Along with being home to some of the world’s most esteemed universities, Germany is the most economical study destinations in Europe. Affordability coupled with almost-negligible tuition fee attracts more than 350,000 international students to study in Germany every year.
Undergraduate studies follow a tuition-free education system but Masters and Ph.D. studies are fee-based. However, there are plenty of financial aids for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Germany.
Grants and Scholarships in Germany for International Students
There are different types of merit-based scholarships and need-based grants available to students in Germany. Most of the scholarships and grants are offered by the government and private organizations.
The amount of a grant is often decided through an evaluation of the student’s need and the family financial situation. It usually ranges from USD 172 to USD 943/month for 12 months.
Top Grants and Scholarships in Germany
Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme (Germany Scholarship Program)
- Provides financial aid to meritorious and dedicated students across the globe.
- Supports more than 22,500 students.
- Valid in all participating universities in Germany.
- Not dependent on personal or parent income and nationality.
- Granted for at least two semesters.
- Can also be extended to cover the standard period of study.
- Value: Approximately EUR 300 per month
DAAD Scholarship Programs (Government-Funded Scholarships in Germany)
- The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers 215 scholarships and funding opportunities to international students to study in Germany at various degree levels.
- Aids more than 100,000 German and international students as well as researchers.
- Awarded to those seeking financial assistance for their studies, research work, or teaching assignments in Germany.
- Its database lists all the scholarships granted.
- DAAD Scholarships for Development-related Postgraduate Courses – Most sought-after scholarship program among students from developing countries.
- DAAD Scholarships in Public Policy and Good Governance are also popular.
Research Scholarships in Germany
- Many German political and religious foundations grant scholarships to international students from diverse backgrounds and qualifications.
- Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships – Offered by a German political foundation
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships and KAAD Scholarships – Offered by a German religious foundation.
Common Scholarship Application Requirements
- No fixed age limit.
- Can apply in your last academic year if you have not completed your university degree at the time of application.
- In some cases, applicants with foreign citizenship can also be considered for funding programmes made for Germans.
- For full-time students only.
- May require language certificates when you apply for a scholarship.