Top Scholarships for International Students in Germany 2026

Germany is one of the most affordable study destinations in the world — public universities charge no tuition for most programs, even for international students. Yet living costs of €934 to €1,200 per month still represent a significant financial commitment. Scholarships can bridge that gap entirely. The DAAD alone awards €600 million per year to roughly 140,000 scholars worldwide. The Deutschlandstipendium distributes €300 per month to over 28,000 students annually at more than 300 German universities. The EU's Erasmus+ program has funded over 13 million participants since its launch. Beyond these headline programs, Germany's 13 political foundations, dozens of university-specific awards, and numerous regional and field-specific grants mean that almost every international student can find funding worth applying for. This guide presents every major option for 2026: exact amounts, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and step-by-step advice on writing a scholarship application that stands out.

If you are still planning your move, start with our overview of costs and funding for studying in Germany to understand how scholarships fit into the broader financial picture. Students who have already arrived and need budgeting advice will find our student budget guide helpful. And if you are in the early stages of choosing a university, our guide on how to apply to German universities walks you through admissions from start to finish.

DAAD Scholarships — Germany's Flagship Funding Program

The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service), universally known as DAAD, is the world's largest funding organization for international academic exchange. Established in 1925 and jointly funded by the German federal government and the European Union, the DAAD supports more than 140,000 scholars every year with a budget exceeding €600 million. For international students considering Germany, the DAAD is the first place to look. Its programs cover every degree level (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD), every academic field, and students from virtually every country.

DAAD Study Scholarships (Graduate Programs)

The flagship DAAD Study Scholarship targets international graduates who want to complete a full Master's degree or a complementary course of study at a German university. The monthly stipend is €934 for Master's students and €1,200 for doctoral candidates. Recipients also receive a health insurance subsidy, a travel allowance, and in some cases a study and research allowance of €460 per year. The scholarship covers the standard period of study — 10 to 24 months for Master's programs. Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree completed no more than six years before the start of the scholarship, demonstrate above-average academic performance, and provide a convincing motivation letter explaining why Germany and the specific program fit their career plans.

Deadlines fall between mid-July and mid-October of the year before the intended start. Submit applications through the DAAD portal at www.daad.de. Most programs also require a submission to the DAAD office or embassy in your home country. The selection process is rigorous: academic committees of German professors evaluate applicants, and success rates range from 10% to 30%.

DAAD EPOS Scholarships (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses)

EPOS stands for Entwicklungsbezogene Postgraduiertenstudiengänge — development-related postgraduate courses. These scholarships target professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries who want to earn a Master's degree in a field relevant to their home country's development. The stipend is €934 per month, plus health insurance, travel costs, and a study allowance. Duration matches the program length: 12 to 36 months. Applicants should have at least two years of professional experience after their Bachelor's degree. Deadlines fall between August and October.

DAAD Research Grants (Doctoral and Postdoctoral)

For research-based doctorates or short-term research stays, the DAAD offers grants of €1,200 per month for doctoral candidates and €1,553 per month for postdoctoral researchers. These grants fund research stays of 7 to 24 months (doctoral) or 1 to 6 months (postdoctoral). Applicants need a clear research proposal, an invitation or acceptance from a German university or research institute, and strong academic references. Deadlines are in October or November, roughly one year before the intended start.

How to Apply for DAAD Funding

The DAAD application process follows a consistent pattern. First, create an account on the DAAD portal and use the scholarship database to identify programs you qualify for. Second, prepare your documents: a CV (in table format, following the DAAD template), a motivation letter of two to three pages, certified copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates, proof of language proficiency, and two academic recommendation letters. Third, submit your application through the portal by the stated deadline. Fourth, if your application passes the initial review, you may be invited for an interview — in person at the DAAD office in your country or via video call. Decisions are communicated three to five months after the deadline.

Deutschlandstipendium — Merit-Based Funding at 300+ Universities

The Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship) is a nationwide merit-based program established by federal law in 2011. It awards €300 per month for at least two semesters (one year), with the possibility of renewal. Half of the €300 comes from private donors (companies, foundations, or individuals) and the other half is matched by the German federal government. Every euro a donor contributes is doubled by the state.

