Scholarships in Germany for International Students

Did you know that over 370,000 international students are currently studying in Germany? 

Germany is one of the most affordable countries in Europe for international students when it comes to education. Germany is recognized for its credible and affordable education system, top universities and excellent infrastructure. The cost of studying in Germany is quite affordable. However, while tuition may be free, the cost of living in Germany can go up to INR 1.08 lakh per month (EUR 1,200/month), which can be challenging for many students.

This is why scholarships in Germany are so important. They help students manage their expenses, covering everything from tuition to housing and research costs. programmes like the DAAD Scholarship Germany, one of the largest funding sources for international students, and the Erasmus Scholarship programmes in Germany, which supports students across Europe, offer full and partial funding for undergraduate, master's, and PhD students.

Key Highlights:

• Top Scholarships in Germany include DAAD Scholarship Germany, Erasmus+ Scholarship, and Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships.
• DAAD Scholarship Germany provides INR 82,000 (EUR 934) per month for graduates and INR 1.14 lakh (EUR 1,300) per month for PhD students.
• Erasmus+ Scholarship Programs offer full and partial funding for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students studying in Germany and other European countries.
• Non-Government Scholarships like Heinrich Böll Foundation and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung provide stipends up to INR 1.13 lakh (EUR 1,350) per month.
• Bachelor’s degrees in Germany are mostly tuition-free, except in Baden-Württemberg, where tuition fees apply to non-EU students.
• Master’s programs may have tuition fees for non-EU students, but several scholarships are available to cover costs.
• Work experience is a key requirement for some scholarships like DAAD, which requires at least two years of professional experience.

In this blog, we will break down the top scholarship options, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, helping you find the best way to fund your education while you study in Germany.

Germany offers few fully funded scholarships to international students, including the DAAD Scholarship, and Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. 

These scholarships provide substantial financial support, covering tuition fees and living expenses, making Germany an attractive destination for higher education. For instance, the DAAD Scholarship offers monthly stipends of approximately INR 82,000 (EUR 934) for graduates and INR 1.14 lakh (EUR 1,300) for doctoral candidates, along with additional benefits such as health insurance and travel allowances. 

These generous funding opportunities alleviate financial burdens and enable students to focus on their academic pursuits in Germany.

Here are some top fully funded government scholarships in Germany for international students:

DAAD Scholarship programmes

• Award: Monthly stipend of approximately INR 82,000 (EUR 934) for graduates and INR 1.14 lakh (EUR 1,300) for doctoral candidates. Additional benefits include health insurance, travel allowance, and study/research subsidy.​
• Eligibility: International students with a bachelor's degree (completed within the last six years) and at least two years of professional experience.​
• Application Deadline: Varies by program; typically between August and October each year.​
• Requirements:
  • Completed application form.​
  • Recent curriculum vitae.​
  • Letter of motivation.​
  • Proof of English or German language proficiency.​
  • Academic transcripts and certificates.

Erasmus+ Scholarship programmes

• Award: Offers varying amounts to cover living costs, tuition fees, and travel expenses for students enrolled in Erasmus-partnered institutions.​
• Eligibility: Students at higher education institutions participating in the Erasmus+ programme, who are in at least their second year of study.
• Application Deadline: Varies by institution; students should consult their home institution's Erasmus+ office for specific deadlines.​
• Requirements:
• Enrollment at a participating higher education institution.
• Completion of at least the first year of study.
• Approval of study or traineeship plan by home and host institutions.
  

Germany offers several non-government scholarships to international students, funded by political foundations, private organizations, and social institutions. For example, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships and Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships offer stipends up to INR 1.13 lakh (EUR 1,350) per month, while Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships provide INR 85,000 (EUR 1,000) per month along with additional support for health insurance and family expenses. 

