One of the reasons why Germany is an attractive destination for international students is because many public universities charge relatively low tuition fees compared with universities in other popular study destinations.
However, tuition is only one part of the cost. Paying for accommodation, food, health insurance, transport, semester contributions and visa-related financial requirements can still make studying abroad expensive.
Luckily enough there’s a way out. Yes, you can study in Germany without breaking a bank.
Right now, international students can explore several scholarships and funding programmes for the 2027 academic year. Depending on your academic level, nationality, field of study and eligibility, you may qualify for funding that supports living expenses, travel, insurance, tuition or other study-related costs.
This guide to scholarships in Germany for international students in 2027 reveals the major opportunities you need to look out for, the types of students that are accepted, how to apply and where to find official application information.
Not every scholarship listed here is fully funded, and not every programme supports undergraduate study. Some awards are restricted by nationality, academic level, subject, university or personal circumstances. Always check the official programme page before applying.
Best Scholarships in Germany for International Students in 2027
The following programmes are useful starting points if you’re students looking for financial support to study or conduct research in Germany. Their benefits and eligibility requirements are different, so choose based on your actual circumstances.
Scholarship or funding programme |
Best suited for |
What to know |
|---|---|---|
DAAD Scholarships |
Graduates, master’s students, doctoral candidates and researchers |
Benefits and eligible countries depend on the specific programme |
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters |
Students applying for participating master’s programmes |
Competitive full scholarships are available for selected programmes |
Deutschlandstipendium |
High-achieving students at participating German universities |
Provides €300 per month; it is not normally a full-cost scholarship |
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships |
Eligible international master’s and PhD applicants |
Academic merit, social engagement and other selection requirements matter |
University-specific scholarships |
Students applying to or enrolled at individual German universities |
Awards, eligibility and deadlines vary by institution |
Other German foundations |
Students who meet a foundation’s particular academic or personal criteria |
Some require evidence of civic engagement, language proficiency or a specific background |
Use this table as a shortlist, not a guarantee of eligibility. Your first task is to identify the programmes that accept applicants from your country and support your intended degree.
1. DAAD Scholarships for International Students
The German Academic Exchange Service, commonly known as DAAD, is one of the most important places to search for scholarship opportunities in Germany.
DAAD offers different funding programmes for international graduates, doctoral candidates, researchers and other eligible applicants. Depending on the programme, funding may support postgraduate study, research visits, doctoral work or specialised academic activities.
What can a DAAD scholarship cover?
Benefits depend on the specific call. Some programmes may provide:
- A monthly scholarship payment.
- A travel allowance.
- Health, accident and personal liability insurance.
- Additional support for research, family circumstances or language preparation, where applicable.
Do not assume every DAAD scholarship covers a complete degree or all expenses. DAAD states that funding benefits and eligibility are set out in each individual programme announcement.
Who can apply?
Requirements vary. A programme may restrict applicants by country of origin or residence, academic qualifications, field of study, professional experience or intended research activity. Many DAAD opportunities focus on graduates and researchers rather than first-year undergraduate applicants.
How to apply for DAAD scholarships in 2027
- Open the official DAAD Scholarship Database.
- Select your country of origin or application country, academic status and subject area.
- Review the eligible programmes and open the details of each suitable award.
- Check the application deadline, required documents, funding benefits and selection criteria.
- Follow the application instructions for that specific programme.
Best for: Graduates and researchers who want to find funding matched to their nationality, academic level and field.
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme is another strong option for international students seeking substantial funding for postgraduate education in Europe.
These master’s programmes are delivered by international consortia of higher education institutions. Students normally study at more than one institution, with study periods taking place in different countries. A participating programme may include a German university, but not every Erasmus Mundus course is based in Germany.
What does the scholarship cover?
Awarded students can receive full scholarships that cover participation costs and contribute towards travel, visa expenses and living costs. The exact arrangements should be confirmed with the programme offering the scholarship.
Who is eligible?
The opportunity is intended for students applying to participating Erasmus Mundus master’s programmes. Applicants need to satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen course and compete through its selection process.
A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent recognised qualification is generally required by the relevant programme. Additional academic, language and subject requirements vary.
How to apply to Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
- Visit the official Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters page.
- Browse the course catalogue and identify programmes related to your field.
- Confirm which universities participate in each programme and whether a German institution is included.
- Review the programme’s admission and scholarship requirements.
- Apply directly to the institution or consortium running the master’s programme.
Many programmes accept applications between October and January for courses beginning in the following academic year, although individual deadlines differ.
3. Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship
The Deutschlandstipendium, also called the Germany Scholarship, supports students who show strong academic or professional potential. It is offered through participating German higher education institutions and is open to students of different nationalities who meet the applicable requirements.
The standard award is €300 per month. It is jointly financed through public funding and private sponsors.
What makes it different?
