Studying in Germany is one of the best decisions you can make as an international student because tuition at most public universities is free. Compared to the US, UK, or Canada, even the living costs in Germany are fairly affordable.
But generally, in international countries, expenses like housing, transport, books, and food are on the high side too. The good news is that Germany offers some of the best scholarships in Europe, designed specifically to support international students.
These scholarships do not just ease your financial burden but give you the freedom to focus on your studies, explore a new culture, and build the future you have always dreamed of.
In this guide, we will walk you through the top scholarships in Germany for 2026, their benefits, and how you can apply. By the end, you will know exactly where to look and how to take your first step toward securing funding.
Top Scholarships in Germany for International Students
Scholarships in Germany are funded by the government, foundations, and universities to support students at different levels—undergraduate, master’s, and PhD.
Most are fully funded, covering not just tuition but also housing, monthly stipends, health insurance, and even travel costs. Here are some of the top scholarships in Germany you can consider:
1. DAAD Scholarship
The German Government DAAD Scholarships are funded by the German Academic Exchange Service offering foreign graduates from development and newly industrialized countries from all disciplines to study in Germany.
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | €11,908 Stipend/Yr | Travel Costs | Health Insurance
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Varies by Program
2. Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships are granted to approximately 1500 undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students of all subjects and nationalities per year, who are pursuing their degree at universities, universities of applied sciences, or universities of the arts.
- Category: Undergraduate | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | €11,208 Stipend/Year | Travel Costs | Healthcare
- Deadline: March 1 & September 1, Every Year
3.Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship (FES)
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) supports all academic subjects. Students from public or state-approved universities and from universities of applied sciences/polytechnic colleges and offers postgraduate programmes.
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | 1,200 € per month | Health Care Allowance
- Deadline: Not Specified
4.Erasmus+ Scholarships
The Erasmus+ scholarships is a fully funded award for students in short-cycle, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs that want to participate in an exchange program in Germany.
This scholarship covers a one-time travel grant, monthly stipend, tuition fees, registration, and examination fees, among other benefits during their stay in Germany.
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | Training | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: EU Member States and Associated third countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipends | Travel & Visa Costs | Training & Other Opportunities
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Varies by Program
5. Expatrio Scholarship
The Expatrio scholarship is open to international students from all countries. The scholarship offers a prize of €21,000, accommodation, a laptop, and German lessons to international students who are enrolling in German universities for their tertiary education.
- Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: €21,000 | Accommodation | Laptop
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Will soon be opened. Click the link below for more information on how to apply.
6. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung(KAS) Scholarship
The Konrad Adenauer Stiftung KAS Germany Scholarship 2025 provides funding that includes a monthly stipend of €1,400, a family allowance of €470, and € 1,500 per semester for fees related to your courses at the university in Germany.
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships | Competitions
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | € 19,800 per year | Family Allowance | Medical Insurance
- Deadline: Closed, but check here for the next cycle.
7. Bayer Foundation Fellowship
Bayer Foundation Fellowships are designed to enhance existing study programs (MSc, PhD, and medicine) by providing additional funding for international placements or research activities that are complementary to current or future scientific studies.
The fellowships award up to €10,000 per applicant to cover international research projects, internships, and other activities for up to 6 months.
- Category: Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: €10,000
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Closed, but you can check here for how to apply.
8. NHR Scholarship
The National High-Performance Computing (NHR)Graduate School Scholarship offers a fully funded opportunity that covers tuition for three (3) years, a monthly stipend of €2,200, training workshops, soft skills sessions, and mentorship to German and international students.
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | €2,200 Monthly Stipend | Training & Mentorship
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Closed, but you can check here for how to apply.
9.Heidelberg University Gates Scholarship
The Heidelberg University Gates Scholarship is a fully funded doctoral opportunity funded by the Gates Foundation for international students seeking to study in Germany.
The Gates Scholarship at Heidelberg University is tuition-free and will offer a PhD salary of 65% TVL-E13 scale worth (€4100 to €6000 gross monthly salary).
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | €6000 Monthly Salary
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Check the link below on how to apply.
10. Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Program
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.
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: 300 euros per month for at least two semesters (3,600 euros per year)
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: varies by institution.
11. StipendiumPlus Scholarship
The Stipendumplus scholarship is available for students from Germany, EU countries, and other international students who meet the Section 8 eligibility requirements of BAföG . Applicants must be students or doctoral candidates enrolled at a public or state-recognized higher education institution in Germany.
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Reward: Research Costs| Stipend | Health insurance
- Deadline: Varies by program
12. Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is open to selected international researchers and students in academic disciplines. There are two types of fellowships:
- Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers: Recent doctoral 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. You may be considered if you are applicants of master’s degree completed within the last 16 years.
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD
- Eligible Countries: All countries (except German & Brazilian
- Reward: Monthly stipend of €2,700 for postdoctoral researchers| €3,200 for experienced researchers| health insurance, and travel allowances.
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: Not Specified
Conclusion
Studying in Germany does not have to drain your finances. With these scholarships, you can reduce costs, focus on your education, and enjoy the incredible opportunities Germany has to offer.
The key is to start your search early, check deadlines carefully, and tailor each application to match the program’s requirements.
So, if Germany is your dream study destination, don’t wait—start exploring these scholarships today. The right funding could be the key that unlocks your future.
So, if Germany is your dream study destination, start exploring these scholarships today. The right funding could be the key that unlocks your future.
Visit HERE to check out many more Scholarship opportunities.
Receive Scholarship Updates through our Social Media Channels:
- WhatsApp: Scholarship Region WhatsApp
- Facebook: Scholars Region
- Twitter:@scholarsregion
- Telegram: Scholarship Region
