If you want to pursue your dream degree in Germany then getting an international scholarship will surely help you. Germany offers some of the fully funded scholarships for international students such as DAAD Scholarships, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship, Erasmus+. These scholarships cover most of the expenses like tuition, living, and even travel also. All the program’s application dates vary, most of them close between October and March. In this article let’s explore top scholarships for international students in Germany.
Top Scholarships for International Students in Germany
DAAD Scholarship
Daad Scholarship is specially provided to the graduate, post graduates and post doctoral students to study in German universities and research institutions. In some programs internships are also funded. The Daad Scholarship provided for multiple programs with different grants. You can use the DAAD Scholarship database to choose according to your desciplines.
Erasmus+ Scholarship
The Erasmus+ Scholarship is a fully funded program for international students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across Europe. It covers tuition, travel, and offers a monthly stipend of €1,000–€1,200. Open to graduates worldwide, the application period usually runs from October to February.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship is offered to international students with strong academic records and a demonstrated interest in politics or social work. It supports postgraduate and doctoral studies in Germany. Benefits include a monthly stipend of €934 for Master’s and €1,200 for PhD students, plus health insurance and travel allowance. Applications are generally accepted between June and July each year.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship supports international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees in Germany, particularly those committed to social justice, sustainability, and democratic values. Applicants must exhibit strong academic performance and social engagement. Monthly stipends are approximately €934 for Master’s students and €1,200 for PhD candidates, along with additional allowances for health insurance and family support. Application deadlines are typically March 1 and September 1 each year.
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarship is a fully funded program aimed at international students from the Global South, Eastern Europe, and post-Soviet states who are pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD studies in Germany. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, social or political engagement, and a commitment to social democracy. Proficiency in German (minimum B2 level) is required. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of up to €1,200, health insurance, family allowances, and support for travel and research activities. Application deadlines vary by program, with Master’s applications typically due by the end of the first semester and PhD applications accepted year-round.
Bayer Foundation Fellowships
The Bayer Foundation Fellowships offer up to €10,000 for international Master’s, PhD, and medical students in fields like natural sciences, pharmacy, and data science. Applicants must be enrolled at a university and propose a research project or internship abroad—students in Germany must go abroad, while those outside Germany must conduct their fellowship in Germany. Funding covers travel, living expenses, and project-related costs for up to six months. The application window for the 2025 cycle is open from February 14 to April 11, 2025
Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, supports international postdoctoral and experienced researchers across all disciplines to conduct long-term research in Germany. Postdocs must have completed their doctorate within the last four years, while experienced researchers should have earned their doctorate within the past twelve years. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of €2,650 for postdocs and €3,150 for experienced researchers, along with additional benefits such as travel allowances, family support, health insurance subsidies, and optional language courses. Applications are accepted year-round, with selection committee meetings held in March, July, and November.
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Conclusion
Germany remains one of the most attractive study destinations for international students—offering world-class education, tuition-free universities, and a variety of fully funded scholarships. Programs like DAAD, Erasmus+, KAS, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Heinrich Böll, Bayer Foundation, and Humboldt Fellowships not only ease the financial burden but also open doors to academic excellence and global career opportunities. Whether you’re pursuing a Master’s, PhD, or research fellowship, there’s a scholarship tailored to your goals. Start early, gather your documents, and apply within the deadlines—because your dream to study in Germany could be just one application away.
