Germany Scholarships

In order to create conditions for people from all over the world to live and study in Germany, besides applying the policy of free education, the German government and a number of organizations also support many attractive scholarship programs for international students.

Government Scholarship

DAAD Scholarship (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst):

Founded in Heidelberg in 1925, DAAD has become one of the leading organizations supporting student and scientist exchange programs. So far, DAAD has created opportunities for more than 1.9 million domestic and foreign scholars to study and research abroad. 

Support fees

As of August 1, 2020, the DAAD scholarship programs supporting Master's students are 861 EUR/month and 1.200 EUR/month for PhD students. In addition, students are also paid medical insurance, accident insurance, and personal liability insurance, travel allowance, unless these costs are covered by other funding sources.

Depending on the scholarship program, students may also receive a one-time research grant, a family allowance, funds for language courses, or a monthly rent allowance.

Subjects & support period

The scholarships apply to a variety of ologies, such as Economic Sciences, Law, Agro-Forestry Sciences, Arts, Music, Design, Engineering Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Language and Culture Studies, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Health Sciences, etc. will usually last from 12 to 36 months depending on the length of the chosen program of study.

Requirements for applicants

To win a DAAD scholarship, at the time of application, candidates must have graduated with a Bachelor's degree no more than 6 years old and must have at least two years of professional work experience.

On the other hand, the language used for instruction in a German study program is usually German or English. Therefore, to apply for a scholarship, you usually have to submit an appropriate language certificate. For example, if the language of instruction is German, you must submit a DSH or TestDaF certificate, and an IELTS certificate if the language of instruction is English.

Procedures & documents required for registration

The application process may vary depending on the scholarship program, but for most scholarships funded by DAAD, simply submit your online application through the DAAD portal. However, in some programs, the scholarship application (brief summary) must be printed and mailed. 

Moreover, you also need to prepare the following documents:

• A signed letter of interest relevant to your current occupation, up to 2 A4 pages, outlining your education, skills and knowledge and why you are applying for the scholarship.
• A handwritten CV in Europass' format can be found at the following website for details: http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/
• Letter of recommendation/offer from your employer must have letterhead, signature and office stamp and must be recent.
• Certified copy of academic transcript (certified translation if required)
• Notarized copy of the academic degree (certified translation if required)
• Language certificate: English - IELTS/ German - if the course is taught in German

Depending on the requirements of the university you are applying to, you may need to submit additional documents. The application deadline also depends on the scholarship program you are applying for.

DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship Program

In 2019, thanks to government donations and more than 7,000 donors, Deutschlandstipendium supported scholarships to approximately 28,200 students from all over the world. 

 Requirements for applicants

This scholarship will be awarded by universities, which means that applicants must meet the requirements of the universities, and of course, each school will have different requirements.

Support cost & time

The amount that this scholarship gives students is 300 EUR/month for two semesters. In addition, the scholarship is renewable each year, meaning that if you still meet the requirements set out, you can still renew the scholarship. In addition to financial support, students also participate in mentoring programs, meet with sponsors to find more job and internship opportunities.

Procedures & documents required for registration

Normally, the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship will start accepting applications once a year in June. The scholarship application that you need to prepare is not too complicated, it usually includes: CV (written according to Europas format), student card, transcript, letter of intent, certificate of community activities (if so). Then, you can fill out the application form provided, scan the documents you have prepared and email it to the universities of your choice.

Non-Government Scholarship

Heinrich Boll Scholarship

Overview, subjects & supporting ologies, application time

The Heinrich Böll Foundation has supported scholarships for 1,000 undergraduate, master, and doctoral students from all over the world. However, until now, this organization only accepts online applications, the application portal will open about 6 weeks before March 1 and September 1 every year.

Support costs

Non-EU students studying for a Master's degree will receive  850 EUR/month, in addition to personal allowances (which may include tuition fees), while EU students will receive 649 EUR plus Book fee 300 EUR/month.

On the other hand, PhD students from non-EU countries will receive 1.200 EUR/month, in addition to 100 EUR/month travel allowance and other personal allowances (not including tuition fees). Doctoral students from the EU will receive 1.350 EUR/month, plus 100 EUR/month research stipend (not including tuition fees). The scholarship is for a period of two years, renewable twice a year by students.

Requirements for applicants, procedures and documents required for registration

To win a Heinrich Böll scholarship, applicants must be responsible, trustworthy and willing to make an active contribution to the foundation's activities. In addition, applicants must also have excellent academic records, obtain a German language certificate of at least B2 or DSH 2. The Heinrich Böll scholarship also gives preference to candidates who participate in many social activities and are interested in political issues.

Application documents include an application form, list of certificates you have obtained during your studies (if so), certificate of social activities (if so), German language certificate (B2 or DSH 2 ), university or university lecturer's recommendation letter, notarized copy of high school diploma/university pass or equivalent document, notarized copy of bachelor's/master's degree (for Master/Ph.D. system).

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship (KAS)

Overview, subjects & supporting ologies, application time

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship is for students wishing to pursue a Master's, Doctoral, or PhD degree program or as a doctoral student in many disciplines from law, science, music to medicine, etc. at least three semesters in Germany. 

Support costs

As of August 1, 2020, Master's students will receive a support of 861 EUR/month for two years. As for PhD students, the support level will be 1.200 EUR/month for three years. Besides, students have also subsidized health care insurance up to 120 EUR/month and many other allowances. 

Unlike Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees in Germany have to pay tuition fees, so the program will refund 1.500 EUR/semester (applicable only to courses related to research/doctoral projects). Preference will be given to applicants with an interest in politics, human rights and social issues in general.

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship contributes to the promotion of cross-cultural communication and at the same time promotes the development of relations between your countries and the Federal Republic of Germany.

Procedures and applications for scholarships

Every year, only the focus countries or regions are allowed to go through the scholarship application procedures. In 2020, the focus regions will be Central Europe, Southeast Asia, the Near East and West Africa. Interviews will be conducted in Budapest, Seoul, Amman and the capital in West Africa (unspecified). If you are living near these cities, you can check the website for the procedure and submit your application directly to the KAS office.

In case you are living or studying in Germany, you can fill out the online scholarship application with the required documents.

Only applicants under the age of 30 have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship. Applications for the scholarship should include a university degree, an above-average personal transcript, a German language certificate (B2 level), a letter of interest, a letter of recommendation from a university professor or lecturer with a PhD, etc. Besides, candidates need to actively participate in volunteer work, be interested in political issues, and have a positive attitude towards democracy and human rights. The application deadline is at 12 P.M on July 15 every year.

Erasmus Scholarship Programs

As an EU-wide grant funded by the member states of the European Union, Erasmus will provide financial support to international students for one year at universities in Germany. To receive a scholarship to Germany, you must be enrolled in a higher education institution and both your home university and the German university must sign the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education.

Most major universities in the EU participate in the Erasmus program, with German universities participating in many research programs funded by Erasmus Mundus and Erasmus+ scholarships. The allowances will cover the cost of enrollment, travel, as well as basic living expenses. You can find a complete list of Erasmus Mundus masters courses on the Erasmus directory. You can search for courses taken in Germany.