Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany (2024-2025)

Fully funded scholarships in Germany are an icing on the cake. Germany is one of the hottest destinations for an international student these days. The competitive learning structures, A-class institutions, and low tuition fees have attracted many students to Germany. The only barrier of language on booming enrolments in Germany is also gradually being chiseled off. Even then, if finances are your tight spots, these fully funded scholarships will clear the dirt in the air so that you can fly towards your dream of studying abroad in Germany unwaveringly.

Without further ado, here are the best fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students.

Friedrich Ebert Foundation

Amount: 750 EUR to 850 EUR per month

Deadlines: 31st May 2024 (summer intake), 30th November 2024 (winter intake)

Duration: 1 year

Established in 1925, The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is one of the oldest political parties that offers this fully funded scholarship in Germany. Applicants from post-Soviet states, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and even eastern and south-eastern parts of the European Union avail of this scholarship every year.

The Scholarship amount is variable based on the level of education. For instance, it is 750 EUR per month for undergraduates and 850 EUR per month for postgraduate students. An additional amount of 276 EUR is also credited as a family allowance for students living with their families.

Institutions offering Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship

All the Public or State-approved universities in Germany offer this internship. Moreover, Polytechnic colleges in Germany also have an offer to avail of this scholarship.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship one has to have the following;

1. Be enrolled in a higher education institution that is state-owned or approved in Germany.
2. Your performance in studies at school should have been above average.
3. Achievements and honors in various activities will strengthen your profile.
4. Adequate knowledge of the German language.

How to Apply for Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship?

Here are some important points to apply for the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship.

1. The form needs to be filled in German as the language is one of the application criteria.
2. To apply, the candidates must click on the application link.
3. Fill out the application form by answering the questions mentioned in the form.
4. If you are considered for the scholarship, the organisation will contact you to submit the documents for verification.
5. These documents include German language proficiency results, previous mark sheets, proof of admission at a German university, proof of nationality, etc.
6. The last screening is a set of two interviews after getting selected in which you will be awarded the scholarship.

Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Program

Amount: 300 EUR per month

Deadline: 05th March 2024 to 05th May 2024

Duration: Course duration

Students who are the highest achievers from all over the world and looking forward to studying in Germany can avail of this scholarship. Half of the amount in this scholarship is sponsored by businesses, foundations, or private individuals, and the other half is contributed by the Federal Government.

Institutions Offering Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship

All meritorious students at public or state-recognized private universities in Germany can apply for this scholarship.

Eligibility

All students with the following criteria can apply for this scholarship.

1. Students should be high achievers and enrolled in a UG or PG program at a public or state-recognized German university.
2. Students enrolled in part-time courses are also eligible to apply.
3. Even prospective students can apply for the scholarship.
4. They must meet the requirements set by their university for the scholarship.
5. Lastly, one should have proven efficiency in German or English language.

How to Apply for the Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship?

To apply for the Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship, the students must ensure the following;

1. Once you are enrolled at a university in Germany, you can directly ask the institute to apply for the Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship.
2. The application links for the scholarship are available on the respective university websites when the application window is open.
3. The application link for the University of Passau is given here for reference – Click Here
4. Every student applying for the scholarship has to use the application link available on the websites of the university they are admitted.
5. Once the application is submitted the university will screen the application to see if the requirements are met.
6. The selected applicants will be put in contact with the sponsors for further procedures.

Credit: University of Passau (Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship application registration page)

DAAD Scholarship Germany

Amount: 861 EUR to 1,200 EUR

Deadline: Early December to January (summer intake), Early May to June (winter intake)

Duration: Course duration

DAAD Scholarship program is one of Germany’s most recognized and popular scholarship programs. The scholarship aims to support graduate, doctoral students, and postdoctoral students. Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD covers around 215 different scholarships under its umbrella for international students.

Institutes Offering DAAD Scholarship Program

Here are the universities offering DAAD Scholarships in Germany in various fields.

1. HTW Berlin
2. Universität Leipzig
3. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
4. Technische Universität Dresden
5. Universität Stuttgart

To get the complete list of Universities – Click Here

Eligibility

To apply for the DAAD scholarship program make sure you have the following;

1. CGPA of 8.5 or 85%.
2. Proven high proficiency in English or German.

How to Apply for the DAAD Scholarships in Germany?

A detailed application process for the DAAD scholarship program is outlined below.

1. The application must be sent online and must include a “Letter of Motivation.”
2. The specific application for each scholarship under DAAD differs based on application links, requirements to be met and documents to be submitted.
3. The required documents include the likes of proof of admission at a higher education institution in Germany, proof of your previous qualifications, language certificates and other documents specific to the scholarship you are applying for.
4. You can seek a detailed application procedure for each scholarship in the DAAD Funding Guide.