These scholarships promote education, cultural diversity, and social engagement while helping international students study in Germany with financial ease.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

• Award: Monthly stipend of approximately INR 1.13 lakh (EUR 1,350) for master's and PhD students, plus additional allowances.​
• Eligibility: International students pursuing a master's or PhD degree in Germany with excellent academic records and active social/political engagement.​
• Application Deadline: Typically March 1st and September 1st each year.​
• Requirements:
  • Excellent academic records.​
  • Social/political engagement.​
  • German language proficiency (B2 Level or DSH2).​
  • Personal reference letters.​

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships

• Award: Monthly stipend of around INR 85,000 (EUR 1,000) for master's and doctoral candidates, along with health insurance and family support.​
• Eligibility: International students under 30 years old, with a university degree, above-average academic performance, and active engagement in voluntary work.​
• Application Deadline: July 15th each year.​
• Requirements:
  • Detailed CV.​
  • Motivation letter.
  • Academic transcripts.​
  • Proof of German language skills (B2 Level).​

Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships

• Award: Provides up to INR 1.13 lakh (EUR 1,350) per month for international students pursuing master's or PhD degrees, including health insurance costs.​
• Eligibility: International students committed to social democracy, with above-average academic performance.​
• Application Deadline: Rolling; applications can be submitted at any time.​
• Requirements:
  • Sociopolitical engagement.​
  • Academic transcripts.​
  • German language proficiency (B1 Level).​
  • Two reference letters.​

Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships

• Award: Offers a monthly stipend of approximately INR 1.13 lakh (EUR 1,350) for master's and PhD students, plus additional lump-sum payments for research costs and health care subsidies.​
• Eligibility: International students demonstrating high academic and professional qualifications, with a commitment to social justice and active participation in social, political, and community services.​
• Application Deadline: October 1st each year.​
• Requirements:
  • Excellent academic records.​
  • German language proficiency (B2 Level).​
  • Social engagement.​
  • Two reference letters.​

Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Program

• Award: Provides INR 26,000 (EUR 300) per month to high-achieving students, regardless of nationality or personal income.​
• Eligibility: Students enrolled in German universities who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements.​
• Application Deadline: Varies by university; typically aligns with university admission deadlines.​
• Requirements:
  • Enrollment at a German university.​
  • Excellent academic records.​
  • Possibly additional criteria set by individual universities.​

Many universities in Germany offer their own scholarships to support international students. These university-specific scholarships help cover tuition fees, living costs, and research expenses, making it easier for students to manage their finances while studying in Germany. 

Deutschlandstipendium

The Deutschlandstipendium is a national scholarship program available at various German universities. It provides financial support to talented and high-achieving students regardless of their nationality or financial background. The scholarship is funded through a public-private partnership, with contributions from both the German government and private sponsors.

• Award: INR 27,000 (EUR 300) per month for high-achieving students
• Eligibility: Open to all students at German universities who demonstrate outstanding academic performance
• Application Deadline: Varies by university, typically aligns with admission deadlines
• Requirements: Enrollment at a German university, excellent academic records, possibly additional criteria set by the university

RWTH Aachen University Scholarship

RWTH Aachen University provides several scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies. These scholarships offer financial assistance to students with exceptional academic records and financial need, helping them manage tuition and living costs.

• Award: Partial funding for tuition + monthly stipend
• Eligibility: International students enrolled in RWTH Aachen’s degree programs
• Application Deadline: Varies by course and program
• Requirements: Academic excellence, financial need, motivation letter

TU Dresden Scholarships for International Students

TU Dresden offers scholarships to international students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. These scholarships cover tuition fees and research expenses for students who exhibit excellent academic performance and financial need.

• Award: Covers tuition fees + research expenses
• Eligibility: International students pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees
• Application Deadline: Typically between April and July
• Requirements: Strong academic background, financial need, motivation letter

Heidelberg University Hans-Peter Wild Talent Scholarship

The Hans-Peter Wild Talent Scholarship at Heidelberg University is aimed at talented and motivated students in STEM fields. It provides substantial financial support to help international students cover living costs and tuition-related expenses while studying at one of Germany’s top universities.

• Award: INR 92,000 (EUR 1,000) per month for outstanding students
• Eligibility: International students pursuing STEM degrees at Heidelberg University
• Application Deadlines: March and October
• Requirements: Strong academic performance, motivation letter,and  recommendation letters

Friedrich Schiller University Jena Scholarships

Friedrich Schiller University Jena provides multiple scholarship opportunities for international students enrolled in master’s and PhD programs. These scholarships help students manage tuition fees and living costs while pursuing higher education in Germany.

