The Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship is a funding opportunity for talented students studying at participating universities in Germany. The opportunity provides €300 per month, helping recipients manage some of their education and living expenses.
Unlike scholarships restricted to German citizens, the Deutschlandstipendium are also available to international students. However, the students must meet the requirements of a participating university, and application dates differ between institutions.
If you plan to study in Germany in 2027, here’s how the scholarship works, who can apply and where to find the official application information.
What Is the Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship?
The Deutschlandstipendium is a merit-based scholarship programme supported jointly by the German federal government and private sponsors. The standard award is €300 per month, normally granted for at least two semesters and potentially continued up to the standard duration of study, with the features of the award depending on certain criteria.
The scholarship is intended to recognise academic achievement and potential alongside personal circumstances, social engagement and other accomplishments.
Key details
- Award amount: €300 per month.
- Study levels: Bachelor’s and master’s students, including eligible incoming students, depending on university rules.
- Nationality: International students can apply at participating institutions.
- Duration: Commonly at least two semesters; continuation depends on the award rules.
- Application route: Apply through the participating university, not through one central national application.
- Funding type: Partial financial support, not a guaranteed fully funded study package.
For the programme’s general details, consult the official Deutschlandstipendium entry in the DAAD Scholarship Database.
Benefits of the Deutschlandstipendium in 2027
Recipients receive €300 each month during the approved funding period. The amount is generally independent of the student’s income, although other scholarship combinations and eligibility restrictions may apply.
The funding can help with expenses such as:
- Food and everyday living costs.
- Books, study materials and other academic needs.
- Local transport or personal expenses.
- A portion of monthly rent or other study-related costs.
The scholarship does not automatically cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance or all living expenses. Students should prepare a separate budget and check the rules governing other financial awards.
If you need a broader list of funding routes, explore our guide to fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students in 2027. For applicants seeking postgraduate funding, our guide to master’s scholarships in Germany may also help.
Who Is Eligible for the Deutschlandstipendium?
Eligibility and selection procedures are set by participating universities within the programme’s legal framework. Requirements may vary, so always read the current call from the institution where you intend to study and follow up the requirements.
Applicants are generally assessed on factors such as:
- Academic achievement: Strong school results or university grades.
- Personal background: Experiences and circumstances that help explain the your achievements and potential.
- Social engagement: Volunteering, community work or other contributions outside formal study.
- Additional achievements: Relevant professional, family or personal responsibilities, depending on the university’s criteria.
- Study status: Meeting the university’s rules for new applicants or currently enrolled students.
International applicants should confirm whether they must already have an admission offer or be enrolled before applying. Some universities accept applications from prospective students who plan to begin their degree in the relevant semester; others have different procedures.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes. As an international student, you are eligible at participating universities if you meet the relevant requirements. The programme is not limited to German nationals.
However, the scholarship is connected to the institution making the award. You cannot assume that being eligible at one university makes you eligible at another.
If you are still choosing where to study, see our guide to public universities in Germany and check each university’s scholarship page alongside its admission requirements.
Can Bachelor’s and Master’s Students Apply?
Both bachelor’s and master’s students may be eligible, depending on the university’s call and the stage of their studies. Some institutions also allow suitable applicants who are about to start a degree.
PhD candidates should not assume they qualify. The Deutschlandstipendium is primarily a degree-student scholarship, and doctoral researchers should check the institution’s rules and other funding options. Our dedicated guide to PhD scholarships in Germany for international students in 2027 covers doctoral funding routes.
How to Apply for the Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship in 2027
There is no single application deadline for every university. Follow these steps to find the correct call and submit a complete application.
Step 1: Choose a participating university.
Identify the German university where you intend to study or are already enrolled. Find its official Deutschlandstipendium page and confirm that applications are available for your study status.
Step 2: Check the 2027 application period.
Read the current call carefully. Some universities open applications months before the funding period begins, while others publish dates on a different schedule. Do not rely on a deadline from a previous year.
Step 3: Review the eligibility criteria.
Check academic requirements, enrolment conditions, nationality-related instructions and any restrictions on combining awards.
Step 4: Prepare your documents.
Depending on the university, you may need:
- Academic transcripts or school-leaving results.
- Proof of admission or enrolment.
- A CV.
- A motivation letter.
- Evidence of volunteering or social engagement.
- Certificates or other documents supporting your achievements.
Use the institution’s own checklist because required documents and formats can differ.
Step 5: Submit through the university’s application portal.
Complete the online form, upload the required evidence and submit it before the stated deadline. Keep a copy of your application and any confirmation message.
Step 6: Monitor your application.
Follow the university’s instructions for selection results and requests for additional information. If selected, read the award terms carefully, including the funding period and any reporting requirements.
Where to Find Deutschlandstipendium Applications for 2027
Start with the official DAAD Scholarship Database listing. It explains the programme and directs applicants towards participating institutions.
You can also check university-specific scholarship pages. For example:
- Humboldt University of Berlin publishes programme information and its own application schedule.
- Technical University of Munich (TUM) explains its application procedure and funding periods.
- University of Bremen publishes information about its annual awards and expected application periods.
These examples are for guidance, not a guarantee that every university has the same deadline or criteria. Always confirm the latest 2027 call directly with your chosen institution.
When Should You Apply?
Start checking university scholarship pages well before your intended enrolment begins. Some universities publish calls in the first half of the year, while others use different schedules for funding that starts in 2027.
For instance, universities may announce their next application period several months before opening the portal. Dates can change, so use the current official announcement as your source of truth.
If you are still preparing your university application, read our guide to German university admission requirements for international students and our step-by-step guide on how to apply to German universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Deutschlandstipendium fully funded?
No. The standard award is €300 per month. It can contribute to your expenses but should not be treated as a guarantee that all tuition and living costs will be covered.
2. Is the Deutschlandstipendium open to Nigerian students?
International students, including applicants from Nigeria, may be eligible at participating universities. You must meet the chosen institution’s requirements and confirm whether your study status qualifies.
3. Do I need admission before applying?
It depends on the university. Some accept prospective students planning to start in the next semester, while others require enrolment or impose additional conditions. Check the current call.
4. Does every German university offer the scholarship?
No. The programme operates through participating institutions, and availability, selection rules and deadlines vary by university.
5. Can I combine it with another scholarship?
Do not assume that you can. Check the university’s current rules and disclose any other funding when required. Certain combinations may be restricted.
6. Where can I find the official application form?
Start with the DAAD Scholarship Database entry, then follow the instructions on your chosen university’s official website. Applications are generally handled by the university.
Apply for Deutschlandstipendium Now It Opens
The Deutschlandstipendium can be a useful source of financial support for international students in Germany, particularly those with strong academic records and meaningful achievements beyond the classroom. Its €300 monthly award can ease some expenses, but it is not a substitute for a complete funding plan.
Choose your university first, check its official 2027 scholarship call, prepare the requested evidence and apply before the institution’s deadline. If you need more substantial funding, compare this award with DAAD scholarships in Germany for 2027 and other programmes that may offer broader financial coverage.