The Deutschlandstipendium is open to all students enrolled at participating German universities, regardless of nationality — including international students. Selection criteria go beyond grades: universities also consider personal circumstances such as overcoming social or family obstacles, community engagement, and achievements outside academia. A strong GPA (top 20–30% of your cohort) combined with evidence of volunteer work, leadership, or overcoming personal hardship gives you a competitive edge.

You submit applications directly through your German university, not through a central portal. Each university sets its own deadline, but most application windows open between April and July for funding that begins in the following winter semester. The process involves an online application form, an academic transcript, a CV, and a short motivation statement. Some universities also conduct interviews.

One major advantage of the Deutschlandstipendium is that it can be combined with other scholarships and with BAföG (Germany's student financial aid). It also does not count toward the income limits that apply to many social benefits, making it genuinely additional income. Over 28,000 students received the Deutschlandstipendium in the 2024/25 academic year, and the program continues to grow.

Erasmus+ for Germany — EU Mobility Grants

Erasmus+ is the European Union's flagship program for education, training, youth, and sport, with a total budget of €26.2 billion for 2021-2027. For students, the most relevant component is Key Action 1: Learning Mobility of Individuals, which funds study exchanges and traineeships abroad. Germany is one of the most popular Erasmus+ destinations, hosting around 40,000 incoming Erasmus students per year.

Erasmus+ Study Mobility

If your home university has an Erasmus+ partnership with a German university, you can spend one or two semesters (3-12 months) in Germany while receiving a monthly grant. The grant amounts for Germany (classified as a Group 1 country with higher living costs) are €490 per month for study mobility in the 2024-2027 funding cycle. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may receive a top-up of €250 per month. The grant is intended to cover the additional costs of living abroad — it is not meant to cover all expenses, but combined with no tuition fees at German public universities, it goes a long way.

Erasmus+ Traineeship Mobility

Erasmus+ also funds traineeships (internships) in Germany of 2 to 12 months. The monthly grant for traineeships in Germany is €640 per month, higher than for study mobility because trainees often cannot take on part-time work alongside their placement. This is a strong option if you want to gain professional experience at a German company, research institute, or NGO while receiving EU funding.

How to Apply for Erasmus+

Unlike DAAD or the Deutschlandstipendium, you do not apply to Erasmus+ directly. Instead, you apply through the international office of your home university. Your home university must have an active Erasmus+ inter-institutional agreement with the German university you want to attend. The selection process and deadlines are set by your home institution, but typical application windows are December to March for the following academic year. You will need an academic transcript, a learning agreement (specifying which courses you will take in Germany), a motivation letter, and possibly a language certificate.

Erasmus+ is available to students from EU/EEA countries as well as students from Erasmus+ partner countries worldwide. If your country is an Erasmus+ partner country, check your university's international office for available exchange programs with German institutions.

University-Specific Scholarships

Beyond the major national and international programs, many German universities offer their own scholarships funded by endowments, alumni associations, corporate partners, or state budgets. These awards often fly under the radar because they are only advertised on the specific university's website, yet they can be just as valuable as the big-name programs. Here are some notable examples for 2026.

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

TUM offers several scholarship lines for international students. The TUM Global Diversity Scholarship supports students from underrepresented regions with up to €600 per month. The TUM Presidential Scholarship goes to students with top academic records and covers up to €12,000 per year. TUM also participates actively in the Deutschlandstipendium, awarding more than 600 scholarships annually — one of the highest numbers in Germany.

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)

LMU Munich's LMU Scholarship for International Students provides €300 to €600 per month for high-performing international students. The university also runs the LMU-China Scholarship Council Program for Chinese doctoral candidates and the LMU Research Fellowship for postgraduate researchers. Application deadlines fall in March or April.

Heidelberg University

Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university, offers the Heidelberg University Excellence Scholarship for incoming Master's students with exceptional academic records. The award covers living expenses of up to €800 per month. The university also administers the HEIDIS scholarship program (Heidelberg International Doctoral Students), which supports doctoral candidates with stipends and research funding.

Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin)

FU Berlin offers the Ernst Reuter Scholarship for international students, providing up to €500 per month for strong academic performance and social engagement. The university is also one of the largest participants in the Deutschlandstipendium program in Berlin. FU Berlin's international office maintains a scholarship database listing both internal and external funding opportunities for enrolled students.

