Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for International Students in 2027

Studying in Germany can be more affordable than in many other popular study destinations in Europe, but international students still need to plan for living expenses, insurance, travel and other costs.

In this guide, you will discover fully funded scholarships in Germany for 2027, these opportunities will reduce the financial burden by covering several major study expenses.

However, the best opportunity for you depends on your study level, nationality, academic record, field and career goals. Some awards support selected master’s or doctoral programmes, while others are limited to particular countries or applicants with relevant professional experience.

Below are scholarship programmes that worth your time in 2027, with official links to help you check eligibility and application deadlines.

Best Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for 2027

These are not interchangeable awards, and not every opportunity is open to every nationality or study level. Verify the current call before treating any scholarship as fully funded for your situation.

1. DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships for international graduates, researchers and other eligible applicants. The available programmes and their features differ by country, subject, qualification and study objective.

Depending on the specific award, support may include a monthly stipend, insurance contributions, travel assistance or other allowances. However, DAAD does not fund every full degree or first-year undergraduate programme; full-course funding is available only in certain cases.

How to find an eligible award:

1. Open the official DAAD Scholarship Database.
2. Select your country of origin and current academic status.
3. Filter by your subject and intended study or research activity.
4. Open the individual programme page and confirm its benefits, documents and deadline.

For a more detailed explanation of programmes and application steps, read our guide to DAAD scholarships in Germany for 2027.

2. DAAD EPOS Scholarships

The Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme is worth considering if you have a relevant first degree and professional experience and want to pursue a development-related postgraduate course in Germany.

EPOS is not a general scholarship for any German master’s degree. You must choose an eligible course and meet the programme’s requirements, which can include relevant work experience and academic qualifications.

The award package and application procedure depend on the applicable programme conditions. Some courses may have their own application deadlines, so start with the official list rather than waiting until 2027.

Official information: DAAD EPOS programme.

If you are applying specifically for a postgraduate degree, our guide to master’s scholarships in Germany for international students in 2027 covers additional funding routes.

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships provide substantial support to students selected for eligible international master’s programmes. Depending on the scholarship call, the support you get can cover participation costs and contribute towards travel, visa expenses and living costs.

These are joint programmes delivered by international higher-education partnerships. But not every Erasmus Mundus programme includes a German university, so check the participating institutions before applying if studying in Germany is essential to your plans.

How to apply: Browse the official Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters information, choose a programme and follow its specific admission and scholarship instructions.

4. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers scholarships for international students pursuing master’s degrees and PhDs in Germany. Its international scholarship routes focus on applicants from eligible countries, including countries on the foundation’s development-related eligibility list.

But make sure you review the academic requirements, selection criteria and expectations concerning social or civic engagement, because eligibility and the available funding arrangements depend on the relevant scholarship category.

The foundation lists application periods on its official website. Its published 2027 schedule includes a spring application window from 15 January to 1 March 2027; confirm the requirements for your intended degree before preparing an application.

Official application information: Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarships.

5. Hilde Domin Programme

The Hilde Domin Programme is a specialised DAAD-administered programme for students and doctoral candidates who are at risk of being formally or effectively denied educational or other rights in their country of origin.

It supports eligible candidates who need an opportunity to begin or complete a degree or research programme at a German higher-education institution. The scholarship is designed to cover necessary study or research costs, subject to the programme’s rules.

This is not a general scholarship open to all international applicants. Candidates must meet the programme’s specific conditions and be nominated by an eligible institution or organisation.

Official details: DAAD Hilde Domin Programme.

6. Fully Funded PhD Opportunities and University Funding

Doctoral applicants should look beyond scholarships with the word “fully funded” in their titles. German universities and research institutions may advertise funded doctoral positions, research employment or structured doctoral programmes.

A paid PhD position is usually an employment contract with defined duties and salary, whereas a scholarship provides financial support under separate conditions. Read the offer carefully to understand the funding period, workload, insurance and other benefits.

Useful starting points include the official DAAD PhDGermany database and the DAAD guide to financing a PhD.

For more scholarship-specific options, see our guide to PhD scholarships in Germany for international students in 2027.

Are Fully Funded Scholarships Available for Bachelor’s Students?

They are harder to find for a complete bachelor’s degree than for some postgraduate programmes. DAAD notes that funding for complete courses of study or first-year students is available only in exceptional cases.

If you’re an undergraduate you can should still check university awards, foundation funding and scholarships from organisations in your home country. But do not assume that a scholarship covering part of your expenses will also pay your full living costs.

Read our dedicated guide to undergraduate scholarships in Germany for international students in 2027 for options and realistic funding expectations.

General Eligibility Requirements

There is no single eligibility standard for all fully funded scholarships in Germany. Depending on the award, you may need:

• A recognised previous qualification and strong academic results.
• Admission to an eligible German degree or research programme.
• Proof of English or German proficiency, where required.
• Relevant professional experience for certain postgraduate awards.
• A nationality or country-of-residence that meets the scholarship rules.
• A CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts and references.
• A research proposal or supervisor confirmation for some doctoral opportunities.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a scholarship. Selection may also consider your goals, professional background, research fit, community involvement or potential contribution to your field.

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany in 2027

1. Choose your study level. Decide whether you are applying for a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD programme, or a research opportunity.

2. Search official scholarship databases. Start with the DAAD database, then check relevant foundations, university funding pages and the Erasmus Mundus catalogue.

3. Verify the full funding package. Check whether the award covers living costs, tuition or programme fees, travel, insurance and any required additional expenses. “Fully funded” can mean different things across programmes.

4. Confirm eligibility and deadlines. Check your nationality, academic qualifications, subject and intended start date. Some 2027-entry deadlines fall in 2026.

5. Prepare your documents early. Gather transcripts, degree certificates, language results, references and a tailored motivation letter. Doctoral applications may also require a research proposal or evidence of supervisor contact.

6. Submit through the correct channel. Some scholarships require a separate application; others are tied to admission to a specific course or nomination by an eligible organisation.

7. Plan for expenses the award does not cover. Before accepting an offer, check the funding period and whether you need additional money for deposits, travel or other costs.

If you need to prepare for the university application itself, use our guide to German university admission requirements for international students. If you receive an offer, our guide to Germany student visa requirements can help you understand the next steps.

When Should You Apply for 2027 Scholarships?

Start checking opportunities now. Scholarship deadlines vary by programme, and some calls for the 2027/28 academic year close during 2026. Other foundations publish separate application windows, while university-funded positions may have their own recruitment schedules.

Do not rely on a general article—or a previous year’s deadline—as confirmation that a programme is open. Use the official page to verify the current application period, eligible start date and required documents.

Apply for a Fully Funded Scholarship in Germany

Your best next step is to shortlist two or three programmes that match your study level, nationality and career plans. Start with the official DAAD Scholarship Database, then check the specific foundation or university page for exact benefits and deadlines.

A strong application begins with a suitable award—not simply the scholarship with the biggest advertised amount. Confirm what the funding covers, prepare your documents early and submit before the official deadline.