Top 25 Scholarships in Germany for 2024/2025
Are you dreaming of studying in Germany but worried about the costs? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 25 scholarships in Germany for the 2024/2025 academic year that could turn your dreams into reality. From fully-funded opportunities to partial grants, these scholarships cater to various academic levels and fields of study.
Government and Organization-Funded Scholarships in Germany
Germany offers several generous scholarships that are funded by government programs and organizations, making higher education more accessible to students from around the world. Here are some of the most popular scholarships in this category:
1. Expatrio Scholarship
Who can apply?
The Expatrio scholarship is available to international students from all countries. To qualify, applicants must have applied for the Expatrio Value Package and plan to begin their studies in Germany during the upcoming winter semester of 2024.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Expatrio will select three main winners:
- The first-place winner will receive €12,000.
- The second-place winner will receive €6,000.
- The third-place winner will receive €3,000.
Additionally, several more prizes will be awarded to students who place from fourth to tenth.
What are the requirements?
Applicants are evaluated based on a video submission answering the question: “Why are you passionate about the field of study you are pursuing in Germany?” The video must be in mp4 format, no longer than 2 minutes, and must not include any copyrighted material.
When is the deadline?
The deadline for submitting your video is 30th September 2024.
2. DAAD Scholarship Programs
Who can apply?
The DAAD Scholarships are awarded annually to students from all over the world who wish to pursue master’s degrees, Ph.D. studies, or postdoctoral research in Germany.
What does the scholarship cover?
- These fully-funded scholarships provide:
- Monthly stipends: €992 for graduates and €1,200 for Ph.D. students.
- Travel allowances.
- Payments toward health insurance.
- Annual study allowances.
What are the requirements?
- Applicants must demonstrate good academic performance and achievements. Depending on the specific scholarship, you may be required to provide:
- A recognized school-leaving certificate.
- Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction or working language(s).
- Relevant internships or work experience.
When is the deadline?
Deadlines for DAAD scholarships vary depending on the type of scholarship and the applicant’s country. To get the most accurate information, it’s recommended to check the program details on the official DAAD website.
3. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Who can apply?
This scholarship program is open to both master’s and doctoral students of all nationalities who are studying at universities, universities of applied sciences, or universities of the arts in Germany.
What does the scholarship cover?
The amount of the scholarship varies based on nationality and level of study:
Student scholarships:
- EU nationals or students educated in Germany receive up to €812 per month plus a €300 study allowance (additional allowances may apply).
- Non-EU nationals or refugees not educated in Germany receive €992 per month, plus health insurance and other allowances.
Doctoral scholarships:
- German and foreign students educated in Germany, and EU nationals not educated in Germany receive a basic scholarship of €1,450 per month plus a €100 monthly allowance.
- Non-EU nationals and students educated outside of Germany receive €1,400 per month, a €100 monthly mobility allowance, plus other individual allowances.
What are the requirements?
Student scholarships: Applicants for master’s scholarships must provide a copy of their first degree certificate or first professional qualification, and demonstrate academic achievements, social engagement, and motivation.
- Doctoral scholarships: All eligible students must have proof of admission to doctoral studies. Applicants should show excellent academic performance, quality of the research project, social engagement, and motivation.
When is the deadline?
Applications are accepted with deadlines on March 1st and September 1st each year.
4. 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, provided they are within the standard duration of their studies.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship awards €300 per month for at least two semesters, with the possibility of extending for the entire standard period of studies.
What are the requirements?
The Deutschlandstipendium is awarded by universities, so applicants must meet the specific requirements set by the university they are applying to. Typical selection criteria include high academic performance, social engagement, and personal achievements. The scholarship is not based on personal or parental income and does not affect BAföG grants.
When is the deadline?
Application periods vary by university but are generally around the months leading up to the start of the academic year (June to August).
5. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
Who can apply?
This scholarship is available to international students who have completed a first university degree and wish to pursue a master’s, PhD, or research program at a German university lasting at least four semesters.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides financial support, personal guidance, a seminar program, and access to the KAS network. Graduate students receive €992 per month for two years, while PhD students receive €1,400 per month for three years. Additional subsidies for health insurance, family allowance, children’s allowance, and course-related fees may also be available.
What are the requirements?
