Scholarships for international students in Germany

Germany is one of the most affordable study destinations in the world - but that doesn’t mean studying here is free or cheap. Even with no tuition costs, living costs, rent, and daily expenses can still add up to €900 - €1,500 per month.

The good news: Germany offers a wide range of scholarships, from fully funded programs to smaller monthly stipends. If you understand how the system works, you can significantly reduce or even completely eliminate your study costs.

This guide breaks down the most important scholarships in Germany in 2026, how to apply, and insider strategies that successful applicants use.

What types of scholarships exist in Germany?

Unlike other countries, Germany does not have one central scholarship system. Instead, funding comes from multiple sources. There are government-funded scholarships, university-specific scholarships, EU programs and scholarships offered by political and private foundations.

Scholarships offered by the German government or private foundations

• DAAD Scholarship Programs
• Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Program
• Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
• Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships
• Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarships
• Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarships
• Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships
• Hanns Seidel Foundation Scholarships
• Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD) Scholarships
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships
• Bayer Foundation Fellowships
• Baden-Württemberg Stiftung
• Bavaria – Max We­ber-Program
• Bavaria – Mari­an­ne-Plehn-Pro­gram
• The Lower Saxony Scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium)
• Berlin – Elsa Neumann Scholarship
• StipendiumPlus

Scholarships offered by universities

• Humboldt Research Fellowship
• TUM Linde / MDSI Master Scholarship
• Heidelberg University HAUS Scholarships
• University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships
• Berlin International University of Applied Sciences Christian Wulff Scholarship
• Scholarship of BSBI (Berlin School of Business and Innovation)
• Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Scholarships
• Sherryl Kintu Scholarship of UE (University of Europe for Applied Sciences)
• WHU Otto Beisheim Scholarships
• HHL Leipzig Scholarships
• ESMT MBA Scholarships
• Mannheim Business School Scholarships

Please note that other German universities might also offer partial or full scholarships and you should check the website of the specific institution for more information on what is available and what are the application criteria and deadline.

On an EU-level you can also look into the Erasmus+ Scholarship Programmes.

DAAD - the biggest scholarship programme in Germany

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is by far the largest scholarship provider in Germany. Eligible are students from all over the world who want to pursue master’s degrees, Ph.D. studies, and postdoctoral research in Germany.

• Funds over 100,000+ students annually  
• Offers 80+ different programs

What does a DAAD scholarship cover in 2026?

Typical benefits include a monthly stipend:

• €992 for Master’s students
• €1,300 for doctoral/PhD students  

Most programs also cover travel allowances, payment towards health insurance costs, and annual study/research allowances, as well as a possible rent subsidy (up to ~€350 per month).  

What are the requirements?

Applicants should display good academic performance and achievements. Depending on the scholarship, you’ll need to present a recognized school leaving certificate, proof of proficiency in the language of instruction or working language(s), and relevant internships or work experience. Be aware that some scholarships require 2+ years of work experience (often overlooked).

• Bachelor’s degree / School leaving certificate
• Strong academic performance
• Language proficiency (English and/or German)
• Relevant work experience

Deadlines for DAAD Scholarships vary by type and country. For accurate and up-to-date information, check the program details on the official DAAD website.

Deutschlandstipendium: the underrated option

The Deutschlandstipendium is one of the most accessible scholarships in Germany. It is available to any student who is currently enrolled (so already in Germany) or will soon be enrolling at a partner institution of the scholarship, as long as they are within the standard duration of their studies.

• €300 per month (€3,600/year)  
• Funded equally by the government and private sponsors
• Available at most universities

The Deutschlandstipendium is granted by universities, therefore applicants must fit the requirements of the university they apply to. Selection criteria most often include high academic performance, social engagement, and personal achievements. This scholarship is not based on personal or parental income and doesn’t affect BAföG grants.

The scholarship is normally granted for at least two semesters but may be provided for your entire period of study. At intervals of two semesters the university reviews whether you as the holder, still meet the award criteria and whether private funding will continue to be available.

The application period depends on the university but is usually around the months leading up to the start of the academic semester. Your university in Germany will announce their deadlines for 2026, so be sure to check their website regularly.

Political foundation scholarships

Germany has several major foundations that offer some of the most prestigious scholarships for international students. These foundations are affiliated with major political parties in the country but operate independently to promote democratic values, civic engagement, and academic excellence. Hence, to apply you do NOT need to be a member of the affiliated party, but need to show social and political engagement.

Please also note that these scholarships are usually higher in value than many others, but also very competitive. You generally cannot hold another major public scholarship (like a DAAD scholarship) at the same time as a political foundation scholarship.

KAAD scholarships

The Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD) provides prestigious, fully-funded scholarships for international postgraduates to study or conduct research in Germany. Founded as the scholarship arm of the German Catholic Church, KAAD targets high-achieving individuals from developing and emerging nations who are committed to returning home to serve their communities.

Overview of KAAD Scholarship Types

KAAD operates through four primary programs, each tailored to different regions and residency statuses:

KAAD scholarships are highly selective, focusing on academic excellence and social/religious commitment. The focus is on Master’s degrees, PhDs, or Post-doctoral research stays. Important selection factors include:

• Nationality: applicants must be from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, or Eastern Europe
• Religion: most applicants are Catholic or Christian. Non-Christian applicants may be eligible if they are proposed by Catholic partner organizations
• Career Goal: A core requirement is the intention to permanently reintegrate into the home country after completing the programme in Germany.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in German is required (B1/B2 for most tracks; A2 for English-taught Master’s). KAAD often funds preparatory language courses for up to 6 months.

