Top 12 Scholarships In Germany For International Students

Germany, an ideal destination for many international students, is full of amazing opportunities to pursue higher studies. From cultural vibrancy to academic excellence, more than 2.8 million students choose Deutschland. With the boom of data science, IT, and other sectors, numerous opportunities are brewing in Germany. However, the estimated cost of living in Germany is around €934 per month! For students with no solid funding or experience, this poses a great challenge. Thankfully, the scholarships in Germany are there to rescue you! In this blog, we will explore the top scholarships for Germany that international students can apply for. Also, we will cover what scholarships are and the types of scholarships for international students in Germany. 

What is a Scholarship? 

Scholarships are known to be a form of financial aid for students and researchers. Governments, private institutions and NGOs usually provide scholarships. They are provided to students for their further education or when they are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Scholarships are also provided on some specific criteria where academic merit, diversity and inclusion, financial need, and athletic skill are taken into consideration.  

Documents Required for Scholarships in Germany 

As you are applying for a scholarship in Germany, there are documents needed to apply. One should always remember to have multiple copies of their documents and to make designated folders for different scholarships. The following are the documents essential while applying for scholarships in germany: 

1. Proof of English or German language proficiency

2. Proof of university entrance qualification or your school leaving certificates 

3. Graduation certificate  

4. Diploma certificate, which must show your degree, such as a Master’s or Bachelor’s 

5. Diploma supplement

6. Additional certificates showing your educational background, extracurricular training, professional training, work experience, etc.

5. Research proposal  

6. Letter of motivation

7. Statement of purpose

8. Letter of recommendation 

Types of Scholarships in Germany

Since Germany is synonymous with world-class education, you can find a multitude of scholarships for international students in Germany. Before you start applying for the top scholarships in Germany, here are the three types of scholarships you should consider: 

1. Government Scholarships in Germany  

This fully funded scholarship in Germany for undergraduates is government-driven: DAAD and Erasmus scholarships are under the umbrella of these German scholarships for international students. Both of these scholarships cover tuition fees; however, some DAAD scholarships for Germany also provide travel costs. 

2. University Scholarships for Germany  

 A number of prestigious universities provide scholarships for international students in Germany. Some of these programs are subject-specific, merit-based, and need-based. If you apply to any of these fully funded scholarships in Germany, you can receive coverage for tuition fees, academic expenses, and living expenses. 

3. Foundation Scholarships in Germany 

For these German scholarships for international students, the government does not fund them. Heinrich Böll Foundation, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, and other private organisations offer these scholarships depending on social engagement or merit. Some of these scholarships to study in Germany also cover full tuition fees and networking opportunities. 

Top 12 Scholarships for International Students in Germany

Navigating your way through the diverse educational landscape may seem like a maze when you are starting. To help you bridge the gap between academic life and financial challenges, here are some of the top scholarships for Germany. 

1. DAAD Scholarships 

Who Can Apply: Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD Students‍

Scholarship Type: Fully funded (at public universities); merit-based 

Offering Universities: University of Heidelberg, University of Humboldt

Scholarship Amount: €850-934/month for graduation & postgraduation, €1200/month for PhD 

DAAD Scholarships in Germany (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), or the German Academic Exchange Service, is a joint organisation of Germany's higher education institutions. They are responsible for the promotion of international academic relations between German educational institutions and universities around the world. The DAAD scholarships are awarded to students who wish to get scholarships in Germany in a full-time course yet must complete their degree within six years. You need to have a valid work experience of two years to receive one of the best scholarships for Germany successfully. 

2. Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships

Who Can Apply: Masters, PhD Students‍

Scholarship Type: Fully funded; merit-based 

Offering Universities: Universitat Gottingen 

Scholarship Amount (for non-EU students): €850/month for graduate studies, €1,200/month for PhD

The Heinrich Boll Foundation awards 1200 scholarships every year to students who are pursuing postgraduate and doctoral studies. Students are also required to show excellent academic records and need to have an interest in courses like ecology, sustainability, democracy, human rights and justice to receive one of the coveted scholarships for international in Germany. Students should also be politically and socially engaged to get one of these scholarships in Germany. Through this program, non-EU students who are pursuing postgraduate studies can also receive €100/month for mobility costs.  

3. Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme

Who Can Apply: Bachelors, Masters, PhD Students‍

Scholarship Type: Partially funded; need-based  

Offering Universities: University of Humboldt

Scholarship Amount: €300/month to every recipient 

The Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme is one of the best German scholarships for international students. If you can show exceptional academic, athletic and overall performance, this scholarship for international students awaits you. While thousands apply, you can memorise the comprehensive guide for writing LOR to stay ahead of the race! Remember, you are reviewed after two semesters, and then the deserving candidates continue receiving the scholarship.

4. RWTH Aachen University Scholarships 

Who Can Apply: Master’s Students 

Scholarship Type: Fully funded; merit-based 

Offering Universities: RWTH Aachen University  

Scholarship Amount: 50% reduction of tuition fees or €500/per month 

RWTH Aachen University scholarships in Germany support students in different stages of their academic journey. The funding of this scholarship varies based on the program you are applying to; therefore, there are no fixed eligibility criteria. However, students pursuing M.Sc. Applied Health Informatics & Digital Medicine Program can apply for up to a 25% reduction of the tuition fees. 

5. Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarships

Who Can Apply: Bachelors, Masters, PhD Students‍

Scholarship Type: Partially funded; merit-based 

Offering Universities: University of Hamburg

Scholarship Amount: €850/month for bachelor’s & master’s, €1,000/month for PhD 

One of the top scholarships in Germany is the Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarships, and you can apply for it if you are studying at Universität Hamburg for more than two semesters and are also pursuing a degree. This scholarship for international students in Germany does not accept anyone being eligible for federal student loan plans. Applying for this scholarship to study in Germany will further unlock your personal and professional skills.

6. Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship

Who Can Apply: Junior Research Group Leaders‍

Scholarship Type: Partially funded, merit-Based 

Offering Universities: Berlin University

Scholarship Amount: €20,000/year for material resources 

The Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship is a fellowship programme for junior research group leaders who can set up and start their junior research groups. A junior research group leader needs to have funding from the DFG or an ERC starting grant. The funding is only available for a postdoctoral researcher, and their salary will be decided on the wage agreement by the state of Berlin. The researcher receives funding for up to five years and can use the funds purely for research purposes.  

7. Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships

Who Can Apply: Masters and Doctorate Students‍

Scholarship Type: Fully funded; partially merit-based 

Offering Universities: Universitat Gottingen

Scholarship Amount: €850/month for postgraduation, €1,350/month for doctoral 

The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship, one of the coveted scholarships in Germany, is awarded to students who are pursuing master's and Ph.D. courses in any subjects except for medical, dentistry and veterinary courses. The Federal Foreign Office provides this scholarship, and students receive stipends until their course is over. However, students will be monitored for the first year to check on their progress and performance. 

8. Erasmus Scholarships

Who Can Apply: Masters and Doctorate Students‍

Scholarship Type: Fully funded; merit-based 

Offering Universities: All top universities in Germany

Scholarship Amount: €1100 to €1500/month for living costs and other expenses 

When it comes to one of the government scholarships in Germany, the Erasmus scholarship stands out for students pursuing Master's and doctoral degrees. This scholarship for international students offers a stipend for monthly living costs with various coverage, including health care, travel, and installation costs, with the inclusion of tuition fees. You can check whether the easiest German universities to get into accept this scholarship. If you have a bachelor's degree and a B1 certificate, your journey can be smother. 

9. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships

Who Can Apply:  Master’s, Postgraduate, PhD Students 

Scholarship Type: Fully funded; merit-based 

Offering Organisation: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

Scholarship Amount: €850/month for two years for postgraduation, €1,200/month for up to three years for PhD 

With an excellent record and a degree from an international university, this scholarship for international students in Germany is an essential one on this list. Among many of the merit-based scholarships, this stands out for evaluating your personal qualities and how your academic achievements are aligned with the course you will apply for. Also, being one of the crucial scholarships to study in Germany, the program covers living expenses, tuition fees and health insurance.

10. The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships 

Who Can Apply: Undergraduates, Postgraduates Students 

Scholarship Type: Fully funded; merit-based 

Offering Organisation: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung

Scholarship Amount: Not available 

Though it’s one of the most prestigious scholarships in Germany and does not have a fixed scholarship amount, students with a knack for social and political engagement can apply. With your strong grades and a good cover letter, the scholarship can help you with the financial support you need. For this scholarship for international students in Germany, you must apply at a public or state-aided university. 

11. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Masters Scholarship 

Who Can Apply: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD Students

Scholarship Type: Partially funded; merit-based 

Offering University: Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Masters  

Scholarship Amount: €850/month for graduate studies, €1,000/month for doctoral studies 

For anyone looking for merit-based scholarships in Germany, this program needs to be considered. By alleviating your financial concerns, the program helps you reach your full potential. This scholarship for international students in Germany promotes greater equity and remarkable opportunities to connect with established alumni. To increase your chances of winning the scholarship, the ultimate guide to writing a cover letter can come to the rescue.  

12. Kurt Hansen Science Scholarships

Who Can Apply: Master’s students from Biology and Chemistry

Scholarship Type: Fully funded; merit-based 

Offering Organisation: The Bayer Science and Education Foundation 

Scholarship Amount: €500 to €1,000/month, depending on the program duration

This scholarship is awarded to students from German-speaking countries and other countries. The scholarships cover costs that come with study projects, internships, summer costs and postgraduate courses in Germany. The students who apply for this scholarship are required to be teacher-training students in Biology and Chemistry. 

These scholarships in Germany will give you a thorough explanation and criteria that you need to set for your future studies, as they ease up any student's lifestyle to the fullest. These scholarships are also presented with minimum requirements so that international students have more access to world-class education and facilities. While cracking the road to fully funded scholarships in germany, do not overlook the top things to do in Germany before making a fun itinerary. So, best of luck!