Erasmus Scholarship Programs in Germany

Amount: 49,000 euro for 2 years

Deadline: 1st October 2023 to 15 January 2024

Duration: 2 to 12 months

A group of higher education institutions organize and deliver the ERASMUS Scholarship program. It is one of the most popular fully funded scholarships in Germany. Any student from all over the world studying a postgraduate course at certain universities in the European Union can avail of this scholarship. Apart from your studies, research, training, and theses et cetera, the fully funded ERASMUS scholarship also covers travel, visa, and a living allowance.

Institutions Offering ERASMUS Scholarship

Following are the institutions offering the fully funded ERASMUS scholarship in Germany.

1. Technische Universität
2. Berlin Humboldt Universität
3. Berlin Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
4. Universität Bremen
5. Technische Universität Dresden
6. Fachhochschule Eberswalde
7. Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) – Faculty of Business Administration and Economics
8. Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
9. George-August-Universität Göttingen
10. Leibniz Universität Hannover
11. Universität Kassel
12. Christian Albrechts Universität zu Kiel
13. Technische Universität München
14. Universität Potsdam
15. University of Hohenheim
16. Universität Trier

Eligibility

The institutions offering ERASMUS scholarships in Germany require the following from the students.

1. They should have completed their graduation.
2. Students should also be enrolled in an eligible postgraduate or doctoral program.
3. Enrollment should be in a home university in Germany.

How to Apply for the Erasmus Scholarship Programs in Germany?

The application procedure for the Erasmus Scholarship Programs in Germany is mentioned below.

1. ERASMUS too, offers multiple scholarships across the European belt and other areas.
2. In order to select a course program in Germany, the student has to go through the ERASMUS Course Catalog.
3. Find the relevant course in Germany under which you would like to apply for the scholarship.
4. Click on the chosen scholarship link and it will redirect you to the application page of that scholarship.
5. Go through the details and click on ‘Apply’
6. Fill in the details and answer questions. Also, submit the relevant documents carefully before submitting your application.
7. Some of the important documents are; language proficiency test results, proof of previous qualifications, letter of motivation etc.

Heinrich Boll Scholarships for International Students

Amount: 934 EUR per month + Individual Allowances

Deadline: 1 March (Spring intake), 1 September (Fall intake) every year

Duration: 2 years (extendable)

Each year, around 1,500 scholarships are offered under the Heinrich Boll Scholarships. Moreover, all undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students can apply for this scholarship program. A peculiar feature of this scholarship is that students with not only meritorious qualifications but also an established political and social background are preferred for the scholarship.

Institutions Offering Heinrich Boll Scholarships

All the state universities and other universities that are state-recognized (including private universities) in Germany are partner institutions for the Heinrich Boll Scholarships.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship, one has to attain the following;

1. Be enrolled in a Master’s and Doctoral program in an institute outside Germany.
2. German language proficiency of Level 2 or DSH 2.

How to Apply for the Heinrich Boll Scholarships for International Students?

Follow the steps mentioned below to apply for the Heinrich Boll Scholarship program.

1. The first step is to ensure you are eligible for the scholarship and have all the necessary qualifications and documents to prove them.
2. The requirements documents include; university entrance qualification results, proof of previous qualifications, German language proficiency test results and more.
3. If yes, head to the registration link for this fully funded scholarship program in Germany.
4. Register yourself and fill in all the necessary information on the application portal.
5. Next, upload all the documents carefully before submitting your application.

Bayer Foundations Scholarship

Amount: Up to 10,000 EUR

Deadline: 12 February 2024 to 08 April 2024

Duration: Up to 06 Months

If you are willing to take up a course with a research project then Bayer Foundations Scholarship is the right choice for you. This scholarship is even eligible for those opting for international internships. Bayers Foundation typically favors science and scientific research projects.

Institutes Offering Bayer’s Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is offered to university students and those looking for internships and research fellowships in different organizations. Therefore, there is no particular set of universities but many universities, as well as organizations, are also eligible for the scholarship program.

Eligibility

To avail of the scholarship, you need to have the following;

1. Be enrolled in a course or internship that is eligible for the scholarship.
2. Must check that their course or internship is not under the inapplicable list of courses like Public Health.
3. German or English language proficiency.

How to Apply for the Bayer Foundation Scholarship?

Application for the Bayer Foundation Scholarships can only be made online and in German or English language. Here are some details to check;

1. The applications are accepted only through the online application link which is active only before the application deadline.
2. The applications must be complete with correct information and all supporting documents.
3. If not, you will face rejection.
4. Documents to be included in the application include; a budget proposal, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and proof of completion of courses.
5. All the submitted documents must also be in the prescribed language for the scholarship.
6. Make sure you meet the eligibility and make only one application per call otherwise all the applications will be rejected.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships

Amount: 934 EUR

Deadline: 15 July every year

Duration: 2 years

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is a political foundation with a democratic ideology. This organization is also very supportive of education and sponsors many scholarships for the same reason. They promote international students pursuing research in German universities.

Institutes Offering Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarships

Students enrolled in any of the German universities can avail of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung scholarships.