Scholarship Amount & Benefits

KAAD provides comprehensive financial support to ensure scholars can focus entirely on their academics. For 2026, the estimated monthly stipends are:

• Master’s Students: Approx. €934 to €1,044 per month
• PhD / Post-docs: Approx. €1,200 to €1,650 per month
• Additional Coverage may be provided for tuition fees, health insurance, travel costs, study materials and family allowances (if applicable)

An overview of more governmental and private scholarships

University-specific scholarships

Many public and private universities offer merit-based scholarships, completion grants or tuition fee reductions. These are mostly available for master programmes, MBAs and podt-doc degrees. They may be easier to get than a DAAD scholarship for example, but are less known, so may international students find out too late. Here are some examples, but please note that this is not an exhaustive list and check directly on the website of your university for opportunities they offer.

Humboldt Research Fellowship

Scholarships of €2,500 – €3,150 per month are offered to postdocs and experienced researchers from all over the world, who come to Germany for long-term research stays. Unlike most student scholarships, the Humboldt Fellowship has no fixed annual deadline; instead, selection committee meetings occur three times a year (March 15, July 15, Nov 15). You can apply at any time, but your start date will depend on the nearest meeting.

TUM Linde / MDSI Master

Performance-based scholarships for Master’s students accepted at TUM, for data science and AI degrees. The stipend you can receive is €1,000 per month and the application deadline is in July 2026.

Heidelberg University HAUS

US-based students pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at Heidelberg can apply for a one-time grant of $4,500 – $7,000. The application deadline is May 31, 2026.

University of Hamburg Merit

International students at UHH demonstrating academic excellence and social engagement can receive up to €930 per month. The application deadline for each semester is April 15 / Oct 15.

Christian Wulff (Berlin International)

Outstanding BA/MA students at Berlin International receive a partial tuition waiver based on academic and community merit. The application deadline for the Winter semester 2026 is July 2026.

Scholarship of BSBI

High-achieving international students at BSBI can receive tuition fee reductions ranging from 15% to 50% based on their grades. The application deadline varies based on the semester for which you are applying.

Frankfurt School of Finance

High-performing Master/MBA applicants receive partial tuition waivers, with €2,000 – €4,000 early-bird discounts available, if you apply by March 31 / May 31 respectively.

Sherryl Kintu (UE) Scholarship

International Art & Design students at the University of Europe can receive a 100% tuition fee waiver based on creative drive. Application deadline is August 2, 2026.

WHU Otto Beisheim

High-potential WHU Master or MBA candidates can apply for a merit-based tuition reduction ranging from 10% to 50%, on a rolling basis (prior to intake).

HHL Leipzig Scholarships

Finance and MBA applicants at HHL Leipzig can apply for tuition reductions of €5,000 – €7,500 plus alumni mentoring, on a rolling basis (prior to intake).

ESMT MBA Scholarships

Global MBA candidates at ESMT can receive regional or impact-based awards ranging from €2,500 to €25,000. Application deadline for 2026 is May 17 / June 30.

Mannheim Business School

Full-time MBA applicants with high performance in the selection process can receive merit grants of various amounts. Application deadline for 2026 is July 31.

Our insider tip: use the “funding stack” strategy

Students who want to make the most of their time in Germany, while not worrying too much about finances, can achieve that by combining multiple sources of funding. This is in fact one of the most realistic ways to finance your studies in Germany. Here is a simple example:

How to successfully apply for a scholarship and common mistakes to avoid

Your motivation letter matters more than your grades

Most applicants focus too much on their academic performance. What actually stands out for selection committees who award scholarships is your motivation to study in Germany, why you chose the university and the programme you will pursue and what are your future career goals.

Show impact not just achievement

Showing the impact of projects or activities you have done is especially important when you are applying for internships from foundations with political or religious affiliation. Be sure to highlight any of the following experience:

• Volunteering efforts
• Examples for leadership
• Social involvement with your community

A strong example of engagement can actually outweigh slightly lower grades.

Apply early and broadly

Your best bet is to apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously and send your applications as early as possible. Keep in mind that most deadlines fall between September – March. Also, don’t ignore smaller scholarships €250 - €500 per month can still makes a big difference. Partial scholarships are also usually less competitive than full scholarships.

Don’t ignore eligibility details

Always confirm that you satisfy all application criteria, not just academic performance. Some programs require:

• Minimum work experience
• Specific fields of expertise
• Specific nationalities

In addition, make sure you submit all required application documents. Most common documents include an up-to-date CV (max 2–3 pages), a tailored motivation letter, academic transcripts / diplomas, language certificates and recommendation letters.

Don’t underestimate the competition

Acceptance rates for top scholarships (like DAAD) is around 10% to 15%. You need a strong, well-prepared application to stand out.

Can you work while on a scholarship?

Yes, you generally can work while on a scholarship in Germany. In fact, many students to work part-time while also receiving a scholarship, but there might be a few conditions, Your ability to work is governed by two sets of rules: your visa conditions and the terms of your scholarship provider.

Non-EU students in Germany have a specific legal allowance for work:

• You are allowed to work 140 full days or 280 half days per year.
• During the semester, you are generally restricted to 20 hours per week to maintain your “student” status. During semester breaks, you can work full-time.
• If you work as a Student Assistant (HiWi) at your university or a research institute, these hours often do not count toward your 140-day limit, but you must still notify the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde).

Most scholarship providers allow side jobs, but they may impose “income offsets” or “time caps”, so please be sure to inquire about the specific conditions in advance.