- Master’s applicants: Must hold a university degree, demonstrate strong academic performance, possess B2-level German language skills, engage in voluntary work, plan to study for at least four semesters in Germany, have a broad education, and support democracy and human rights.
- Ph.D. applicants: In addition to the above criteria, applicants must provide a detailed thesis description, a second academic letter of recommendation from their thesis supervisor, and confirmation of supervision by their doctoral advisor.
When is the deadline?
Deadlines and application procedures vary based on the applicant’s home country and the focus regions for the year. For domestic applicants in Germany, the application period ends on July 15th each year. It is recommended to consult the respective office of the foundation in your home country for more information.
6. Erasmus+ Scholarship Programs
Who can apply?
Erasmus+ scholarships are available to students in short-cycle, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs who wish to participate in an exchange program in Germany. This includes students from EU Member States and associated third countries, with many opportunities also available for students from non-associated countries.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship includes a one-time travel grant and a monthly stipend for daily living expenses in Germany. Students are also exempt from tuition, registration, and examination fees, among other benefits at the receiving institution. Additional support is available for trainees, students with fewer opportunities, and those from outermost regions.
What are the requirements?
- Applicants must be enrolled in a study program leading to a recognized degree or tertiary-level qualification at a higher education institution participating in the Erasmus+ program.
- The study period abroad must be relevant to their degree-related learning and personal development.
- The applicant’s home institution must have an Erasmus cooperation agreement with the receiving institution.
- Specific selection criteria vary by program but generally include academic performance (GPA), a motivation letter, and language proficiency (English or German).
When is the deadline?
Application deadlines vary depending on the sending and receiving countries. To stay informed about upcoming scholarships, check with your home institution’s international office or Erasmus+ coordinator.
7. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships
Who can apply?
This scholarship is available to students and doctoral candidates accepted into a state or state-recognized German university. Applicants must show excellent academic performance, a commitment to studying in Germany, and alignment with the values of social democracy.
What does the scholarship cover?
Students: A base monthly stipend of €992.
Doctoral candidates: A monthly stipend of €1,400 for up to three years.
What are the requirements?
- For students: General personal information, details about professional and family background, motivation for applying, and socio-political engagement.
- For doctoral candidates: An exposé of the dissertation project, two academic references, a detailed CV, relevant certificates, and proof of enrollment. Shortlisted candidates will participate in two interviews: one with a lecturer and one with a selection committee member.
When is the deadline?
Application deadlines vary based on the program and applicant group, typically aligning with different academic stages. For doctoral funding, applications are accepted year-round, up to about two years before submitting the dissertation. Find specific deadlines on the official website.
8. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships
Who can apply?
Open to researchers of any nationality and from all scientific disciplines who hold a doctoral degree and wish to undertake a 1 to 2-year research project in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
What does the scholarship cover?
Funding supports living, mobility, and, if applicable, family, long-term leave, and special needs allowances. The scholarship also covers research, training, and networking activities.
What are the requirements?
Applicants should have a maximum of 8 years of full-time post-graduate research experience (with some exceptions for career breaks). Selection is based on Excellence (50%), Impact (30%), and Implementation Quality (20%).
When is the deadline?
The current deadline for proposals is 11 September 2024. The next call will open on 9 April 2025 and close on 10 September 2025.
9. StipendiumPlus
Who can apply?
Students from Germany, EU countries, and other international students meeting the Section 8 eligibility requirements of BAföG. Applicants must be enrolled at a public or state-recognized higher education institution in Germany.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Student funding: Includes a basic stipend of €812 per month, up to €94 for health insurance, €28 for nursing care insurance, €160 per child for childcare, and €300 for study-related expenses.
- Doctoral funding: Includes a stipend of €1,450 per month, up to €100 for health insurance, €155 for family allowance, €100 for research costs, and childcare allowance starting from €155.
What are the requirements?
Applicants must be enrolled at a recognized German higher education institution and demonstrate exceptional academic achievements. Doctoral candidates should also have a promising doctoral topic. Specific requirements may vary depending on the awarding organization.
When is the deadline?
Deadlines vary by program and awarding organization. For more information, visit the respective website of the awarding organizations.
10. Bayer Foundation Fellowships
Who can apply?
The Bayer Foundation Fellowships are available to medical students and those pursuing a master’s or PhD in scientific disciplines such as pharmacy, data science, and medical engineering. Both international and German applicants are eligible.