Eligibility

The candidates opting for this scholarship must possess the following;

1. A bachelor’s degree.
2. Meritorious qualifications.
3. Proficiency in German language.
4. Must plan to study for at least four semesters in a university course.

How to Apply for the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships?

There are two processes to apply for this scholarship;

Students from a focus regions

Each year there is a list of focus countries or regions under the International Selection Procedure. Students only from the selected countries can apply under the international selection procedure. Therefore, if your country is on that list, then you can send a written application to the concerned KAS office.

Students enrolled in German universities

However, if you are already enrolled in a German university irrespective of your place of domicile, you can opt for the following application procedure.

1. Click on the online registration link and register yourself.
2. Fill out the online application form carefully.
3. Upload all the documents carefully in the prescribed manner.
4. The required documents for the application procedure include; a CV and motivational letter, proof of academic qualifications, and German language proficiency.
5. Submit your application before the deadline.
6. Do not send offline applications or emails in this application procedure.

Heidelberg University Scholarships

Amount: 300 EUR per month

Deadline: 1 May 2024 to 15 July 2024

Duration: 4 years

Heidelberg University scholarship is a grant offered exclusively to the students of this university. The institute has various fully funded scholarships for international students from various fields. Every year students enroll in the scholarships under various criteria. There are scholarships based on merit, for special children as well as need-based.

Programmes Eligible for the Heidelberg University Scholarship

Here is a list of eligible programs for the Heidelberg University scholarship.

1. Chemistry
2. Classical studies
3. Law
4. Mathematics
5. Physics
6. Astronomy
7. Geography
8. Dentistry
9. History
10. Medicine
11. Music
12. Theology
13. Sociology

Eligibility

To avail of the scholarship of this scholarship one must have the following;

1. Be enrolled in the Heidelberg University.
2. Must also be a meritorious student.
3. The rest of the requirements will depend on the type of scholarship availed.

How to Apply for the Heidelberg University Scholarships?

You can follow the given steps to apply for the Heidelberg University Scholarships;

1. Look for the link to the scholarship you wish to apply for on the Heidelberg University Scholarship page.
2. Click on the application link for the selected scholarship.
3. Register yourself for the scholarship program.
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Print and sign the form.
6. Send it to Heidelberg University with all the necessary details.

RWTH Aachen University Scholarships

Amount: 300 EUR per month

Deadline: 03 June 2024 to 03 July 2024

Duration: 06 Months

The RWTH Aachen is also a university-based scholarship offered to those at the university at a particular time interval. Mostly, the scholarship covers 50% of the student’s tuition fees. The university has various scholarship programs based on the requirements and conditions of the student. The university also funds research and development in particular arenas.

Eligibility

The eligibility for the scholarships depends on the type of scholarship selected. Apart from that there are certain general requirements such as;

1. The student must be enrolled in a course at the university.
2. They should also have proven language proficiency.

How to Apply for the RWTH Aachen University Scholarships?

The application procedure for the RWTH AachenUniversity Scholarships is simple. You need to submit the scholarship application form along with your university application form at the time of admission. The decision on your scholarship will be released based on the selected criteria and available positions.

Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) For Developing Countries

Amount: 3,000 EUR per month

Deadline: 23 April 2024 to 11 September 2024

Duration: 2 to 3 years

The Marie Curie IIF Scholarships offer a monthly stipend of 3,000 EUR along with mobility and family allowances. The European Union founded this program to empower students with education and bridge the gap with developing countries. Hence, students from all the developing countries listed with the organisation can benefit from this scholarship.

Institutes Offering Marie Curie IIF Scholarship

Students in all the research institutions in Germany and anywhere in the European Union can apply for the Marie Curie IIF scholarship. Some of the institutes currently offering the Marie Curie IIF Scholarship in Germany are;

1. Interherence GmbH
2. Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg
3. Paderborn University
4. German Cancer Research Center
5. University of Duisburg-Essen
6. Universitätsklinikum Jena

Many more organisations and universities are offering this fully funded scholarship in Germany. To get the complete list, click here.

Eligibility

To avail of the benefits of this scholarship one must be,

1. A research student in a developing nation.
2. A PhD holder in the research field.
3. Employed in Germany by a host institution.
4. Prepared with an approved proposal for the research scholarship.
5. Also, I have not been to Europe for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.

How to Apply for the Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships?

Here is the process to apply for the Marie Curie IIF Fellowships.

1. The foundation offers many scholarships. Therefore, your first step is to check the list of scholarships and find the one suitable for you.
2. Click on the link for the selected scholarship and check the eligibility criteria.
3. Fill out the application form and attach all necessary documents.
4. These documents include a research proposal and plan, a detailed CV and the documents requested by the host institution.
5. Apply before the deadline.

This was all about the best fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students. In 2023 nearly 42,578 Indian students went abroad to study in Germany. Many of these students also avail of these scholarships to fund their education and have fulfilled their dreams through it. You can be one of them too, all you have to do is be well-prepared and get the right guidance.