GermanySimple Moving to and living in Germany

Find your route

3 quick steps

'Where to Look for Scholarships in Germany: DAAD, Foundations, and

'Where to Look for Scholarships in Germany: DAAD, Foundations, and

Find your route

3 quick steps

When looking for scholarships in Germany, it’s best not to search just one place, but to check several databases at once: DAAD, foundation websites, university websites, Stiftungssuche, myStipendium, and e-fellows. The eligibility requirements vary greatly: some programs are designed for master’s students, while others are aimed at doctoral candidates, researchers, socially active students, or people with specific career goals.

If you’re just starting to figure out how to finance your studies, begin with the official databases, and then expand your search to include private and foundation portals. This way, you’ll be less likely to miss a deadline or apply to a program for which you’re not a good fit.

We recently wrote an article about master’s programs in Germany and DAAD scholarships. Below is a more comprehensive list of resources for your search.

DAAD Scholarship Database

The DAAD is one of the main resources for international students, graduates, doctoral candidates, and researchers seeking funding for their studies or research in Germany. In the DAAD database, you can filter programs by country of origin, academic status, field of study, and purpose of stay.

What to check for in each program:

  • Who can apply: students, graduates, PhD candidates, researchers;
  • whether your country of citizenship or current place of study is eligible;
  • what level of education is required;
  • whether a German or English language certificate is required;
  • what the deadlines are specifically for this program;
  • Whether separate university admission is required.

The DAAD often requires a strong academic profile, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a clear study or research plan. However, the exact set of required documents depends on the program, so you should refer to the specific announcement in the database.

Stiftungssuche

Stiftungssuche helps you search for German foundations. This is useful if you want to find not only large, well-known programs but also smaller foundations with narrower focuses: region, profession, social activism, religious or political affiliation, or academic field.

When working with foundations, pay attention to three things:

  • whether the foundation specifically supports students or researchers;
  • whether it accepts applications from international students;
  • Is there an open application process, or is funding awarded only by recommendation, through a university, or via a partner organization?

Not every foundation listed on the portal is a scholarship foundation for students. Therefore, you should verify the organizations you find on their own websites.

myStipendium

myStipendium is a search platform where you can find programs based on your profile: education, field of study, social situation, achievements, background, volunteer work, and other criteria. This format is convenient for those who don’t know the names of the foundations and want to start by filling out a questionnaire or using filters.

Use myStipendium as a guide, but be sure to check the final terms and conditions on the website of the organization awarding the scholarship. Deadlines, amounts, and requirements can change faster than aggregator sites are updated.

e-fellows Scholarship Database

e-fellows maintains a database of scholarships and support programs. It is useful for comparing funding sources, searching for programs by field of study, and exploring alternatives to DAAD or university scholarships.

Pay close attention to who the program is intended for: high school students, undergraduate students, master’s students, doctoral candidates, graduates, or young professionals. This determines not only your eligibility but also the required documents.

University Websites and the Deutschlandstipendium

Many scholarships are administered by the universities themselves. Therefore, after choosing a university, check sections such as “Scholarships,” “Funding,” “Studienfinanzierung,” “International Office,” or “Graduiertenschule.”

Be sure to check out the Deutschlandstipendium separately. This is a public-private scholarship administered by participating universities. Applications are typically submitted through the university, and the criteria and deadlines depend on the specific university.

What documents are usually required

There is no universal list, but the most common ones are:

  • A resume in German or English format;
  • a personal statement;
  • transcripts and diplomas;
  • proof of admission or student status, if required;
  • a language certificate for the language of instruction;
  • recommendations from professors, academic advisors, or employers;
  • a research plan, proposal, or portfolio for certain fields;
  • proof of volunteer work, social engagement, awards, or professional experience.

It’s best to prepare recommendation letters and language certificates in advance: these are often what cause delays in submitting an application before the deadline.

How to Search Systematically

  1. Determine your status: high school graduate, undergraduate student, prospective master’s student, PhD candidate, or researcher.
  2. List your country of citizenship, the country where you are currently studying, and your desired program level.
  3. Check the DAAD and university websites.
  4. Expand your search using Stiftungssuche, myStipendium, and e-fellows.
  5. Create a table: program, link, deadline, amount, required documents, contact information, application status.
  6. Submit your application to several suitable foundations, but tailor your statement of purpose to each call for applications.

Common Mistakes

  • Search only for DAAD scholarships and skip university scholarships.
  • Submit the same personal statement to all foundations.
  • Do not check whether the program is open to international students.
  • Confusing the deadline with the start date of the program.
  • Don’t wait until the last week to submit your letters of recommendation and language certificate.
  • Trusting an aggregator without verifying the original source.

The main strategy is simple: search broadly, check the requirements at the source, and apply only to programs where your background truly aligns with the program’s goals.

Related Posts