While tuition fees at undergraduate level in public universities are free for international students, if you want to study a Masters or a PhD, you’ll need to pay fees. Some private universities may also have additional charges. However, despite the free system, there are actually more scholarships on offer for international students interested in pursuing a higher education in Germany than you might think. The scholarships vary from government, organisational and institution level. Read on to find out if you’re eligible!

Here are nine to start you off…

Government funded

Each year the German government allocates a certain amount of money for scholarships for inbound international students to study in the country.

1. DAAD Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers the widest range of government-funded scholarships at different degree levels. It also has an easy-to-use scholarship database to get you on your way. 

2. Erasmus +

If you’re from Europe, you may find yourself eligible for an Erasmus+ grant. Funded by the European Commission, Erasmus+ offers funding towards living costs while on an exchange programme within Europe. Interestingly enough, Germany is one of the most popular study destinations for Erasmus students. Find out more by clicking here.

Non-government funded

There are a number of non-government funded scholarships also available for international students. These take the form of various research and academic disciplines and are usually awarded on a merit basis.

3. Heinrich Böll Scholarships for International Students

Both domestic and international students are eligible for grants at undergraduate, Masters or PhD levels with the Heinrich Böll Foundation. There are two application dates a year. Apply online now!
 

4. Deutschland Stipendium

High-achieving international students might find themselves eligible for funding of €300 a month through this programme. Based on a public-private partnership, businesses, organisations and individuals sponsor talented students for €150 a month which is then matched by the federal government. Click here to find out more. 

5. Kurt Hansen Science Scholarships

International students planning on becoming educators in science are open to apply for this scholarship, which is funded by the Bayer Foundation. The available funding areas include study projects, internships, summer courses, preparatory and supplementary study courses and training of science teachers. Click here to find out more.

University-specific scholarships

Like most major study destinations, a number of well-renowned Germany universities offer their own specific scholarships. We’ve handpicked four to get you started…

6. Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Doctoral Tuition Waivers  

Each year Frankfurt awards 10 tuition fee waivers to doctoral students studying an English language programme within its finance, accounting, mathematics and business administration schools. Click here to find out more. 

7. RWTH Aachen University scholarships

RWTH Aachen University ranks in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education Reputation Rankings and is also generous with scholarships. There are funding opportunities available for both international and domestic students and you can search them using this handy tool.

8. FRIAS Cofund Fellowship Programme for International Researchers

Famed for its research strengths, the University of Freiburg offers a number of scholarships for international students enrolled on a research programme. Scholarships are usually announced during the summer months so keep an eye out! Click here to find out more. 

9. DRD Scholarships for Sub-Saharan Africans

High-achieving Masters students from Sub-Saharan African countries are open to apply for these funding opportunities. To apply you’ll usually have to submit a proposal on your research plans for when you are studying full-time in Germany. Click here to find out more.

Now that you’ve got a taste for some of the scholarships on offer, why not start browsing the courses available in Germany via the search tool below?