What does the scholarship cover?
Each fellowship awards up to €10,000 to support international research projects, internships, and other activities for up to 6 months. Additional funding may be provided for travel, visa, living expenses, and exceptional project costs.
What are the requirements?
- Otto Bayer Fellowships for Drug Discovery Sciences: Applicants must be pursuing an MSc or PhD in natural sciences, pharmacy, or data science.
- Jeff Schell Fellowships for Agricultural Sciences: Applicants must be MSc or PhD students in natural sciences or data science.
- Carl Duisberg Fellowships for Medical Sciences: Applicants must be studying human or veterinary medicine or pursuing an MSc or PhD in medical engineering, applied medical sciences, public health, or data science in medicine.
- All applicants need to demonstrate excellent academic records, innovation, relevance to their field, and awareness of the societal impact of their research. Collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged.
When is the deadline?
The last application cycle was from February 12th, 2024 to April 9th, 2024. Dates for the 2025 application cycle have yet to be announced.
Scholarships Offered by German Universities
11. Humboldt Research Fellowship
Who can apply?
- The Humboldt Research Fellowship is open to researchers of all nationalities (except German) across various academic disciplines. There are two types of fellowships:
- Postdoctoral Fellowship: For recent doctorate holders (within the last four years) or candidates nearing completion (within six months) who can present dissertation results.
- Experienced Research Fellowship: For researchers who completed their doctorate within the last 12 years with a substantial publication record. Master’s degree holders within the last 16 years may also be considered.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Postdoctoral Researchers: A monthly stipend of €2,670 for 6 to 24 months.
- Experienced Researchers: A monthly stipend of €3,170 for 6 to 18 months, which can be divided into up to three stays within three years. Additional benefits include family allowances, private health insurance, and travel allowances.
What are the requirements?
Applicants must be non-German nationals with a completed doctorate within the specified time frame (four years for postdocs, twelve years for experienced researchers). You need a confirmation of facilities from a German host and two expert reviews. Depending on the field, proof of German or English proficiency may be required. Application materials include a CV, research outline, list of publications, doctoral certificate, and language certificate (if needed).
When is the deadline?
The selection committee meets in March, July, and November. Apply well in advance of the desired selection date. The fellowship can start between two and twelve months after selection. If your application is rejected, you may reapply only after 18 months.
12. TUM Linde / MDSI Master Scholarship
Who can apply?
This scholarship is for outstanding students, both German and international, enrolled in the master’s programs at the Technical University of Munich: “Data Engineering and Analytics” or “Mathematics in Data Science.”
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €1,000 for up to 12 months.
What are the requirements?
Applicants must be enrolled in one of the two master’s programs at TUM since at least the summer semester 2024 (for 2024 applications). Female students are particularly encouraged to apply. Required documents include an application form, personal and academic information, a motivation letter, CV, recommendation letter, transcripts (bachelor’s degree), and a current examination report for the TUM master’s program.
When is the deadline?
The application deadline for this cycle is September 1, 2024. Successful applicants will start receiving funding from October 1, 2024.
13. Heidelberg University HAUS Scholarships
Who can apply?
The HAUS Scholarship is for U.S. students who have been recently accepted into a bachelor’s or master’s program at Heidelberg University.
What does the scholarship cover?
Bachelor’s students receive $4,500 for one semester.
Master’s students receive $7,000.
Depending on availability, funding may be extended for one additional semester.
What are the requirements?
Applicants must be U.S. residents with strong academic records, accepted into Heidelberg University.
Students already enrolled at Heidelberg or receiving other scholarships are not eligible.
When is the deadline?
The 2024 application cycle is closed. The next cycle will open in early 2025.
14. University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships
Who can apply?
Outstanding international students (non-German citizens) enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs at Universität Hamburg for at least 2 semesters are eligible.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Up to €930 per month for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Up to €1,200 per month for doctoral researchers (limited funding).
- Funding duration is 2 semesters (12 months), with a maximum of 3 years.
What are the requirements?
- Must be enrolled at Universität Hamburg for at least 2 semesters.
- Non-German citizenship and ineligibility for federal student loans.
- Required documents include a CV, motivation letter, proof of social/intercultural activities, academic records, and evaluations from two professors. The selection is based on academic performance, skills, social engagement, and financial need.
