Top 10 Scholarships to Study in Germany for International Students

Germany offers some of the top scholarships for international students, including DAAD, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), Deutschlandstipendium and the Humboldt Research Fellowship. These Germany scholarships cover living expenses, health insurance, travel and academic costs, helping students study with reduced financial pressure.

With over 300 public universities offering low or no tuition fees and more than 450,000 international students, Germany is one of Europe’s most affordable study destinations. Monthly funding typically ranges from €300 to over €3,600, supporting students in earning globally recognised degrees with strong post-study work opportunities and high employability.

Scholarship	Amount Awarded  (per month)
DAAD Scholarships	€992 – €1,400
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship	€812 – €1,450
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship	€992 – €1,400
Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship	€934 – €1,520
Humboldt Research Fellowship	€3,000 – €3,600
Erasmus+ Programme	€292 – €900+
Deutschlandstipendium	€300
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships	Up to €10,000 (one-time grant)
Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM	€600 – €1,400
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarship	€934 – €1,200

*Planning to study in Germany? Let Y-Axis guide you through every step of the application process.

 

Top Universities in Germany Offering Scholarships for International Students

 

Germany is home to several globally ranked universities that provide scholarships to support international students pursuing higher education. These institutions are recognised for academic excellence, research strength and strong career outcomes.

Top universities in Germany offering scholarships include:

Technical University of Munich (TUM): Leading university for engineering, technology and innovation

RWTH Aachen University: Renowned for engineering, applied sciences and industry-focused programmes

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU): Strong reputation in business, humanities and research

Heidelberg University: Germany’s oldest university with global academic recognition

Humboldt University of Berlin: Popular for research-led programmes and social sciences

University of Freiburg: Known for sustainability and environmental studies

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT): Excellence in science, technology and engineering

 

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Germany
 

To secure scholarships in Germany for international students, applicants must meet specific academic and documentation requirements. While criteria vary by scholarship provider, the core expectations remain consistent.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Academic Performance: Strong grades or high CGPA relevant to the chosen programme
• University Admission: Confirmed offer letter from a recognised German university
• Language Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL or German certification, although some scholarships accept alternative language proof.
• Motivation Letter: Clear explanation of academic goals and career plans
• Recommendation Letters: From professors or academic supervisors
• Relevant Experience: Work or research experience for master’s and PhD programmes
• Research Proposal: Required for PhD scholarships in Germany

Extracurricular Activities: Leadership, volunteering or social engagement strengthen applications

How to Apply for Scholarships in Germany as an International Student?
 

Applying for scholarships in Germany requires strategic planning and timely submission of accurate documents. Since most Germany scholarships for international students are highly competitive, following a structured application process can significantly improve your chances of success.

Step-by-step process to apply for scholarships in Germany:

Step 1: Research scholarships in Germany based on your chosen course and study level

Step 2: Select recognised universities in Germany

Step 3: Check eligibility criteria carefully

Step 4: Prepare required documents

Step 5: Submit scholarship applications

Step 6: Attend interviews or assessments

Step 7: Track application status

*Need guidance on scholarships and applications? Get expert help from Y-Axis.

Best Courses to Study in Germany with Scholarships
 

Germany offers strong scholarship support for courses aligned with industry demand, research innovation and global employability. These fields attract more funding and higher approval rates for Germany scholarships.

Most popular courses with strong scholarship opportunities include:

• Engineering: Mechanical, Automotive, Civil, Electrical and Aeronautical Engineering
• Computer Science & IT: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security and Software Engineering
• Business & Management: International Business, Finance, Supply Chain and MBA programmes
• Medicine & Healthcare: Clinical Medicine, Public Health and Biomedical Sciences
• Renewable Energy: Sustainable Energy Systems and Environmental Engineering
• Natural Sciences: Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology
• Robotics & Automation: Mechatronics and Industrial Automation

*Confused about which course to study in Germany? Avail Y-Axis Course Recommendation Services for personalised assistance!
 

Benefits of Studying in Germany for International Students

Studying in Germany with a scholarship provides clear financial and career advantages for international students.

Key benefits include:

• Lower or fully covered study and living costs
• Access to top-ranked German universities
• Globally recognised degrees
• Strong post-study work opportunities
• High graduate employability
• Exposure to advanced research and innovation

Is University Education Free in Germany for International Students?
 

Most public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition fees, making higher education highly affordable for international students. However, students are still responsible for living expenses such as accommodation, food, health insurance and transport. This is where scholarships in Germany play a crucial role. Fully or partially funded Germany scholarships help cover these costs, allowing students to study without heavy financial pressure while benefiting from globally recognised education.

 

How to get a 100% scholarship to study in Germany?
 

To get a 100% scholarship in Germany, apply for fully funded programmes such as DAAD, Humboldt Research Fellowship and major German foundation scholarships. These scholarships cover tuition fees, monthly living expenses, health insurance and travel costs.

You must show strong academic results, a clear study plan and submit high-quality documents such as a motivation letter, CV and recommendation letters. Apply early, meet all eligibility requirements and target scholarships that match your academic profile to improve your chances of full funding.
 

Is it possible to get a scholarship without IELTS?
 

