse courses and universities on Kursa to find the best fit for your goals and budget.
KursaFAQ
Can I get a fully funded scholarship to study in Germany?
Fully funded scholarships exist but are rare and extremely competitive, with acceptance rates around 10–15%. Since most public universities are tuition-free, the main cost is living expenses. Most students fund their studies through a mix of savings, part-time work, and partial scholarships.
When should I start looking for scholarships?
At least 12 months before your intended start date. Some DAAD programmes and political foundation deadlines fall more than a year in advance.
Do I need to speak German to get a scholarship?
It depends. DAAD and Deutschlandstipendium applications can often be submitted in English. However, political foundation scholarships (like KAS, FES, or Böll) typically require German at B2 level or higher, and interviews are often conducted in German.
Can I apply for scholarships before being admitted to a university?
Most scholarships require proof of admission or enrollment. A few DAAD programmes accept applications in parallel with your university application, but this is the exception. Plan to self-fund at least your first semester.
Are there scholarships specifically for bachelor's students?
Yes, but far fewer than for master's or PhD students. The Deutschlandstipendium is open to bachelor's students at participating universities. Some university-specific grants and home country scholarships also support undergraduates.
Can I combine multiple scholarships?
In many cases, yes. The Deutschlandstipendium can usually be combined with other funding. However, some scholarships (especially DAAD and political foundations) restrict receiving other public German funding at the same time. Always check the terms.
I cannot afford the blocked account. Can a scholarship replace it?
Generally no. Non-EU students need to show proof of financial means — currently €11,904 in a blocked account — for their student visa, regardless of scholarship status. Some fully funded DAAD scholarships may serve as proof of financial means, but this is the exception. Plan your blocked account independently of any scholarship hopes.
Should I count on a scholarship to finance my studies?
No. Treat scholarships as a potential bonus, not your financial plan. Secure your blocked account, budget for your first year without scholarship income, and apply for everything you qualify for. If you receive funding, it makes your life easier. If not, you can still succeed through part-time work and careful budgeting.