When is the deadline?
April 15 (funding period: October 1 – September 30).
October 15 (funding period: April 1 – March 31 of the following year).
15. Berlin International University of Applied Sciences Christian Wulff Scholarship
Who can apply?
The scholarship is awarded to one BA or MA student at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences (BI) based on academic achievements and engagement.
What does the scholarship cover?
Covers 50% of the tuition fees from the award time until the end of regular studies (up to the 6th semester).
What are the requirements?
Awarded for outstanding academic achievements and exceptional involvement in the BI community. The recipient is nominated by the university’s president and deans and announced at the graduation ceremony.
When is the deadline?
There is no specific application deadline; the recipient is selected by the university.
Federal German State-Specific Scholarships
16. Baden-Württemberg Stiftung
Who can apply?
The BW-Stipendium is for students studying in Baden-Württemberg who wish to go abroad or international students studying in Baden-Württemberg.
What does the scholarship cover?
Amount ranges from €600 to €1,400 per month for 3 to 11 months.
Includes non-material assistance and access to an international network.
What are the requirements?
Must be enrolled at a higher education institution in Baden-Württemberg or a partner institution abroad.
Approximately 1,500 scholarships are awarded each year based on academic merit and other qualifications.
When is the deadline?
The deadline varies; confirm with the International Office at your institution.
17. Bavaria – Max Weber Program
Who can apply?
The Max Weber Program is for students studying at tertiary institutions in Bavaria who have completed at least two full semesters and are under 23 years old at the time of application.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Semester allowance of €1,290.
- Financial support for study projects abroad.
- Comprehensive educational program including seminars and events for personal development.
What are the requirements?
- Must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or subsequent Master’s program at a higher education institution in Bavaria.
- Candidates can apply directly or be nominated by a professor, Elite Graduate Program Head, or examination board.
- Demonstrate intellectual abilities, dedication, communication and social skills, and involvement in extracurricular activities.
- Selection includes two one-on-one interviews and group sessions at a selection seminar.
When is the deadline?
Direct applications: November 1.
Nominated candidates: January 15.
18. Bavaria – Marianne-Plehn-Program
Who can apply?
Outstanding young scientists pursuing doctoral studies in Bavaria and part of the German Academic Scholarship Foundation.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Combined part-time employment (25%) at any university in Bavaria.
- Financial support from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation.
- Access to Elite Network of Bavaria activities and networking opportunities.
What are the requirements?
- Must have a doctoral scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation.
- Conduct doctoral studies at a Bavarian university and start the 25% part-time employment within six months of funding approval.
- Documented willingness from a Bavarian university department to host the employment, take on teaching tasks, and demonstrate how the employment benefits the dissertation and qualifications.
When is the deadline?
Submit the application simultaneously with or within twelve months after starting the doctoral scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation.
19. The Lower Saxony Scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium)
Who can apply?
Talented and committed undergraduate or consecutive Master’s degree students at a university in Lower Saxony who are:
- First-generation university students.
- Refugees facing challenging study conditions.
- Experiencing special social circumstances, such as significant volunteering work or financial hardships in large families.
What does the scholarship cover?
A one-off payment of €500 per semester.
What are the requirements?
- Enrolled at a participating university in Lower Saxony and not on leave at the start of the funding period.
- Meet eligibility criteria of social involvement, motivation, and facing educational disadvantages.
- Application requires a CV, motivation letter, proof of enrollment, and academic transcripts.
When is the deadline?
Deadlines are determined by individual universities in Lower Saxony. Check your university’s website or international office for details.
20. Berlin – Elsa Neumann Scholarship
Who can apply?
Doctoral researchers enrolled and supervised at a university in Berlin, according to the Berlin State Act to Support Early-Career Researchers and Artists.
What does the scholarship cover?
- Monthly stipend of €1,350 for up to 36 months.
- €100 flat rate for material costs.
- Possible family allowances and special allowances for travel costs.
What are the requirements?
- Outstanding academic records and research contributions.
- Must be academically supervised at a Berlin university.
- Public funding recipients are ineligible.
When is the deadline?
April 1 and November 1 each year.
The next application period is from September 11 to November 13, 2024.
21. ESMT MBA Scholarships
Who can apply?