Yes, Some Germany scholarships are available without IELTS if students provide alternative proof of English proficiency, such as a Medium of Instruction certificate or university language assessment. Certain German universities also accept German language test scores like TestDaF. However, requirements vary, so applicants should always check specific scholarship criteria before applying.

 

Can I Work While Studying in Germany on a Scholarship?
 

Yes, international students studying in Germany on a scholarship are allowed to work part-time. You can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year, even if you receive fully funded scholarships such as DAAD. Most students take up jobs like student assistants, research helpers or part-time roles in shops and cafés. However, some scholarships may limit working hours if it affects academic performance, so it is always best to check the specific terms of your scholarship before accepting a job.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Scholarships in Germany

 

Scholarships in Germany are highly competitive, but smart planning can significantly boost your success rate. Follow these practical tips to strengthen your application:

• Apply early, ideally 8–12 months in advance
• Choose scholarships that match your academic profile
• Write a clear and focused motivation letter
• Maintain strong academic performance
• Highlight leadership and extracurricular involvement
• Apply to multiple Germany scholarships
• Ensure all documents are accurate and consistent
• Prepare confidently for interviews

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance for Germany Immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world's No.1 Overseas Immigration Consultancy.

 

FAQs

 

What are the top 10 scholarships to study in Germany for international students?

The top 10 scholarships to study in Germany include DAAD Scholarships, Deutschlandstipendium, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarship, Erasmus+ Scholarships, Humboldt Research Fellowship, university-specific funding, scholarships in Germany for masters and undergraduate scholarships in Germany for international students.

These Germany scholarships for international students cover tuition fees, monthly living allowances, and health insurance and travel costs. They support students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD studies at top universities, making higher education more affordable and accessible for global applicants.

 

How can I get a full scholarship in Germany as an international student?

To get a full scholarship in Germany, students must demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership qualities and clear career goals. Start by researching scholarships in Germany for international students and applying well before deadlines.

Focus on preparing a strong Statement of Purpose, compelling recommendation letters and a professional CV. DAAD is one of the most well-known fully funded scholarships in Germany. Applying to multiple Germany scholarship programmes and meeting all eligibility requirements significantly improves your chances of securing financial support.

 

Are scholarships in Germany available for bachelor’s students?

Yes, there are several undergraduate scholarships in Germany for international students. These include Deutschlandstipendium, university-based funding and foundation scholarships. A scholarship in Germany for bachelor degree often supports living costs and sometimes tuition fees.

Students must demonstrate excellent academic results, language proficiency and a strong motivation letter. These scholarships to study in Germany help make higher education more affordable, especially for programmes in engineering, management, IT and healthcare.

 

What are the best courses to study in Germany with scholarships?

The best courses to study in Germany with scholarships include Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business Management, Renewable Energy, Medicine and Environmental Sciences. These disciplines attract a large number of Germany student scholarships due to their strong research focus and global demand.

Germany scholarship for international students often prioritises these academic areas, especially for masters and PhD levels, making them ideal options for securing fully funded scholarships in Germany.

 

Can I get scholarships in Germany without IELTS?

Yes, Germany scholarships without IELTS are possible in specific cases. Some universities accept alternatives such as a Medium of Instruction certificate, German proficiency tests like TestDaF or internal language assessments.

Many scholarships in Germany for international students may waive IELTS if previous education was completed in English. However, each Germany scholarship has different requirements, so it is essential to verify conditions before applying for scholarships to study in Germany without IELTS.

 

What are the eligibility requirements for scholarships in Germany?

Eligibility for scholarships in Germany includes strong academic background, admission to a German university, and proof of language proficiency, a motivation letter and recommendation letters. For Germany scholarship for international students, additional requirements may include work experience or research proposals for postgraduate and PhD studies.

Scholarships in Germany for masters often assess leadership skills and community involvement. Meeting these requirements increases your chances of receiving fully funded scholarships in Germany.

 

Are PhD scholarships in Germany fully funded?

Many PhD scholarships in Germany for international students are fully funded. Programmes such as DAAD and Humboldt Research Fellowship provide tuition coverage, monthly stipends, travel expenses and research funding.

PhD scholarships in Germany focus on academic excellence and innovative research projects. These Germany scholarships allow students to concentrate on their research without financial pressure, making Germany one of the most attractive destinations for doctoral studies.

 

Which universities in Germany offer scholarships for international students?

Several leading universities in Germany offer scholarships for international students, including Technical University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and Heidelberg University. These institutions provide internal funding, tuition waivers and grants alongside government-supported Germany scholarship programmes.

They support undergraduate, masters and PhD students, ensuring access to scholarships in Germany for international students across a wide range of academic fields.

 

How early should I apply for Germany scholarships?

It is recommended to apply for scholarships in Germany at least 8 to 12 months before the intended intake. Early application provides sufficient time to prepare documents, meet eligibility requirements and improve your application quality.

This is especially important for fully funded Germany scholarships and Germany scholarship for international students, which are highly competitive. Applying early increases your chances of securing scholarship approval.

 

Is Germany really free for international students with scholarships?

While many public universities in Germany offer low or no tuition fees, students still need to cover living expenses. However, scholarships in Germany for international students reduce this financial burden significantly.

With fully funded scholarships in Germany, students can receive support for tuition, accommodation, health insurance and monthly living costs. This makes studying in Germany one of the most affordable and attractive options for international students seeking quality education abroad.