• Award: Partial funding for tuition + living costs
• Eligibility: Open to master’s and PhD students at Friedrich Schiller University
• Application Deadline: Varies by department, typically from March 15 to April 15
• Requirements: Academic transcripts, proof of financial need, research proposal

University of Freiburg International Scholarship

The University of Freiburg offers International Scholarships for outstanding students from various disciplines. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition and living expenses, helping international students pursue undergraduate, master’s, or PhD degrees.

• Award: Covers tuition + living expenses
• Eligibility: International students applying to undergraduate, master's, or PhD programs
• Application Deadline: Typically March and October
• Requirements: Academic excellence, financial need, proof of English/German language proficiency

Scholarships for Germany are available for every type of degree be it bachelors, masters or doctorate degrees. Take a look at some of the common scholarships for every type of degree:

1.  Scholarship For Bachelor Degree in Germany

Bachelors degrees in Germany are offered for free i.e students do not have to pay tuition fees, except in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg.  However, students do have to pay semester fees after completion of every semester. The semester fee may vary depending on the university.

Here are some of the scholarship in Germany for undergraduate students :

• Technical University of Munich - Oskar Karl Foster Scholarship for Books and Learning materials in Germany 2021
• Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Scholarship for SC 2021 (For Indian nationals)
• Domestic and International state grants at Munich Business School
• DAAD Bavarian Government Scholarship at Hochschule Hof, Germany
• KAS Foundation Scholarship, Germany
• Leaky Foundation : Joan Cogswell Donner Scholarship for Students worldwide

You can find various other scholarship for bachelor degree in Germany. These scholarships offer partial funding or full funding. You may apply for any scholarship in Germany for undergraduates that you find helpful. The scholarships will definitely help you bring down your living costs as an undergraduate student in Germany.

2.  Scholarships for Master in Germany

Students are required to pay some tuition fees for masters degree courses in Germany. The tuition fees plus the cost of living in Germany can be difficult to manage for some international students. Hence there are various scholarships for masters in Germany. The scholarships may be fully funded or partially funded.

Here are some of the available scholarship for MS in Germany :

• DAAD Scholarships for Development-related postgraduate courses
• DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master’s scholarship for public policy and good governance)
• Heinrich Boll Scholarships in Germany for international students
• Goethe Goes Global - masters scholarships

These were some of the scholarships for MS in Germany. The DAAD Scholarships are among the fully funded masters scholarships in Germany for international students. You can apply for DAAD scholarships by referring to the official DAAD website.

3.  PhD Scholarships in Germany

Among plenty of funding options, fellowships and scholarships, take a look at the well known PhD scholarships in Germany for international students.

• DAAD Scholarships for research studies
• Stipendienlotse scholarships for students opting for doctoral studies
• University of Cologne International Doctoral Scholarships

Students can find various scholarships available by searching online, checking out official websites of the universities or checking out the DAAD database for scholarships.

Scholarships for Indian students to study in Germany can be of a lot of help since there  is a high chance that Indian students may find the cost of living in Germany way higher than that of India.

To apply for a scholarship in Germany for study abroad, you need to research available scholarships that match your academic background, eligibility criteria, and financial needs. Once you shortlist the right options, prepare key documents such as academic transcripts, language proficiency test scores, letters of recommendation, and a strong motivation letter. 

Most scholarships have strict deadlines, so make sure you submit your application well in advance. Some programmes may also require interviews or additional assessments, so preparing thoroughly can boost your chances of success.

Here are the steps to apply for scholarships in Germany:

• Step 1: Research Available Scholarships - Identify scholarships that align with your field of study, academic achievements, and nationality. Check official sources such as DAAD, university websites, and private foundations to find the best options.
• Step 2: Check the Eligibility Criteria - Every scholarship has different requirements, including minimum GPA, work experience, financial background, and language proficiency.
• Step 3: Gather Required Documents - Most scholarships require the following:
  • Academic Transcripts – Certified copies of previous degrees.
  • Language Proficiency Tests – IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF depending on the program.
  • Letters of Recommendation – Typically from professors or employers.
  • Motivation Letter – A well-written statement explaining your academic and career goals.
  • CV/Resume – Highlighting your education, skills, and relevant experience.
• Step 4: Fill Out the Online Application Form - Visit the official scholarship website, create an account, and complete the application form. Be accurate and detailed while entering information.
• Step 5: Submit Your Application Before the Deadline - Deadlines for scholarships vary. Apply at least a few weeks before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
• Step 6: Prepare for Interviews (If Required) - Some scholarships require interviews or additional assessments. If shortlisted, you may have to discuss your academic background, career goals, and reasons for choosing Germany.

