Scholarships to Study in Germany for Undergraduate, Masters & PhD

Germany is one of the most affordable Western European countries for international students– both in terms of living coast as well as education coast. Higher education at most public universities is nearly free.

But, of course, if you’re studying abroad there are so many other expenses to account for besides tuition fees. Which is probably what brings you to our scholarship guide.

Luckily, there are many offerings and ways you can qualify for a scholarship to study in Germany. So, let’s go and get into more detail.

Government and Organization-Funded Scholarships

Some of the most generous scholarships for Germany are from government and organization-funded programs. They play a big role in making higher education here even more accessible for students from all over the world.

Here are the most popular scholarships in this category:

Expatrio Scholarship

Who can apply? The Expatrio scholarship is open to international students from all countries. Applicants must have applied for the Expatrio Value Package and plan to start studying in Germany in the Winter Semester 2025.

What does the scholarship cover? Expatrio will pick three main winners: the first prize is €15,000, the second place receives €12,000, and the third place gets €9,000. Fourth to tenth-place winners’ awards include one of the following: rent payment x 6 months (up to €3,000 value), a new laptop, German language lessons, semester contribution fees, etc.

What are the requirements? Students are assessed based on their video submission answering the following question: “How will your studies in Germany help you make a positive impact for others?” Your video should be in MP4 format, should not be longer than 2 minutes, or include any copyrighted content.

When is the deadline? The deadline for the video submission is September 30, 2025.

> Go to the scholarship.

DAAD Scholarship Programs

Who can apply? DAAD Scholarships annually award students from all over the world who want to pursue master’s degrees, Ph.D. studies, and postdoctoral research in Germany.

What does the scholarship cover? The fully-funded scholarships offer monthly stipends (€992 for graduates and €1,300 for doctoral/Ph.D. students). Most programs also offer travel allowances, payment towards health insurance costs, and annual study/research allowances.

What are the requirements? Applicants should display good academic performance and achievements. Depending on the scholarship, you’ll need to present a recognized school leaving certificate, proof of proficiency in the language of instruction or working language(s), and relevant internships or work experience.

When is the deadline? Deadlines for DAAD Scholarships vary by type and country. For accurate and up-to-date information, check the program details on the official DAAD website.

> Go to the scholarships.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

Who can apply? This scholarship program is open to master’s and doctoral students of all nationalities, who are studying at universities, universities of applied sciences, and universities of the arts in Germany.

What does the scholarship cover? The scholarship values depend on your nationality and level of studies:

• Student scholarships. EU nationals/students educated in Germany receive up to €812 and a €300 study allowance per month (plus other possible allowances). Non-EU nationals/refugees not educated in Germany get €992 per month, plus health insurance and other allowances.
• Doctoral scholarships. German & foreign students educated in Germany and EU nationals not educated in Germany receive a basic scholarship of €1,450 per month plus a monthly €100 allowance. Non-EU nationals & students educated outside of Germany receive €1,400 per month, a €100 monthly mobility allowance, plus other individual allowances.

What are the requirements? Here are the application requirements and selection criteria for the two scholarship types:

• Student scholarships. Students applying for the master’s degree scholarship should include a copy of their first degree certificate or first professional qualification and showcase academic achievements, social engagement, and motivation.
• Doctoral scholarships. Germans/foreign students educated in Germany, EU nationals/students not educated in Germany, and non-EU nationals/students not educated in Germany are all eligible. To apply, you need to have proof of admission to doctoral studies. Applicants should also demonstrate excellent academic performance, research project quality, social engagement, and motivation.

When is the deadline? There are two deadlines to accommodate the two semesters: March 1st and September 1st of each year. The application portal opens around six weeks before the deadline.

> Go to the scholarships.

Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Program

Who can apply? The Deutschlandstipendium is available to any student who is currently enrolled or will soon be enrolling at a partner institution of the scholarship, as long as they are within the standard duration of their studies.

What does the scholarship cover? The scholarship awards 300 euros per month for at least two semesters (3,600 euros per year), with the possibility to extend for the entire standard period of studies.

What are the requirements? The Deutschlandstipendium is granted by universities, therefore applicants must fit the requirements of the university they apply to. Selection criteria most often include high academic performance, social engagement, and personal achievements. This scholarship is not based on personal or parental income and doesn’t affect BAföG grants.

When is the deadline? The application period depends on the university but is usually around the months leading up to the start of the academic year (June to August). Your university in Germany will likely announce their deadline for 2025 in the coming months.

