Looking for a scholarship in Germany? Here are the best scholarship opportunities in Germany for international students in the 2025/2026 academic session.
- Why study in Germany on a scholarship in 2025/2026
- #1. DAAD scholarships
- #2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
- #3. Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
- Prestigious academic scholarships
- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
- IMB International PhD Scholarships
- Neufert-Foundation Scholarship Programs
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship Programs
- SBW Berlin Scholarship Programs
- Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship Programs
- StipendiumPlus
- Bayer Foundation Fellowships Scholarship
- Top German Universities that offer scholarships
- TUM Linde / MDSI Master Scholarship
- Humboldt Research Fellowship
- Heidelberg University HAUS Scholarships
- University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships
- Benefits of Germany Scholarships
- Why Students Study in Germany?
Learn about DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, Deutschlandstipendium and other major German foundation grants as well as their eligibility and a few tips that will guide you to secure one successfully.
Germany has, over the years, proven to be one of the most attractive destinations for international students seeking to acquire a quality education at a relatively affordable and flexible cost.
Due to the minimal or no tuition at all that is prevalent in most public institutions in Germany, students all over the world are attracted to study in Germany.
For 2025/2026, international students have been provided with access to some of the best Germany scholarships available, including multi-year support, research grants, and merit-based funding.
This article succinctly highlights some of the scholarship opportunities international students can explore.
Why study in Germany on a scholarship in 2025/2026
There are numerous advantages of studying in Germany, especially under a scholarship.
Germany offers globally recognised degrees and post-graduate degrees in various fields, with highly standardised research.
Another mind-blowing advantage for international students is that they have access to the European job market.
On top of that, the German government, universities and independent foundations offer generous scholarship programmes that make international study more accessible.
These funding opportunities allow you not only to cover academic costs but also living expenses, travel and research allowances.
Key Germany scholarships for 2025 international students
| Scholarship / University | Degree Qualification |
|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, Research |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees | Master’s |
| Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship) | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Prestigious Academic Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| IMB International PhD Scholarships | PhD |
| Neufert-Foundation Scholarship Programs | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship Programs | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| SBW Berlin Scholarship Programs | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship Programs | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| StipendiumPlus | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| Bayer Foundation Fellowships Scholarship | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| TUM Linde / MDSI Master Scholarship | Master’s |
| Humboldt Research Fellowship | PhD |
| Heidelberg University HAUS Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
| University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships | Bachelor’s, Master’s |
#1. DAAD scholarships
DAAD is the central hub for German scholarships for graduates, doctoral candidates and researchers.
It is affiliated with the German Academic Exchange Service and has hundreds of international students as beneficiaries of their findings, ranging from short research stays to full Master’s and PhD funding.
Applicants benefit from support across tuition (often zero at public universities), monthly stipends, insurance coverage and sometimes travel or study abroad allowances.
For those planning to study or research in Germany in 2025, the DAAD scholarship database should be your first stop.
#2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
The EMJM offers you the opportunity for a multi-country European study experience, that is to say, they offer fully funded scholarship opportunities for international students to study in various countries within the European continent, including Germany.
These scholarships typically cover tuition, monthly living allowance, travel costs and insurance.
Though they may be highly competitive in 2025, they are extremely valuable for international students.
#3. Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
The Deutschlandstipendium is a nationwide public and private scholarship programme that is available at many German universities.
This scholarship is solely aimed at rewarding high-performing and motivated students who have distinguished themselves academically and have shown commendable leadership potential.
The beneficiary of this scholarship opportunity could be a domestic or international student.
The Deutschlandstipendium offers monthly support, mentorship and networking opportunities.
Because selection happens at the university level, eligible international students who have secured admission to a German university are encouraged to enquire about this option.
Prestigious academic scholarships
This scholarship is for the highest-achieving students. The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German Academic Scholarship Foundation) is one of Germany’s most prestigious awards.
International applicants who show outstanding academic promise, creative capacity and independent scholarly thinking may qualify.
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Read MoreIt’s pertinent to note that the Prestigious academic scholarships do not generously offer fully funded scholarships to international students. It is usually a modest financial support with research travel grants and access to an elite alumni network.