Unlike scholarships designed to cover nearly all major study expenses, the Deutschlandstipendium provides supplementary financial support. It can help with everyday costs, books, transport or other expenses, but students should not treat it as a complete living-cost or tuition package.
Selection may consider academic performance, personal achievements, extracurricular commitment, responsibility and circumstances in which an applicant has overcome educational or personal obstacles.
How to apply Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship
- Identify the German university you plan to attend or currently attend.
- Search its official website for “Deutschlandstipendium.”
- Check whether you can apply as an incoming or enrolled student.
- Review the institution’s application window and document requirements.
- Submit the application through the university’s designated process.
There is no single nationwide application deadline for all participating universities. Each institution publishes its own arrangements.
This scholarship is best for students who want additional financial support while studying at a participating German university.
4. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
The Heinrich Böll Foundation provides scholarships for eligible students and doctoral candidates, including international applicants who plan to pursue postgraduate study in Germany.
The foundation considers academic performance alongside social engagement and other selection criteria. Ensure you review the mission of this foundation, its requirements and application instructions before deciding whether to apply. If everything aligns with your career path and background, apply while the application is still open.
Who should consider applying?
International applicants who have completed their first degree outside Germany may be eligible to apply for certain master’s scholarships before beginning their studies. International doctoral candidates may also qualify for relevant funding.
The foundation prioritises certain applicant groups, including applicants from developing countries. The eligibility conditions and priorities must be checked directly in the official website.
How to apply for the Heinrich Böll Scholarships
- Visit the official Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship page.
- Select the information for international master’s or PhD applicants.
- Check the current eligibility rules, language requirements and application dates.
- Prepare the required academic documents, references and evidence of engagement.
- Apply through the foundation’s online application system.
The foundation publishes two application cycles each year, but you should verify the relevant dates and applicant categories on the official website.
5. Scholarships Offered by German Universities
Some top German universities offer their own scholarships, emergency grants, merit awards, completion grants or financial support for international students. These opportunities can be easy to overlook because they are not always advertised through a national scholarship programme.
The award may be available to incoming students, currently enrolled students, doctoral researchers or applicants in a particular faculty. Some of them are funded by the university, while others are supported by foundations, alumni or external sponsors. So, university scholarships in Germany are the goldmine most students often ignore.
How to find university-specific scholarships
Start with the official website of each university you are considering. Search for terms such as:
- International student scholarships
- Scholarships and funding
- Financial support for international students
- Merit scholarships
- Graduate funding
- Faculty or departmental scholarships
Check whether admission to a degree programme is required before applying. Some awards can be pursued before enrolment, while others are only available after you have started studying.
Even the English-taught universities in Germany also offer scholarships, if you intend to study in English.
6. Other Foundations and Specialist Funding Programmes
Germany has additional scholarship foundations and funding organisations that support students based on academic merit, research interests, social engagement, personal circumstances or specific professional goals.
DAAD’s overview of funding opportunities from other organisations explains how to explore this wider funding landscape.
Depending on your profile, alway s check foundations like:
- Political and social foundations: Some foundations support applicants who demonstrate academic excellence and civic or social engagement. Their values and eligibility criteria differ, and some require German-language proficiency.
- Research funding: Doctoral candidates and researchers may find opportunities through research organisations, academic institutions and specialised funding schemes.
- Subject-specific awards: Some smaller foundations focus on particular disciplines, research areas or locations.
- Support for particular circumstances: Certain programmes target specific groups or take family, social or personal circumstances into account.
Do not apply to a foundation solely because it offers funding in Germany. Read its eligibility requirements and selection priorities carefully. A strong application to a well-matched smaller programme may be more useful than a generic application to a highly competitive award for which you are not a good fit.
Can I Get a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in Germany in 2027?
Yes, fully funded opportunities exist, but they are competitive and are not available to every student or degree level through the same programme.
For example, selected Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships can cover participation costs and contribute to travel and living expenses. Certain DAAD programmes also offer substantial support if you’re an eligible postgraduate students and researchers. However, the amount, duration and conditions depend on the specific award.
A scholarship described as “fully funded” should be checked against your actual costs. Before accepting an offer, confirm whether it covers:
- Tuition or programme participation fees.
- Monthly living expenses.
- Travel to and from Germany.
- Health insurance.
- Visa-related expenses.
- Semester contributions and other university charges.
- Any preparatory language course or relocation expenses you may need.
A funding package can be generous without paying every expense. If a scholarship only provides a monthly stipend, you may still need savings or another source of support.
Scholarships in Germany for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD Students
Not every scholarship supports every academic level. Use the following guide to focus your search at the relevant areas.
1. Undergraduate students
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree should investigate university-specific awards, the Deutschlandstipendium where eligible, and other scholarships that explicitly accept undergraduate applicants.