> Go to the scholarship.

Erasmus+ Scholarship Programs

Who can apply? The Erasmus+ scholarships for studying abroad are open to students in short-cycle, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs who want to participate in an exchange program in Germany. Students from EU Member States and associated third countries are mostly eligible, but there are also many opportunities for students from non-associated countries.

What does the scholarship cover? Students receive a one-time travel grant and a monthly stipend for daily living expenses in Germany. They’re also exempt from tuition, registration, and examination fees, among other benefits at the receiving institution. Trainees, students with fewer opportunities, and those from outermost regions are eligible for more support.

What are the requirements? To apply, applicants must meet these general requirements:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a study program leading to a recognized degree or tertiary-level qualification at a higher education institution that participates in the Erasmus+ program.

• The study period abroad must be relevant to their degree-related learning and personal development needs.
• The applicant’s home institution must sign an Erasmus cooperation agreement with the receiving institution.

Specific election criteria vary by program, but most often include your study results (GPA), motivation letter, and language proficiency (English or German).

When is the deadline? Application dates can vary depending on the sending and receiving country. To get notified of upcoming scholarships, check with your home institution’s international office or Erasmus+ coordinator.

> Go to the scholarship or find more details in our guide: Studying in Germany through Erasmus+.

Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships

Who can apply? This scholarship is for students and doctoral candidates accepted into a state or state-recognized German university. They must demonstrate excellent school or academic merit, wish to pursue their studies in Germany, and be committed to the values of social democracy.

What does the scholarship cover? The FES scholarship program for international students awards a base monthly stipend of €992 for students in state or state-recognized degree programs. For doctoral students, it awards €1,400 per month for up to three years.

What are the requirements? Application requirements include: general personal information, details about your professional and family background, your motivation to become a FES scholarship holder, and information about your socio-political commitment.

Applicants who are doctoral candidates also need to submit an exposé of their dissertation project. After the first review, you must submit two academic references, a detailed CV, relevant certificates, and proof of enrollment. Shortlisted candidates will take part in two selection interviews: one with a trusted lecturer and one with a member of the selection committee.

When is the deadline? Application deadlines for the FES scholarship vary by program and applicant group. They generally align with different academic stages, from before starting university to several semesters into the program. For doctoral funding, applications are accepted year-round, up to about 2 years before submitting the dissertation. You can find all the deadlines listed here.

> Go to the scholarship.

StipendiumPlus

Who can apply? Students from Germany, EU countries, and other international students who meet the Section 8 eligibility requirements of BAföG can apply for StipendiumPlus. Applicants must be students or doctoral candidates enrolled at a public or state-recognized higher education institution in Germany.

What does the scholarship cover? The student funding includes these monthly allowances: up to €855 basic stipend (dependent on parent’s income), up to €102 for health insurance and €35 nursing care insurance, childcare allowance of €160 per child, and €300 for study-related expenses.

The doctoral scholarships include these monthly allowances: up to €1,550 stipend (depending on income), up to €100 for health insurance, €155 in family allowance, €100 for research costs, and child care allowance starting from €155.

What are the requirements? Applicants should be enrolled at a recognized German higher education institution and demonstrate exceptional achievements in their studies. Doctoral candidates should also have a promising doctoral topic. More specific requirements will vary depending on the awarding organization within StipendiumPlus.

When is the deadline? Application deadlines vary by program depending on the organization awarding the scholarship. The awarding organizations are listed here, so please visit their respective website for more information.

> Go to the program.

Humboldt Research Fellowship

Who can apply? The Humboldt Research Fellowship is open to researchers of all nationalities (except German & Brazilian) and academic disciplines. There are two types of fellowships:

• Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers: Recent doctorate holders (less than four years) or candidates who are near completion (within six months) and can present the results of their dissertation.
• Fellowship for experienced researchers: Researchers who completed their doctorate within the last 12 years and have a substantial publication record. Applicants with a master’s degree completed within the last 16 years may also be considered.

What does the scholarship cover? The fellowship covers a monthly stipend of €2,700 for postdoctoral researchers (from 6 to 24 months) and a monthly stipend of €3,200 for experienced researchers (6 to 18 months, possible to divide into up to three stays within three years). Additionally, fellows can receive family, private health insurance, and travel allowances.

What are the requirements? Applicants must be non-German nationals with a doctorate completed within the last four years (postdocs) or twelve years (experienced researchers). You should have a confirmation of facilities from a German host, together with two expert reviews. Depending on your field, you will need to prove German or English proficiency.