By following these steps carefully and applying to multiple scholarships, you increase your chances of securing funding for your studies in Germany. Make sure to stay updated on deadlines and application requirements to avoid missing out on opportunities.

To get a fully funded scholarship in Germany, you can apply for programmes like the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Deutschlandstipendium, Gerda Henkel Stiftung, Humboldt Research Fellowship, or KAAD Scholarship. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, research costs, and travel allowances, making it easier for international students to study in Germany without financial worries

Here’s how to improve your chances of getting a fully funded scholarship:

• Maintain a Strong Academic Record: Most fully funded scholarships in Germany prioritise students with outstanding academic performance. A high GPA, strong standardised test scores (GRE, GMAT, or language proficiency tests like IELTS/TOEFL), and achievements in your field can give you a competitive edge.
• Gain Relevant Work or Research Experience: Some scholarships, such as the DAAD Scholarship Germany, require at least two years of professional experience. Internships, assistantships, or voluntary work related to your field can strengthen your application.
• Write a Persuasive Motivation Letter: A well-structured motivation letter is a key part of your application. Personalising your letter for each scholarship increases your chances of selection.
• Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation: Most fully funded scholarships in Germany require two or more recommendation letters from professors or employers.
• Demonstrate Leadership and Social Engagement: Scholarships like the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung look for students who are actively involved in social, political, or voluntary work.
• Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships are highly competitive. To increase your chances, apply for multiple scholarships that align with your profile.
• Meet Language Requirements: While many scholarships are available for English-taught programmes, some require proficiency in German (TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe Institut certification).
  

Securing a scholarship to study in Germany offers numerous advantages that extend beyond financial assistance. These benefits make scholarships in Germany highly attractive for international students seeking a comprehensive educational experience.​

Here are some key benefits:​

• Financial Support: Many scholarships cover tuition fees and provide monthly stipends to help with living expenses. 
• Access to Quality Education: Scholarships enable students to attend prestigious German universities renowned for their academic excellence and research opportunities.​
• Professional Development: Recipients often gain access to workshops, conferences, and networking events, enhancing their professional skills and career prospects.​
• Cultural Exchange: Studying in Germany allows international students to immerse themselves in a rich cultural environment, fostering global awareness and personal growth.​
• Language Acquisition: Living and studying in Germany provides an excellent opportunity to learn or improve German language skills, which can be advantageous in the global job market.​

Gaining a scholarship to study in Germany has transformed the lives of many students. One such example is Aarav Mehta, an aspiring engineer from India who secured the DAAD Scholarship for his master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University. Through this scholarship, he was able to focus on his research in sustainable manufacturing without worrying about financial constraints.

Reflecting on his journey, he shared:

"Receiving the DAAD Scholarship was a game-changer for me. It not only funded my tuition and living expenses but also connected me with a network of international researchers. Studying in Germany has given me the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology, collaborate with experts, and grow both academically and personally."

Aarav’s experience highlights how scholarships like DAAD can make world-class education in Germany accessible while fostering professional and cultural growth. His story serves as an inspiration for future scholars looking to pursue their academic dreams in Germany.

Now that you know about Scholarships for Germany, it is important to remember that getting a scholarship is highly competitive. Therefore, make sure  you do your research well and apply to the scholarships which you think you can get. Students can also apply to other part time jobs for international students in Germany or internships to get some financial assistance if they fail to secure a scholarship.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to begin, Yocket Premium can help. We’ve worked with thousands of students to find the right scholarships, build strong applications, and even prepare for interviews. Whether you need help shortlisting scholarships, perfecting your motivation letter, or getting expert feedback on your application, we’ve got your back. It’s not about luck, it’s about knowing how to apply smartly. If you’re serious about securing a scholarship in Germany, let’s work on it together.