Do not assume a general DAAD search will produce a suitable full-degree scholarship for a new bachelor’s student. DAAD funding for complete degree programmes or first-year students is available only in certain circumstances.
2. Master’s students
Master’s applicants can explore DAAD postgraduate programmes, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, eligible foundation scholarships and university-specific funding.
Before applying, check whether the award supports your intended subject, whether admission is required first, and whether you must apply for the scholarship separately from the degree.
3. PhD students and researchers
Doctoral candidates should investigate DAAD doctoral funding, research-specific programmes, foundation scholarships and funding advertised by their intended university or supervisor.
Research applicants may need a detailed proposal, evidence of previous academic achievement, references and confirmation of academic supervision. The exact requirements depend on the programme.
General Eligibility Requirements for German Scholarships
There is no single eligibility checklist for every scholarship in Germany. However, you may be asked to meet some or all of the following conditions.
Requirement |
What to check |
|---|---|
Nationality or residence |
Whether applicants from your country are eligible |
Academic qualification |
Whether your previous qualification meets the programme’s entry requirements |
Grades |
Minimum academic performance and any selection standards |
Degree level |
Whether the award supports bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral or research study |
Field of study |
Whether your subject is included |
Language proficiency |
Accepted English or German tests, certificates or exemptions |
Admission status |
Whether you need an admission offer or enrolment before applying |
Additional criteria |
Research plans, professional experience, civic engagement or personal circumstances |
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an award. Scholarship committees may assess academic potential, motivation, references, research quality, engagement and how closely an applicant matches the programme’s objectives.
Documents You May Need to Apply for Scholarships in Germany
Prepare your documents early because references, official transcripts and admission decisions can take time.
Commonly requested documents include:
- Academic certificates and transcripts.
- A CV or résumé.
- A motivation letter or statement of purpose.
- Proof of language proficiency, if required.
- Letters of recommendation or academic references.
- A university admission letter or proof of application, where applicable.
- A research proposal for certain doctoral or research awards.
- Evidence of extracurricular, professional or civic engagement, where relevant.
- Passport or other identification documents.
- Certified copies or translations, if specified.
This is a general list, not a universal requirement. Submit only the documents requested by the specific scholarship provider and follow its formatting and translation rules.
How to Apply for Scholarships in Germany in 2027
A successful scholarship search begins with matching your profile to the correct funding programme. Follow these steps to organise your applications.
Step 1: Decide what and where you want to study
Identify your intended degree, subject, study duration and preferred universities. Scholarship eligibility often depends on these details.
Step 2: Search official scholarship databases
Begin with the DAAD Scholarship Database, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters catalogue and the official websites of your preferred universities and foundations.
Step 3: Check each programme’s eligibility requirements
Confirm your nationality, academic level, subject, language proficiency and admission status. Remove opportunities that do not match your circumstances.
Step 4: Record the deadlines
Create a spreadsheet or calendar containing the scholarship name, official link, opening date, deadline, required documents, application method and funding benefits. Do not assume every programme follows the same annual schedule.
Step 5: Prepare a tailored application
Explain why you chose the programme, how it connects to your academic or professional goals, and why you meet its selection criteria. Use specific evidence rather than generic claims about wanting to study abroad.
Step 6: Submit the scholarship and university applications correctly
Some scholarship providers require a separate university application; others have a different sequence. Follow the instructions for each programme and keep proof of submission.
Step 7: Plan for expenses not covered by the award
Compare the scholarship package with the cost of living and any university fees. If you need a visa, confirm the applicable financial-proof requirements with the relevant German mission. An award may count as proof of funds only under the conditions accepted by the authorities.
For help with the wider process, see our guides to how to apply to German universities and German university admission requirements.
How to Study in Germany if You Do Not Win a Scholarship
A scholarship is valuable, but it is not the only way to make studying in Germany more affordable.
You can also consider universities with lower tuition costs, programmes with relevant fee arrangements, personal savings, eligible family support or other recognised sources of financial assistance.
Start by comparing options in our guide to the cheapest universities in Germany. Remember that “cheap” does not mean that every expense disappears: semester contributions, accommodation, health insurance and daily living costs still matter.
If you need to demonstrate financial resources for a student visa, read our guides to Germany student visa requirements and the blocked account for Germany. Confirm the current official rules before relying on a particular funding amount or financial arrangement.
Choose Scholarships That Match Your Profile
The best scholarship in Germany for you is not necessarily the one with the biggest advertised award. It is the one whose eligibility requirements, degree level, funding benefits and application timeline match your circumstances.
Start with DAAD and Erasmus Mundus if you are seeking major postgraduate funding. Consider the Deutschlandstipendium for supplementary support, investigate foundation awards if you meet their specific criteria, and check your target universities for additional funding.
Most importantly, use official scholarship pages to verify every deadline and requirement before applying. Careful planning and a well-matched application will put you in a stronger position to pursue your study plans in Germany in 2027