To apply, send your CV, research outline, list of publications, doctoral certificate, and language certificate (if required).

When is the deadline? The fellowship’s selection committee meets in March, July, and November, so you should apply well in advance of the desired selection date. The fellowship can start between two and twelve months after selection. If your application was unanimously rejected, you can reapply only after 18 months.

> Go to the fellowship.

> See also: CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship for Brazilian researchers.

Berlin International University of Applied Sciences Christian Wulff Scholarship

Who can apply? The Christian Wulff scholarship at Berlin International (BI) is awarded to one BA or MA student of the university.

What does the scholarship cover? The scholarship covers 50 percent of the tuition fee from the time it is awarded until the end of the regular studies (up to the 6th semester).

What are the requirements? The scholarship is awarded based on outstanding academic achievements and extraordinary engagement within the BI community. The recipient is nominated by the president and the deans of BI’s faculties and is announced at the graduation ceremony.

When is the deadline? There is no application deadline for this scholarship, the recipient is selected by the university itself.

> Go to the scholarship.

Federal German State-Specific Scholarships

You’ll also find scholarships that are specific to the German federal state where you’ll be studying or are currently studying. Here are some to consider:

Baden-Württemberg Stiftung

Who can apply? The BW-Stipendium for university students awards around 1,500 scholarships each year for two groups: 1) students studying in Baden-Württemberg who want to go abroad and 2) students from international universities who are studying in Baden-Württemberg.

What does the scholarship cover? The scholarship amount ranges from €600 to €1,400 per month, for 3 to 11 months. Recipients also receive non-material assistance and become part of an international network connecting individuals from diverse disciplines and cultures.

What are the requirements? To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled at a higher education institution in Baden-Württemberg or a partner institution abroad. The scholarship is awarded to about 1,500 students each year. Selection criteria may include academic merit and other relevant qualifications.

When is the deadline? The application deadline varies and should be confirmed with the International Office at your higher education institution.

> Go to the scholarship. 

Bavaria – Max We­ber-Program

Who can apply? The Max Weber Program scholarship is for students studying at tertiary education institutions in Bavaria who have completed at least two full semesters and are under 23 years old at the time of admission.

What does the scholarship cover? Students get a semester allowance of €1,290 and financial support for study projects abroad. You’ll also benefit from a comprehensive educational program of seminars and events to support personal development.

What are the requirements? Applicants can apply directly or be nominated by a professor, Elite Graduate Program Head, or an examination board. You must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or a subsequent master’s degree program at a higher education institution in Bavaria.

You will need to showcase intellectual abilities, dedication, communication and social skills, and involvement in extracurricular activities. The selection process involves two one-on-one interviews and group sessions at a selection seminar.

When is the deadline? The last application deadline was November 1st, 2024 for direct applications and nominations. The call for the next cycle has not yet been announced.

> Go to the program.

Bavaria – Mari­an­ne-Plehn-Pro­gram

Who can apply? The Marianne-Plehn-Program is for outstanding young scientists who are pursuing doctoral studies in Bavaria and are part of the German Academic Scholarship Foundation.

What does the scholarship cover? The program offers combined part-time employment opportunities (25%) at any university in Bavaria with financial support from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. You’ll also benefit from the Elite Network of Bavaria activities, networking opportunities, and add-ons.

What are the requirements? To qualify for the Marianne-Plehn-Program, applicants need a doctoral scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation, which they can apply for within twelve months of starting their doctoral scholarship. They must conduct their doctoral studies at a Bavarian university and start the 25% part-time employment within six months of funding approval.

Applicants need documented willingness from a department at a Bavarian university to host the employment, must take on teaching tasks, and show how the employment benefits their dissertation and qualifications.

When is the deadline? The application for the Marianne-Plehn-Program can be submitted simultaneously with or after an application for a doctoral scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation, but no later than twelve months after starting the doctoral scholarship.

> Go to the program.

The Lower Saxony Scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium)

Who can apply? The Lower Saxony State Scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium) is for talented and committed undergraduate or consecutive master’s degree program students at a university in Lower Saxony who are:

• First-generation university students,
• Facing challenging study conditions due to being refugees,
• Or experiencing special social circumstances, such as significant volunteering work or financial hardships in large families.

What does the scholarship cover? The scholarship provides a one-off payment of €500 per semester.

What are the requirements? To apply for the Lower Saxony Scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium), you must be enrolled at a participating university in Lower Saxony and not on leave at the start of the funding period.

