Germany is known for being both affordable and academically strong. Here are just a few reasons why it draws in thousands of students every year:
- Most public universities don’t charge or charge very little for tuition.
- Many programs are taught in English, especially at the graduate level.
- Degrees are known and respected all over the world.
- A lot of focus on research, technology, and learning by doing
- Work opportunities after graduation and stay-back visas for up to 18 months
- A lively community of international students and a high quality of life
Even though tuition is low, it can be hard to make ends meet in Germany, especially for students from developing countries. That’s why it’s a good idea to apply for scholarships, and there are a lot of them.
The Best Scholarships in Germany for Students from Other Countries
1. Scholarships from DAAD
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has one of the best scholarship programs for students from other countries. Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students can apply for these scholarships.
What it includes:
- Full tuition fees (if they apply)
- Monthly money for living
- Costs of travel
- Insurance for health
Students from developing countries in all fields, but especially those in STEM, social sciences, and the humanities, are welcome to apply.
2. The Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
This is a merit-based scholarship that individual universities give out with the help of the German government and private donors.
Important benefits:
- €300 a month as a stipend
- No restrictions based on nationality
- Open to students in all fields of study
People who apply are chosen based on their grades, how involved they are in their community, and their personal accomplishments.
3. Scholarships from the Heinrich Böll Foundation
This scholarship is perfect for students who care about democracy, social justice, and the environment.
Who can apply:
- International students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees
- Strong academic record
- Proven involvement in social or political causes
What it offers:
- Monthly stipend of up to €1,000
- Additional allowances for books and travel
4. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships
Targeted at students from developing countries, this scholarship supports Master’s and PhD students who show strong political or social involvement.
Requirements:
- Excellent academic performance
- Leadership experience or community service
- A genuine interest in German culture and values
Coverage:
- Tuition
- Monthly allowance
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
5. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
Offered by Germany’s oldest political foundation, this scholarship supports international students who promote social democracy.
Open to:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral students in any subject
Benefits include:
- Monthly allowance up to €1,000
- Family support (if applicable)
- Health insurance
Applicants are evaluated based on academic achievement and social/political engagement.
6. HAW Hamburg Academic Excellence Scholarship
Designed specifically for international students already enrolled at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, this scholarship rewards strong academic performance.
Eligibility:
- Enrolled full-time at HAW Hamburg
- Excellent grades in previous semesters
- Active involvement in extracurriculars or volunteer work
Benefit:
- Financial support to cover part of the cost of living
7. Scholarships for Women in STEM
To promote gender equality in science and technology, various organizations offer scholarships for female students pursuing degrees in STEM fields.
Examples include:
- Women in Engineering Scholarships
- Monash Women in IT Scholarship
- Other STEM-specific grants offered through German universities and private partners
These programs often include mentorship, networking, and career guidance along with financial support.
8. University-Specific Scholarships
Many German universities run their own scholarship programs aimed at attracting talented international students.
A few examples:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM): TUM Asia Scholarships for master’s programs in Engineering and IT
- University of Heidelberg: Research-based scholarships for high-achieving students
- University of Freiburg: Global Exchange Scholarships and merit-based awards
Applicants are encouraged to visit the websites of their target universities to explore specific offerings.
Eligibility Criteria (General Guidelines)
Each scholarship has its own requirements, but here are common criteria most programs share:
- Strong academic background
- Clear study goals and motivation
- Proof of language proficiency (English or German, depending on the program)
- Participation in community service, leadership, or extracurricular activities
- Valid academic documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.)
How to Apply for Scholarships in Germany
To increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, follow these steps carefully:
1. Choose Your Program
Identify what course and university you want to study at. Scholarships are often tied to specific programs.
2. Check Eligibility
Each scholarship has unique requirements. Review them carefully to see if you qualify.
3. Gather Required Documents
Most scholarships ask for:
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of language skills (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF)
4. Apply Before the Deadline
Visit the official websites of each scholarship program. Application deadlines vary, so mark important dates early.
5. Follow Instructions Carefully
Only submit what’s required. Make sure every document is in the right format and language (usually English or German).
Where to Apply – Official Scholarship Links
To ensure safety and avoid scams, only use official websites. Here are some verified sources:
- DAAD Scholarships: daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships
- Heinrich Böll Foundation: boell.de/en/foundation/scholarships
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung: kas.de/en/scholarships
- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung: fes.de/studienfoerderung
- HAW Hamburg: haw-hamburg.de/en/international/…/scholarships
- TUM Asia Scholarships: tum-asia.edu.sg/admissions/scholarships
- General Search (All Scholarships): scholarshipportal.com
Conclusion
Germany offers an incredible opportunity for international students to earn a high-quality education without the burden of tuition fees. With the right scholarship, students can also cover living expenses, travel, and insurance—allowing them to fully focus on their studies and future careers.
From government-funded programs to university-specific awards, there are numerous options available. By preparing a strong application and applying early, students can take advantage of these opportunities and start their academic journey in one of the world’s most advanced and student-friendly countries.