Outstanding applicants to ESMT Berlin’s MBA program, including women in business, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from specific regions. Scholarships are also available for candidates with exceptional academic and professional profiles.
What does the scholarship cover?
Awards vary between €1,000 and €24,750, covering tuition fees. Some scholarships include financial support for ESMT’s summer entrepreneurship program and other benefits.
What are the requirements?
Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, personal and professional achievements, leadership potential, and interpersonal skills. Some scholarships focus on themes like diversity, entrepreneurship, or social impact, and may target specific backgrounds such as nationality, gender, or military service.
When is the deadline?
Deadlines align with the MBA application process. For the most accurate and updated information, check the ESMT Berlin website.
22. HHL Leipzig Scholarships
Who can apply?
Candidates applying to HHL Leipzig’s full-time MBA program. There are various scholarships, including the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Women in Business, Future Entrepreneur, Young Leipzig Leader, and Dean’s List.
What does the scholarship cover?
Partial tuition reduction for the full-time MBA program. The exact amount varies by scholarship.
What are the requirements?
General criteria include holding an undergraduate degree, at least three years of work experience, a good GMAT score, and applying for the full-time MBA program. Specific scholarships may have additional requirements, such as exceptional academic achievements or alignment with HHL’s values.
When is the deadline?
Apply for the scholarship with the MBA program application. Early application is advised. The Dean’s List Scholarship has a specific deadline of June 30 each year.
23. WHU Otto Beisheim Scholarships
Who can apply?
Candidates from all countries applying to the WHU MBA program. Scholarships aim to support students who contribute unique values to the MBA class.
What does the scholarship cover?
Scholarships vary in amount. The WHU e-fellows.net Scholarship awards specifically €10,000.
What are the requirements?
Requirements vary by scholarship but generally include strong academic performance, professional experience, entrepreneurship, leadership, and GMAT/GRE results. Some scholarships may focus on gender, participation in specific programs, or nationality.
When is the deadline?
Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so applying early is advantageous. WHU also offers an Early Bird discount for tuition fees with deadlines: September 30 (€7,000 off), November 30 (€6,000 off), January 31 (€5,000 off), and March 31 (€3,000 off).
24. Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Scholarships
Who can apply?
Scholarships are available for applicants to various MBA programs at Frankfurt School, including Executive MBA, MBA in International Healthcare Management, Part-time MBA, and Full-time MBA. Specific scholarships target high-performing candidates, entrepreneurs, women in business, and those with a global perspective.
What does the scholarship cover?
Scholarships offer a partial tuition fee reduction of up to 30% for the respective MBA program.
What are the requirements?
Candidates are selected based on academic performance, GMAT results, application quality, personal achievements, and financial need. Extracurricular activities, social commitment, intercultural skills, international experience, and professional background are also considered. Some scholarships may have additional criteria related to academic excellence, entrepreneurship, leadership, or diversity.
When is the deadline?
Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so early application is recommended. There is no fixed deadline; scholarships are reviewed after the admission decision.
25. Mannheim Business School Scholarships
Who can apply?
Mannheim Business School offers scholarships for outstanding candidates, including the Most Outstanding Candidate Scholarship, Excellent Candidates Scholarship, Women in Business Scholarship, and the MBS Network Scholarship.
What does the scholarship cover?
Scholarships are partial and cover a portion of the MBA program’s tuition fee. The amount varies based on the applicant’s performance during the selection process.
What are the requirements?
General requirements include exceptional academic and professional achievements, strong motivation, good GMAT/GRE scores, and language skills. Specific scholarships may have additional requirements: Women in Business targets accomplished women, while the Industry Diversity Scholarship is for applicants from diverse fields like consulting, energy, and professional services.
When is the deadline?
The regular application deadline is July 15, 2024. There are also early bird deadlines `with discounts: January 31, 2024 (€4,000 off) and April 30, 2024 (€2,000 off).
Conclusion on Scholarships in Germany
Studying in top-rated German universities can open doors to numerous opportunities, and these scholarships are designed to help you overcome financial barriers. Take the time to review each scholarship thoroughly, prepare your applications meticulously, and submit them before the deadlines. Your dream of studying in Germany in 2024/2025 could be just an application away!
Remember, the key to a successful application is preparation and perseverance. Start your journey today, and who knows? You might be the next scholarship recipient embarking on an exciting academic adventure in Germany!
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