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation scholarship is one of the leading institutions in Germany that offers fully funded scholarship programs to international students.
The scholarship invites applications from all academic levels, including Diploma, doctoral studies, PhD, Master’s, and bachelor’s.
For successful applicants, the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung scholarship Foundation covers health insurance, tuition fees, and a monthly stipend of €850.
International undergraduate and postgraduate students seeking fully funded scholarships, the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships provide financial aid and medical expenses for selected candidates.
Prepare your documents, research extensively about the German visa, language Proficiency test, and course duration.
The Friedrich Foundation has been a hub for researchers and scholars around the world.
IMB International PhD Scholarships
Top universities in Germany are offering fully funded scholarship programs to international students through the IMB International PhD Scholarship.
This program is primarily for postgraduate students seeking a fully funded scholarship in Germany.
IMB International Scholarship program 2026 invites postgraduate students around the world to study at German top universities like Mainz, IMB, and others for research purposes.
This scholarship program primarily covers basic costs like travel and accommodation.
To qualify for this prestigious scholarship program, ensure that you apply within the stipulated deadline.
German universities continue to attract students globally with their exceptional academic performance and free tuition fees across public tertiary institutions.
Neufert-Foundation Scholarship Programs
Have you completed your undergraduate programs, and are you looking for a German postgraduate fully funded scholarship to continue your higher education?
Neufert-Foundation Scholarships invites international students to apply for their master’s degree programs.
This program is specially for students who aim to study urban development, architecture, and landscaping.
Neufert-Foundation Scholarship programs prepare students with a bachelor’s degree to begin their master’s program with financial assistance. Prepare your documents and apply early to avoid application rejection.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship Programs
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung invites international students looking to pursue master’s and doctoral studies in Germany.
This German fully funded scholarship program covers tuition fees and housing expenses. Master’s program students receive a monthly basic stipend of € 850, while Ph.D scholars receive € 1,200.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung scholarship programs are among the best scholarship programs in Germany that offer fully funded scholarships to international students around the world.
SBW Berlin Scholarship Programs
Germany’s top tertiary institution, SBW Berlin, has invited international students around the world seeking fully funded scholarships to apply for the free tuition program. This scholarship is specially designed for bachelor’s and master’s students seeking financial assistance.
The SBW Berlin Scholarship covers tuition fees, travel allowance, housing expenses, monthly stipends, and health insurance.
Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship Programs
The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung fully funded scholarship programs call for international students to participate in their research program.
This scholarship program is mainly for master’s and PhD students to further their research skills in one of the best research facilities in Germany.
The institution will cover research fees, health insurance, and € 1350 monthly stipends.
StipendiumPlus
StipendiumPlus is an educational research institution that offers scholarships to German, European, and international students who meet BAföG requirements.
This program is primarily for students enrolled in a state-recognised or public tertiary institution in Germany.
StipendiumPlus covers monthly stipends of students, funding €855 and €1,550 for PhD students, medical expenses, nursing care insurance, research costs, child care allowance, and study cost fees.
This is among the best scholarships in Germany that offers both domestic and foreign students fully funded scholarships.
Bayer Foundation Fellowships Scholarship
The Bayer Foundation scholarship applies to German and international students in the medical field, for postgraduate or doctoral studies.
This scholarship programs cover academic disciplines in data science, medical engineering, pharmacy, and others.
Benefits of the Bayer Foundation scholarship
Bayer Foundation scholarship extends its benefit to 6 months of financial aid that covers internship programs, research costs, and other curriculum activities. Successful applicants will also receive assistance for visa expenses, medical, health insurance, and living allowances.
This scholarship program primarily wants students who showcase exceptional academic performance and leadership skills.
Top German Universities that offer scholarships
Here are the top Universities in Germany that offer fully funded scholarships to international students.
- TUM Linde / MDSI Master Scholarship
- Humboldt Research Fellowship
- University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships
- Heidelberg University HAUS Scholarships
TUM Linde / MDSI Master Scholarship
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) offers one of the best fully-funded scholarships to international students and German-based students.
