Germany Scholarships for International Students

Besides charging nothing for most of the programs in Universities, Germany offers a plethora of scholarship opportunities covering other expenses for students and relieving them from any kind of financial stress which apparently lets them perform well in academics. Read along to go through the amazing world of fully funded scholarships as well as other scholarships offered by govt and other institutions in Germany.

Open Scholarships in Germany

Scholarships	Application link	Deadline
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship	Apply here	January 2025
DAAD Scholarships	Apply here	Varying
Friedrich Ebert Foundation	Apply here	Open year round

Types of Scholarships in Germany

Explore the different types of scholarship opportunities available for you from Govt. Funded to Private funds and many more.

Government-Funded Scholarships in Germany

• DAAD Scholarships – The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst or  German Academic Exchange Service offers financial aid for masters, doctoral and postdoctoral studies in Germany. It is the world’s largest funding organization offering aid to students from almost all countries and primarily developing countries. There are different types of scholarships for different eligibility levels and different deadlines. The amount depends on your level of education and it could be anywhere from a monthly stipend of around €1,300 to a fully funded education in Germany. In some cases, internships are also funded. You can find and apply for scholarships.

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship – The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are a joint initiative by a group of higher educational institutions offering fully funded scholarships to the best students from around the world for studying Masters in Germany. Besides tuition, the scholarship also covers your living, travel, and visa expenses. Typically, you should aim to submit your application between October and January for courses beginning in the next academic year. For exact deadlines, you can visit your selected university’s website. Depending on what part of the programme you are applying for, you will need to fill out a specific application form and that will be done by your university on your behalf.

Private/Non-Profit Organization Scholarships:

• Friedrich Ebert Foundation – For applicants from countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, post-Soviet states as well as eastern and south-eastern European (EU) countries. Students from any discipline are eligible to apply, given they showcase excellent academic merit and are committed to the values of social democracy and live by them. International students will receive a monthly base amount of 934 EUR- 1400 EUR. In addition, costs for health insurance are funded and scholars with a child receive an allowance of 160 EUR per month. The scholarship does not have to be repaid and applications are open year round. For specific deadlines, you can align your college application deadline and fill the form as soon as possible.
  
• Heinrich Boll Scholarships for International Students – The Heinrich Böll Foundation grants scholarships to Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and PhD students of all subjects and nationalities every year, who are pursuing their degree at universities, universities of applied sciences, or the universities of arts. The scholarship amount varies according to parental income, assets, and earnings. Students are expected to have and maintain excellent academic records, be socially and politically active, and have an active interest in the basic values of the foundation: ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self-determination, and justice. The scholarship has 2 deadlines- March 1st and September 1st. You can choose the date according to your course and start your applications six weeks prior to the deadline.   

• Bayer Foundations Scholarship – The Bayer Foundation offers three fellowship opportunities for students from masters, PhD and medical field to undertake international research projects, internships and more. It is a merit based fellowship offering students up to 10,000 EUR and additional funding for placements and research activities across the globe. Although the application is open for all international students, priority is given to women, individuals from low- income and middle- income countries, parents with responsibilities of young children and individuals working within Germany with German as a second language. Applications are now closed and will open around February 2025 and forms can be accessed online.

University Specific Scholarships:

• Humboldt Research Fellowship – The Humboldt Research Fellowship is designed for postdoctoral researchers and experienced scientists from around the world, offering them the chance to conduct research in Germany in all disciplines and fields of study. Eligible applicants must have a Ph.D., completed within the last 12 years, and demonstrate significant academic achievements. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of up to €3,150, along with additional allowances for travel and family support. To apply, candidates must submit their application through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s online portal. The application process is open year-round, with no specific deadlines, allowing researchers to apply at any time. 

• Heidelberg University Scholarships – Heidelberg University offers a variety of scholarships, including merit-based and need-based options, for both domestic and international students. These scholarships are intended to support students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees across all disciplines and courses offered at the university. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific scholarship, but generally, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence or financial need. The amount offered can range from partial to full tuition coverage, including additional stipends for living expenses. Deadlines for applications vary, so it’s important to check the specific scholarship details on the university’s scholarship portal. 

• RWTH Aachen University Scholarships – RWTH Aachen University offers a range of scholarships for Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral and Postdoctoral students admitted at the university. The university also offers scholarships for student exchange programs and the amount could fall anywhere from a monthly stipend to a fully funded scholarship depending on the type of scholarship you are eligible for. Accordingly, the deadlines for the scholarships also vary as per the different scholarship programs. You can start to find your suitable scholarships and apply here.

Other Scholarships:

• Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Program – For German and International high- achieving students studying undergraduate or graduate level programs at public or private universities in Germany. The programme offers 300 euros per month for international top-class talent- 150 EUR by the Federal govt. And 150 EUR by private organizations or individuals. Many universities and private sponsors provide support for Deutschlandstipendium holders through mentoring programs, networking events, and internships. Applicants must meet the requirements of the individual institutions. Once enrolled, you can directly ask the institute to apply for the Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship. Funding is normally granted for two semesters but can be extended up to your period of study. 

• Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) For Developing Countries – Offered by the European Commission, The Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships for Developing Countries are designed for researchers from developing countries who wish to conduct high-level research in European institutions. These fellowships are available for a wide range of disciplines and provides a generous monthly allowance of 3,000 EUR along with mobility and family allowances and covers living expenses, travel costs, and research-related expenses. The application deadline typically falls in September each year. You can start your registrations for the scholarships.

How to Apply at Scholarship in Germany?

To begin the application process, follow these steps:

1. Check the eligibility, application procedures and deadlines for scholarships. Some scholarships do not require separate applications. 
2. Collect all necessary information and required documents for your application.
3. Sign up for the online application portal.
4. Applications can be accessed from the university or from the official website of the offering organization.
5. Enter the requested details in the Online Application Portal.
6. Once all your documents are uploaded, submit your application before the deadline.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the vast array of scholarships in Germany provides a golden opportunity for students worldwide to access top-tier education and unique cultural experiences without the burden of financial stress. So, don’t let financial constraints hold you back. Start exploring these scholarship opportunities today, and take the first step toward an exciting academic journey in Germany.

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