You should meet the eligibility requirements of social involvement, motivation, and having faced educational disadvantages such as being a first-generation university student. The application is online through the respective university’s student portal and typically requires a CV, motivation letter, proof of enrollment, and academic transcripts.

When is the deadline? The application process and deadlines for the “Lower Saxony State Scholarship” are determined by the individual universities in Lower Saxony. Therefore, check with your university’s website or international office for more information.

> Go to the scholarship.

MBA Scholarships for International Students in Germany

Many top-notch business schools in Germany offer scholarships to international business students, including MBA students. Some of the most popular include:

ESMT MBA Scholarships

Who can apply? ESMT Berlin offers several different MBA scholarships designed for outstanding applicants. These scholarships target various groups, including women in business, LGBTQ+ applicants, applicants from specific regions, those with excellent academic and professional profiles, and more.

What does the scholarship cover? The scholarship award varies depending on the program. Scholarships can cover tuition fees, ranging from €5,000 to €25,000. For some scholarships, recipients get financial support to participate in ESMT’s summer entrepreneurship program among other benefits.

What are the requirements? Most scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, personal and professional achievements, leadership potential, and interpersonal skills. For some scholarships, applicants are chosen from their essay responses to questions on the scholarship’s theme, such as diversity, entrepreneurship, or social impact. Some scholarship requirements can also target applicants’ backgrounds, including nationality, gender, and military service.

When is the deadline? Please refer to the ESMT Berlin website for the most up-to-date information on scholarship application deadlines. They are generally part of the MBA application process at one of the school’s programs.

> Go to the scholarships.

Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Scholarships

Who can apply? The different scholarships are available for applicants of the school’s different bachelor of science programs, master of science programs, and MBA programs (including Executive MBA, MBA in International Healthcare Management, Part-time MBA, and Full-time MBA). Specific scholarships target high-performing candidates, entrepreneurs, sector-specific backgrounds, women in business, and those with a global mindset.

What does the scholarship cover? Frankfurt School scholarships offer tuition fee reductions of up to 100% for bachelor of science applicants, partial tuition fee reduction for master’s applicants, and up to 30% reduction for MBA scholarships.

What are the requirements? Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic performance, GMAT results (for master’s and MBA applicants), application quality, personal achievements, and needs.

Extracurricular activities, social commitment, intercultural skills, international experience, and professional background are also considered. Each scholarship may have unique criteria related to academic excellence, entrepreneurship, leadership, sector-specific expertise (e.g. healthcare management), or diversity.

When is the deadline? The scholarships are on a rolling basis, so early application is recommended. The application for the scholarship should be sent as part of the application to the school. The deadlines vary depending on the program—for the MBA programs, you should apply no later than July 31, 2025.

> Go to the scholarships.

Study Programs in Germany for 2025

Why should you get a degree in Germany?

Germany is one of the world’s top study destinations for international students and definitely a higher education paradise. In Germany, you will find countless prestigious and top-ranked universities, hundreds of specialized study programs to choose from, degrees that are valued globally, and affordable studies. Not to mention, Germany is a country with a unique culture, dynamic lifestyle, and many interesting places to explore during your studies here.

Below are some of the top programs offered by German universities for the 2025 academic year. click here

Requirements to Study in Germany

Good planners often make great students in Germany, and you’re already on the right track by reading this list and preparing ahead of time.

The country is a hotspot for international students—469,485 of them are already making the most of Germany’s world-class education system.

To join them in pursuing a degree, you need to fulfill the requirements listed below.

If you want a faster route to check your eligibility, you can always consult a German expert for free by answering a few simple questions!

Check Eligibility Today

1. Study Program

Finding a study program is not a requirement as much as it is an essential first step to get you started on your journey to studying in Germany.

This is where it all begins, so take your time to research a program that matches your interests, offers interesting courses, and for which you fulfill basic eligibility requirements.

If you’re still undecided, you can search our database of international study programs in Germany for options based on your preferences.

2. University Admission Requirements

Each study program has specific requirements, but you must make sure that you’re eligible to study in Germany in the first place.

To apply to a German university, you need to have a university entrance qualification known in German as the Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or Abitur. To see if your school-leaving certificates are equivalent to Germany’s Abitur, look up your country and qualifications in anabin or the DAAD database.

If your school-leaving certificate is not sufficient, you can attend a one-year preparatory course known as Studienkolleg or complete additional education in your home country.