This scholarship program is primarily for students with high academic performance in Data Engineering and Analytics or Mathematics in Data Science.
For the master’s enrollment requirements, applicants are advised to send their curriculum vitae CV, bachelor’s degree, motivation letter, transcripts, examination report, and recommendation letter to the TUM master’s program.
This scholarship scheme offers a monthly stipend to successful applicants.
The 2024/2025 application portal closed on July 13, 2025, and the next cycle will begin shortly. Be ready to apply in the new semester.
Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship Scheme is primarily for researchers seeking fully funded scholarships for postdoctoral degrees.
The scholarship exclusively covers monthly stipends, health insurance, travel allowances, and study-related costs.
Prepare your documents, such as a recommendation letter, CV, master’s degree, research outline, language certificate, and a list of publications.
This program is specially created for international students across the world except Brazilian and German nationals. Also, the program is primarily based on two fellowships: Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers.
Heidelberg University HAUS Scholarships
This scholarship is primarily for students from the United States of America who are currently enrolled at the University of Heidelberg in master’s degree programs.
Heidelberg University HAUS Scholarships offers exclusive benefits to both bachelor’s and master’s students who aim for this scholarship.
International students not from the US are not eligible for these scholarships. This is mainly created for US alumni in Germany.
University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships
Universität Hamburg Scholarships are for international students seeking financial assistance to complete their studies at the University.
The Universität Hamburg awards merit scholars who have already enrolled for at least 2 semesters at the University €930 and €1,200 based on qualifications.
This scholarship program calls for applications from undergraduate, postgraduate doctoral holders to apply and join one of the best universities in Germany.
To apply for this prestigious scholarship, aspiring candidates are instructed to send their documents, such as a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae CV, an evaluation from two professors, academic records, and others.
Note: this scholarship is specifically for well-deserved international students who do not hold German citizenship and are not eligible for Federal loans.
Benefits of Germany Scholarships
Most of Germany’s top public universities offer fully funded scholarship programs to international students around the world. Its scholarship covers internship programs cost, medical expenses, child care allowance, nurse care insurance, free tuition fees, accommodations expenses, and travel allowances.
German scholarships are mainly for underprivileged students who seek financial aid to continue or complete their course.
The University of Munich, Hamburg, the Free University of Berlin, and others are among the top tertiary institutions in Germany that offer international students fully funded scholarships.
International students explore Germany’s top research facilities, a world-class experience from top instructors and mentors via scholarship programs.
Why Students Study in Germany?
In Europe, Germany is one of the best countries for international students due to low educational costs, living costs, and travel expenses.
German research facilities are among the best in the world. The country gives scholars opportunities to meet friends around the world and to earn a world-class degree from reputable universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the best scholarships in Germany include DAAD Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees, Deutschlandstipendium, and Humboldt Research Fellowship. These programs offer financial support for tuition, living expenses, and research opportunities.
DAAD Scholarships are open to international students who demonstrate academic excellence and are seeking to pursue a master’s, PhD, or research program in Germany. Specific eligibility depends on the chosen scholarship program.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees provide fully funded scholarships for students to pursue master’s programs across multiple European universities, including Germany. It covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
Deutschlandstipendium is a merit-based scholarship program in Germany providing financial and mentoring support to high-achieving students. It is available to both domestic and international students.
Yes, students can apply for multiple scholarships in Germany as long as the eligibility criteria for each program are met. Be sure to check deadlines and application requirements carefully.
Many scholarships, such as DAAD and Erasmus Mundus, are fully funded, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes travel. Some programs provide partial funding, so it’s important to check the details of each scholarship.
Conclusion,
Our top-listed universities in Germany that offer fully funded scholarships have a specific time for the application process. Some universities start in mid-June and end in November, while others start every semester. Always prepare your documents before you start any application. Ensure you meet basic requirements because every scholarship program has its own rules and regulations.
In Germany, federal, state, and individual-sponsored scholarships are always available for international students, including German citizens.
Always apply for a fully funded scholarship because it covers most of the financial situations.