Other Notable University Scholarships

Several other institutions deserve mention: RWTH Aachen offers merit-based scholarships for STEM students; Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin provides the Elsa Neumann Scholarship for doctoral candidates funded by the state of Berlin; University of Freiburg runs the Freiburg Excellence Scholarship for Master's students; and TU Dresden awards the Graduate Academy Fellowship for international doctoral researchers. Always check the international office and the scholarship section of any university you are applying to — the funding landscape is broader than most applicants realize.

Political Foundation Scholarships (Begabtenförderungswerke)

Germany has a unique system of 13 organizations for the support of talented students (Begabtenförderungswerke), funded primarily by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Six of these are affiliated with Germany's major political parties, while the others are linked to churches, trade unions, or the business community. These foundations do not require you to be a member of the affiliated party — they look for academic excellence and alignment with their values. International students enrolled at German universities are eligible for most of these programs.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)

Affiliated with the CDU (Christian Democratic Union), KAS supports students who are committed to democracy, the rule of law, and the social market economy. The scholarship provides €934 per month for Master's students (or €1,350 for doctoral candidates), plus a study allowance of €300 per month. KAS places strong emphasis on community engagement, leadership potential, and political awareness. Application deadlines are typically in January and July.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)

Linked to the SPD (Social Democratic Party), FES is the oldest political foundation in Germany, established in 1925. It awards scholarships to students who demonstrate a commitment to social democracy, solidarity, and social justice. International students from developing and transition countries are particularly encouraged to apply. The stipend is €934 per month for Master's students, with a study allowance of €300 per month. FES also offers an extensive networking and mentoring program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but there are specific intake periods — check the FES website for current dates.

Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

Close to the Green Party (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen), the Heinrich Böll Foundation supports students who are engaged with environmental sustainability, human rights, gender democracy, and social justice. Scholarships amount to €934 per month (Master's) or €1,350 per month (PhD), plus a €300 monthly study allowance. The selection process is highly competitive and includes a written application, an essay, and a selection workshop. Deadlines fall in March and September.

Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung

Affiliated with Die Linke (The Left), this foundation supports students committed to social justice, anti-discrimination, and critical social analysis. The stipend follows the same structure: €934/month (Master's) or €1,350/month (PhD), plus study allowance. The application typically involves a political essay and an interview. Deadlines are in April and October.

Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung

Linked to the FDP (Free Democratic Party), this foundation values individual freedom, rule of law, and market economy principles. Scholarships provide the standard €934/month plus allowances. The foundation particularly values entrepreneurial thinking and civic engagement.

Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung

Affiliated with the CSU (Christian Social Union in Bavaria), this foundation supports students with strong academic records and social or political engagement. Funding amounts mirror the other political foundations. The Hanns Seidel Foundation has a particular focus on students in Bavaria but accepts applications from throughout Germany.

Other Begabtenförderungswerke

The remaining foundations include the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (the most selective, non-partisan, and nomination-based — international students can be nominated by their professors after one semester in Germany), the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung (trade union-affiliated, focuses on students from non-academic backgrounds), the Cusanuswerk (Catholic), the Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst (Protestant), the Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk (Jewish), and the Avicenna Studienwerk (Muslim). Each has specific value orientations and selection criteria, but all provide €300 to €1,350 per month plus allowances.

Country-Specific and Regional Scholarships

Many scholarships are designed for students from specific countries or world regions, reflecting bilateral agreements between Germany and partner nations or the strategic priorities of German development cooperation.

For Students from Developing Countries

• KAAD (Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst): Scholarships for Catholic students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Stipends range from €861 to €1,200 per month depending on degree level. KAAD also provides pastoral care and a strong alumni network. Deadlines vary by partner country.
• DAAD EPOS: As described above, specifically for professionals from developing and newly industrialized countries enrolled in development-related Master's programs in Germany.
• SBW Berlin (Stiftung Bildung und Wissenschaft): Supports students from developing countries studying in Berlin, with stipends covering living costs and mentoring support.