Some universities also require an aptitude test called the TestAS. This test is designed for international students from non-EU countries who want to enroll in an undergraduate program in Germany.

Another important requirement is knowing the language of instruction. If your degree is completely taught in German, you need to prove that your German skills are up to par by submitting recognized language certificates such as the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) or TestDaF. If your course is taught in English and you’re not a native speaker, you need to submit scores from tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Some business schools in Germany may also list GMAT or GRE test scores among their requirements.

3. University Application Documents

You have to send an application for a study program in Germany either through the university’s own portal or through uni-assist. Each university and specific program may have different requirements, but these are the documents that you’ll need to submit in most cases:

• Completed application form. Find it on the university’s portal or in uni-assist, depending on the process.
• Recognized school-leaving certificate. Check this database to see if you meet university entry requirements.
• Certificates of previous studies (including university studies). If you’re applying to a postgraduate program, include official transcripts and the diploma certificate.
• Proof of language proficiency. Recognized German or English language certificates or previous studies in that language.
• Copy of valid passport and passport/portrait photo.
• Letter of motivation & recommendation letter(s) (if applicable).
• Curriculum vitae (CV)/resume.
• Standardized tests (if applicable). Some universities may ask for TestAS results & some business schools may require GMAT or GRE scores.
• Akademische Prüfstelle – APS certificate. Applicants with education qualifications from China, India, or Vietnam need to get this.
• Preliminary Review Documentation – VPD. Some universities require applicants to have their education documents reviewed and grades converted from uni-assist.

4. Proof of Financial Resources

International students need to have €11,904 per year to cover their living expenses in Germany (as of September 2024). If you need a student visa for Germany, you have to present proof of this money (Finanzierungsnachweis) during your appointment.

There are a couple of ways you can present proof of finances—the most reliable being a blocked account. Alternatively, you can send your parent’s income or financial asset statements, a German resident can guarantee to cover your expenses, you can send a bank guarantee, or if you won a scholarship, present the certificate stating the amount covered.

Learn more about opening a blocked account at Expatrio.

5. Student Visa

If you’re going to study in Germany for a period no longer than 90 days, you need a Schengen visa if your country doesn’t have a Schengen agreement with Germany. For studies longer than 90 days (usually degree programs), most students* need a national visa

To get a student visa for Germany, you need to apply for an appointment with the German embassy or consulate in your country. You should prepare the required documents and attend an interview on the date of the appointment. The embassy will then process and issue a decision on your application—which can take up to 25 days, depending on location and workload.

*Students of some specific nationalities such as the United States, Canada, etc. only need a residence permit after entering the country. Students from the EU/EEA (including Switzerland) are exempt from both the visa and residence permit requirements.

6. Accommodation

Within two weeks of arriving in Germany, you need to register your address at the local Resident’s Registration Office. Therefore, you should make sure to have found long-term accommodation by then.

There are different accommodation types in Germany to choose from, including student halls of residence, shared apartments (WGs), private rentals, and more. At an average of €410 per month, rent is usually the biggest expense for students—so searching ahead of time can help you stay within your budget.

The average monthly cost for different types of housing is as follows: €266.83 for student dorms, €363 for shared apartments (WGs), and around €820 for private apartments. These are just estimates, though, and prices can be higher or lower depending on location, amenities, and other factors.

7. Health Insurance

Everyone in Germany should have valid health insurance. If you’re from an EU member state (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) or another country that has a bilateral agreement with Germany, you can use your health insurance from back home.

Otherwise, you need to get student health insurance in Germany. Most students are eligible for discounted premiums with statutory providers—starting at €125 per month. If you’re over 30 years old, you may have to get private health insurance instead. You can activate the insurance plan when you arrive in Germany.

If you need proof of health insurance to fulfill student visa requirements, travel health insurance is often sufficient until you arrive and get proper student insurance.

8. University Enrollment

Lastly, you need to enroll at your chosen university in Germany when you arrive here. To do so, you need to go to the Students Affairs Office and provide the necessary documents. You will receive a matriculation number and a university account, with which you can access your university’s portal and register your courses.

You’ll also receive your student ID card—useful for many student services such as the library and cafeteria, and as a pass for many cultural events.

Take these steps to enroll in a German university:

1. Receive an offer of admission.
2. Accept your study place.
3. Complete the application for enrollment (online form/printed).
4. Have your valid passport with you.
5. Pay the semester fee (usually €150-€350)
6. Submit proof of German statutory health insurance (many universities require your status to be digitally sent by the insurer).