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Scholarships for International Students in Germany
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Looking for financial support for your studies in Germany? In addition to the well-known DAAD scholarships, several foundations and organisations offer scholarships specifically for international students. Here are some options worth exploring.
Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES)
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation supports international students at German universities who have achieved good academic results and are actively involved in society. Funding is available for Bachelor’s, Master’s and state examination programmes, as well as doctoral studies.
International students can receive €992 per month, with additional support possible, for example for health insurance and children. Good German language skills are required, even if your degree programme is taught in English.
Please note: applicants for the international student programme must already be in Germany when applying.
Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS)
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation offers scholarships to international students and doctoral candidates studying in Germany. The programme is particularly aimed at students with excellent academic performance and strong social or political engagement.
For international students, the scholarship currently provides €992 per month, normally for up to two years. Doctoral candidates can receive €1,400 per month.
Additional allowances may be available, including support for health insurance and family-related costs.
More information: https://www.kas.de/de/web/begabtenfoerderung-und-kultur/internationale-nachwuchsfoerderung
Heinrich Böll Foundation
The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers scholarships for international students pursuing a Master’s degree in Germany. Academic excellence and social or political engagement are important selection criteria.
The programme is particularly interesting for applicants from countries of the Global South. German language skills are required, even for English-taught degree programmes.
More information: https://www.boell.de/en/foundation/scholarship-programme
Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation offers scholarships to international students pursuing postgraduate studies in Germany. Applicants should have very good academic results as well as a strong interest in social or political issues and civic engagement.
Applicants from countries of the Global South are particularly encouraged to apply. German language skills are required.
Friedrich Naumann Foundation
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation offers scholarships for international students pursuing a Master’s degree or a state examination programme in Germany. Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance as well as social or political engagement.
Bachelor’s programmes are generally not covered by this particular international scholarship programme.
More information: https://www.freiheit.org/en/scholarships-international-students
Hanns Seidel Foundation
The Hanns Seidel Foundation supports international students and doctoral candidates studying in Germany. Alongside academic performance, the foundation looks for social commitment and personal involvement in society.
Applicants should check the current application periods and eligibility requirements carefully, as deadlines vary.
SBW Berlin Scholarship
The SBW Berlin Scholarship is a particularly interesting option for international students with a strong social or non-profit background.
The programme is aimed at young people from countries considered particularly in need of development support. Applicants are generally between 18 and 30 years old, have previous volunteer or professional experience in the social/non-profit sector, demonstrate financial need and intend to contribute to social development in their home country after graduation.
Depending on the programme, support can include accommodation and other forms of financial assistance. Applicants must apply separately for a place at a university in Berlin or Potsdam.
Deutschlandstipendium
Don’t forget the Deutschlandstipendium: international students can also apply. The scholarship is awarded directly by participating German universities and provides €300 per month, usually for at least one year.
Selection criteria and application deadlines vary from university to university, so check the website of your university or prospective university.