For Students from Specific Countries

• Fulbright Germany (USA): The German-American Fulbright Commission funds American students for study, research, or teaching in Germany, and German students for programs in the US. Awards cover living expenses, health insurance, and travel.
• CSC-DAAD Joint Scholarship (China): A partnership between the China Scholarship Council and DAAD funding Chinese doctoral candidates at German universities. The CSC covers the stipend; the DAAD covers additional costs.
• ICCR Scholarship (India): The Indian Council for Cultural Relations offers scholarships for Indian students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Germany.
• COLFUTURO-DAAD (Colombia): A loan-scholarship program for Colombian graduates pursuing Master's degrees in Germany.
• Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA): While primarily a research network, AGYA offers funding for collaborative projects and short-term research visits for scholars from Arab countries.
• DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships (Africa): Fund Master's and doctoral studies at partner universities within Africa, with some programs offering stays in Germany.

For EU/EEA Students

EU and EEA students benefit from Erasmus+ (described above) but can also access national scholarships from their home countries that support study in Germany. Examples include the Dutch DUO/Nuffic grants, the French CROUS grants (which continue to be paid during Erasmus exchanges), and various national merit scholarship programs. EU students are also eligible for BAföG under certain conditions, effectively a half-grant, half-loan from the German state.

Scholarship Comparison Table

The table below summarizes the key scholarships at a glance. Use it to quickly compare amounts, eligibility, and deadlines so you can prioritize your applications.

Scholarship	Monthly Amount	Eligibility	Application Deadline
DAAD Study Scholarship	€934 (Master's) / €1,200 (PhD)	International graduates, all fields	Jul–Oct (varies by country)
DAAD EPOS	€934 + allowances	Professionals from developing countries	Aug–Oct (program-specific)
DAAD Research Grant	€1,200 (doctoral) / €1,553 (postdoc)	Doctoral candidates and researchers	Oct–Nov
Deutschlandstipendium	€300	All enrolled students, merit-based	Apr–Jul (university-specific)
Erasmus+ Study	€490	Students at Erasmus+ partner universities	Dec–Mar (via home university)
Erasmus+ Traineeship	€640	Students at Erasmus+ partner universities	Varies (via home university)
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung	€934 + €300 allowance	Students committed to democracy, rule of law	Jan & Jul
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung	€934 + €300 allowance	Students committed to social democracy	Rolling (specific intakes)
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung	€934 + €300 allowance	Students engaged in sustainability, human rights	Mar & Sep
Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung	€934 + €300 allowance	Students committed to social justice	Apr & Oct
Studienstiftung des dt. Volkes	Up to €1,350 + €300 allowance	Nomination by professor after 1 semester	Ongoing (nomination-based)
KAAD	€861–€1,200	Catholic students from developing countries	Varies by partner country
Humboldt Research Fellowship	€2,670 (postdoc) / €3,170 (senior)	Researchers with PhD, all nationalities	Rolling

How to Write a Winning Scholarship Application

With acceptance rates between 5% and 30% for competitive scholarships, the quality of your application separates funded students from rejected ones. Based on scholarship processes from the DAAD, political foundations, and university-level programs, here is a practical framework that produces strong applications.

Start 12 to 15 Months Before Your Intended Start Date

Scholarship applications require significant preparation time. Request recommendation letters at least two months in advance. Transcripts may need translation and certification. Language certificates (TestDaF, IELTS, TOEFL) take time to schedule and receive. Build a timeline working backward from the deadline: identify the scholarship 15 months ahead, gather information and draft documents 12 months ahead, request recommendation letters 10 months ahead, finalize and submit 8 months ahead, and plan for decisions to arrive 4 to 6 months before your start date.

Write a Specific Motivation Letter, Not a Generic One

The single most common reason for rejection is a motivation letter that could have been written by anyone for any scholarship in any country. A winning letter does three things. It explains why Germany — referencing specific aspects of the German academic system, research landscape, or industry relevant to your goals. It explains why this program — naming professors, research groups, or courses at the specific university. It explains why you — connecting your past experience, skills, and achievements to your future goals so the committee sees you will make the most of the funding. Use concrete examples. Avoid vague statements like "I am passionate about my field."

Prepare a Structured CV in the DAAD/Europass Format

German scholarship committees expect a tabular CV (tabellarischer Lebenslauf), not a narrative resume. Use the DAAD or Europass template and include: personal information, education (with grades and class rank if available), professional experience, publications and conferences (if applicable), language skills with proficiency levels, extracurricular activities and volunteer work, and awards or honors. Keep it to two pages maximum.

Secure Strong Recommendation Letters

Choose recommenders who know your work well and can speak specifically about your academic abilities, research potential, and character. Provide them with your CV, your motivation letter, and a brief summary of the scholarship. Give them at least six to eight weeks to write the letter. A detailed recommendation from a professor who supervised your thesis is worth far more than a generic letter from a department head who barely knows you.

