How to Find a Scholarship to Study in Germany
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Scholarships in Germany are not all found in one place: some programs are administered by the DAAD, some by universities, and others by political, religious, academic, and private foundations. Therefore, the task for a prospective student or current student is not simply to “find a list,” but to select programs that match their level of study, citizenship, field of study, language, academic performance, and community involvement.
Where to Start Your Search
Start with three filters: who you are right now, where you’re applying, and what kind of support you’re looking for. Different sources are suitable for different situations.
- Undergraduate applicants tend to look into university programs, the Deutschlandstipendium after admission, and foundations that accept students at an early stage.
- A master’s student can search for DAAD programs, university scholarships, Begabtenförderungswerke funds, and discipline-specific grants.
- A graduate student or researcher should also look into research grants, DAAD programs, and foundations affiliated with universities and scientific organizations.
- International students should carefully verify whether a program accepts applicants with their citizenship, residency status, and intended type of study.
Scholarship requirements change frequently: deadlines, eligible countries, language requirements, and application procedures should be verified on the specific program’s webpage, not based on information shared on blogs.
Major Databases and Platforms
DAAD
DAAD is the primary starting point for international students seeking funding for studies or research in Germany. In the DAAD database, you can filter programs by country of origin, level of study, field of study, and purpose of stay. It’s important to read the details of a specific scholarship rather than the general page: the details include deadlines, required documents, language requirements, and application procedures.
The DAAD is particularly useful for master’s programs, doctoral studies, research trips, and specific specialized programs. For bachelor’s programs, there are usually fewer options, so it’s worth exploring both university and foundation offerings at the same time.
Stiftungssuche and Foundation Databases
Stiftungssuche helps you search for German foundations by topic, region, and purpose of support. Not every foundation offers regular scholarships to students, but the database is useful for finding small, regional, or specialized programs.
Additionally, you can use MyStipendium and e-fellows. These are not government sources, but they are useful as aggregators: they help you explore more options and compile an initial list. After that, you should double-check the eligibility requirements on the official website of the foundation or university.
University Website
Every Hochschule or Universität usually has sections such as Stipendien, Studienfinanzierung, International Office, or Funding. These sections list university scholarships, the Deutschlandstipendium, emergency grants, programs for international students, and local deadlines.
This is especially important for the Deutschlandstipendium: applications are usually submitted through one’s university, and the university itself sets the deadlines for submitting documents.
Which Scholarships Are Worth Checking Out
| Program or Foundation | Who It Might Be Suitable For | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| DAAD | for international students, graduates, graduate students, and researchers | country of origin, level of study, deadline, program language |
| Deutschlandstipendium | for students at German public or recognized universities | amount: 300 euros per month; applications are usually submitted through the university |
| Begabtenförderungswerke | for high-achieving students with strong academic records and a commitment to community service | foundation profile, values, eligibility requirements, and deadlines |
| Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes | for students with a very strong academic profile | selection is often based on recommendations; competition is high |
| Heinrich Böll Stiftung | for undergraduate and graduate students interested in democracy, environmental issues, and human rights | deadlines and requirements depend on the level of study and status |
| Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung | students with social and civic engagement | motivation, the foundation’s values, and the applicant’s background are important |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung | students with strong academic and extracurricular involvement | the foundation’s focus and participation requirements are important |
| Hans-Böckler-Stiftung | for students involved in labor unions, social causes, or civic engagement | check the appropriate application channel and selection criteria |
| Avicenna-Studienwerk | for Muslim undergraduate and graduate students | academic performance and social responsibility are important |
| Cusanuswerk | for Catholic undergraduate and graduate students | academic performance, personal development, and values are taken into account |
| Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk (ELES) | for Jewish undergraduate and graduate students | in addition to financial support, the ideal academic program is important |
This list is not exhaustive. In Germany, there are 13 Begabtenförderungswerke, as well as regional, corporate, university, and subject-specific foundations. Therefore, it is best not to limit yourself to just two or three well-known names.
Typical Application Requirements
Academic Performance
Many programs consider grades, academic trajectory, research projects, publications, competitions, or professional experience. But “perfect grades” are not always the only criterion: foundations often evaluate potential, background, motivation, and contributions to society.
Language
Requirements depend on the language of instruction and the scholarship terms. German-language programs may require the TestDaF, DSH, or another recognized certificate. English-language programs often require the TOEFL, IELTS, or alternative proof of proficiency. Don’t just guess a general proficiency level—check the specific program and university.
Personal Statement
A good personal statement answers three questions:
- Why did you choose this particular program or field of study?
- Why should the foundation support your specific plan?
- How does studying in Germany relate to your future academic, professional, or social goals?
A weak letter simply recounts your background and uses general phrases about “quality education.” A strong letter demonstrates the connection between your past experience, your chosen program, and your future goals.
Recommendations
Letters of recommendation may be required from professors, research advisors, or employers. Not all scholarships require recommendations, but if they do, request them in advance: a good recommender needs time to write a personalized letter, not a template.
Resume and Supporting Documents
You will typically need a resume, diplomas or transcripts, proof of admission or application to a university, language certificates, and documents related to volunteer work, employment, projects, or publications. For foreign documents, check in advance whether a translation, certification, or specific file format is required.
How to Improve Your Chances
Compile a long list. Divide the programs into three groups: highly competitive options, realistic options, and local/niche scholarships. Applying to only one foundation is risky.
Create a calendar of deadlines. Scholarships have different application cycles: some accept applications once a year, some twice a year, and some are tied to the semester or the university’s admissions process. Include not only the final deadline in your calendar, but also the dates for recommendations, transcripts, and certificates.
Check for funding compatibility. Some scholarships cannot be combined with other programs or may affect the calculation of other forms of financial aid. For example, the Deutschlandstipendium has rules regarding incompatibility with certain types of financial aid, so be sure to read the terms and conditions before applying.
Tailor your documents to the foundation. You can use the same resume as a template, but your personal statement should reflect the values and criteria of the specific program. Foundations can quickly spot generic letters that have been sent without any customization.
Don’t wait for admission if the program allows early application. Some scholarships accept applications before final admission, while others require you to already be admitted. This is one of the first things you need to check.
Mini-checklist before submission
- the program is suitable for your citizenship, status, and level of education;
- The deadline applies to the relevant semester or academic year;
- the language requirements match those on your certificate;
- documents have been translated and formatted correctly;
- a personal statement tailored to a specific foundation;
- recommendations have been requested in advance;
- Have you checked the rules regarding combining this scholarship with other scholarships?
- The application was submitted through the official portal, and the confirmation has been saved.
Common Mistakes
Search only DAAD. DAAD is important, but it does not cover all possibilities. University and foundation scholarships may be more suitable.
Relying on old deadlines. Even if a program is offered every year, the dates and requirements may change.
Submit the same letter of application to all programs. Foundation scholarships often evaluate not only academic grades but also alignment with the organization’s values.
Don’t underestimate smaller programs. A regional or subject-specific scholarship may be less well-known, but it might be a better fit for your profile.
It’s too late to check the requirements. A language certificate, diploma translation, or letter of recommendation can take longer than you might think.
Scholarships in Germany are not a single, one-size-fits-all competition, but rather a range of different opportunities. A practical strategy: start with the DAAD and the university’s website, add scholarship databases, check the Deutschlandstipendium and Begabtenförderungswerke separately, then keep track of application deadlines and tailor your documents to each program.
