As an ideal destination for international students, Germany offers some of the best conditions to learn and enjoy the authentic German language. There are several reasons why Germany has become a destination for international students, starting with the fact that it is really cheap for most people.
Compared to other study locations outside of Europe, living in Germany as an international student is cheaper. Living in a foreign country far from home means you must have impeccable money management skills.
It is estimated that the cost of living in Germany is around EUR 934 per month. As this can be difficult for international students, there are programs that allow students to apply for financial aid in the form of a scholarship. Below are scholarships for international students in Germany that you may find useful.
Here is a list of notable scholarships in Germany for international students:
- DAAD-Scholarship Programs
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is an inter-university organization of German universities to promote international academic relations. They focus on the exchange of students and scientists and offer scholarships and funding for international students, doctoral candidates and researchers in Germany.
DAAD scholarships are awarded to students who are aiming for a full-time qualification. Applicants must not have completed their undergraduate degree within the last 6 years and must have at least 2 years of proven experience. The DAAD scholarship is 850 euros per month for postgraduates and 1200 euros per month for doctoral candidates.
If you consult the DAAD database you will find a list of all available scholarships as well as a range of programs offered by different institutions.
- Grants from the Heinrich Boll Foundation in Germany
The Heinrich Boll Foundation awards around 1,200 scholarships to ambitious students and doctoral candidates of all disciplines and nationalities every year. These students must study at state or recognized universities in Germany. Scholarship holders must have excellent academic achievements and be politically and socially involved and show an interest in values ​​such as the environment, sustainability, democracy, human rights and self-determination as well as justice.
Non-EU students receive €850 per month plus individual surcharges (tuition fees, if applicable) for the master’s degree. EU students at the same level of study receive EUR 649 per month plus EUR 300 book money. Is granted for the standard period of study, with the possibility of a semester extension.
On the other hand, doctoral students from countries outside the European Union receive 1,200 euros per month, in addition to a mobility allowance of 100 euros per month and other individual allowances (without tuition fees). Doctoral students from the European Union receive €1,350 per month plus a research flat rate of €100 (excluding tuition fees). The scholarship is awarded for a period of two years, with the option of two extensions of six months each time.
- National Scholarship Program Scholarship in Germany
The Deutschlandstipendium provides financial support for ambitious and academically excellent students from all over the world. Supports students from all participating universities in Germany, regardless of nationality, personal or parental income. The scholarship is made possible by a public-private cooperation, in which companies, institutions or individuals support students with an amount of 150 euros per month, the federal government adds 150 euros in addition to this amount. This scholarship is awarded by universities, which means that applicants must meet the requirements of the respective institution.
The scholarship is awarded for two semesters, but can also extend beyond the standard period of study. After two semesters, the university checks whether the student still meets the scholarship criteria so that the private funding can continue. Mentoring programs, networking events, and internships are also offered through this scholarship.
- Scholarships from the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation in Germany for foreign students
Students with above-average academic achievements and a keen interest in politics can apply for the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation. This scholarship program aims to support international undergraduate and postgraduate students who have successfully completed their undergraduate studies in their home country. This scholarship is available for students who wish to pursue a postgraduate, doctoral or research program. Preference is given to doctoral students from developing countries or countries undergoing political upheaval.
Master’s and doctoral students receive 850 euros per month for two years. Doctoral candidates and those who come to Germany for research purposes receive a monthly allowance of 1,100 euros for a period of three years. Tuition fees can be reimbursed up to €500 per semester (only courses related to the study/doctoral project). These scholarships support intercultural dialogue and international networks with the aim of expanding relations between the countries of origin and the Federal Republic of Germany.
- Erasmus scholarship programs in Germany
Erasmus is also a good choice for international students who want to study full-time in Germany. As a European scholarship from the member states of the European Union, Erasmus offers financial support for one-year exchange visits by foreign students at German universities. In order to receive a scholarship for Germany, you must be enrolled at a university and both your home university and the German university must have signed the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education.
Most major universities in the EU participate in Erasmus, with German universities taking part in a range of study programs funded by Erasmus Mundus and Erasmus+ grants. The grants cover registration fees, travel expenses, as well as basic living expenses. For the full list of main Erasmus Mundus courses, see the Erasmus catalogue. You can search for courses that are taught in Germany.
- Scholarship from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation
Another option is the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation’s scholarship, which aims to promote social democracy through study funding. The scholarship is open to foreign applicants who are studying or doing a doctorate in Germany at a state or state university of applied sciences. Above-average academic achievements are expected from these students. It’s a good choice for those working in the social sciences, politics, or humanities.
The prerequisite for this scholarship is proof of excellent German language skills, even if the course is in English. Places are limited as only 40 people per year from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe will take part in this funding program. Scholarship holders for undergraduate courses receive a monthly amount of 830 euros. Master participants receive 850 euros per month and health insurance costs.