Demonstrate Social Engagement and Leadership

Almost every German scholarship program — from the DAAD to the political foundations to the Deutschlandstipendium — considers social engagement (gesellschaftliches Engagement) alongside academic performance. This includes volunteer work, student government, mentoring, community organizing, founding a student initiative, or contributing to a social cause. If you have not been involved in such activities, start now. Even six months of meaningful engagement strengthens your profile.

Apply to Multiple Scholarships Simultaneously

No rule prevents you from applying to several scholarships at the same time (except the political foundations, where you may only apply to one Begabtenförderungswerk at a time). Applying to four or five scholarships dramatically increases your chances of receiving at least one. Create a spreadsheet tracking each scholarship's name, deadline, required documents, and application status.

Proofread and Follow Instructions Exactly

This sounds obvious, but a surprising number of applicants are eliminated for avoidable reasons: exceeding the word limit, submitting documents in the wrong format, forgetting a required form, or having typos in the motivation letter. Have at least two other people read your application before you submit. Follow every instruction in the application guidelines to the letter — if the guidelines say "PDF format, maximum 2 pages, font size 12," do exactly that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students get scholarships in Germany?

Yes. Germany is one of the most scholarship-friendly countries in the world for international students. The DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Erasmus+, political foundations, and university-specific awards are all open to international applicants. Some programs (like the DAAD EPOS) are exclusively for international students. In total, more than 100,000 international students in Germany receive some form of scholarship or financial support each year.

What is the easiest scholarship to get in Germany?

The Deutschlandstipendium has the broadest eligibility criteria and the highest absolute number of awards (over 28,000 per year). While "easy" is relative, your chances are better because every participating university allocates its own quota, so competition is spread across 300+ institutions rather than concentrated in a single national pool. Smaller university-specific scholarships also tend to have less competition because fewer students know about them.

Can I receive multiple scholarships at the same time?

It depends on the scholarship terms. The Deutschlandstipendium can be combined with most other funding, including BAföG. However, political foundation scholarships (Begabtenförderungswerke) generally cannot be combined with each other or with BAföG. DAAD scholarships may restrict combination with other German public funding. Always read the fine print of each scholarship's terms and conditions.

Do I need to speak German to get a scholarship?

Not for every program. Many programs — the DAAD Study Scholarships for English-taught programs, Erasmus+, and university-specific awards — do not require German proficiency. However, demonstrating German language skills (even at A2 or B1 level) strengthens your application across all German scholarship programs, as it signals commitment to integrating into German academic and social life.

When should I start applying for scholarships?

Start researching 12 to 15 months before your intended enrollment date. Most major deadlines (DAAD, political foundations) fall 8 to 12 months before the academic year starts. The Deutschlandstipendium deadlines are shorter: 3 to 5 months before funding begins. The earlier you start, the more time you have to prepare strong applications and gather all required documents.

What GPA do I need for a scholarship in Germany?

There is no universal GPA requirement. The DAAD generally expects "above-average" academic performance, which in practice means the top 20-30% of your class. Political foundations look for similar academic strength but weigh social engagement equally. The Deutschlandstipendium considers personal circumstances alongside grades. As a rough benchmark, a GPA equivalent to the German "gut" (2.0 or better on the German 1.0-5.0 scale, where 1.0 is the best) is competitive for most programs.

Are there scholarships for Bachelor's students?

Yes, but fewer than for graduate students. The Deutschlandstipendium is open to Bachelor's students. Some political foundations accept undergraduate applicants. The DAAD primarily funds graduate studies but offers a few programs for undergraduates, such as summer courses and language scholarships. University-specific scholarships may also be available at the Bachelor's level.

What happens if my scholarship application is rejected?

Rejection is common and should not discourage you. Many programs have acceptance rates of 5–15%. If rejected, ask for feedback if the program offers it, revise your application, and reapply in the next cycle. Many successful scholarship holders were rejected on their first attempt. In the meantime, explore alternative funding through part-time work (international students can work up to 140 full days per year), the Deutschlandstipendium (which has a separate, less competitive process), or smaller university grants.

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• How to Apply to German Universities — Step-by-step admissions guide for international students