List of Top Scholarships in Germany for International Students 2025. Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Germany is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe, known for its world-class education, rich cultural history, and, most importantly, tuition-free or low-cost education system. Every year, thousands of international students flock to German universities, and many of them benefit from fully funded scholarships.
Scholarships in Germany for International Students Details:
| University: | German Universities |
| Degree level: | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Germany |
| Last Date: | Vary |
If you’re planning to study in Germany in 2025 for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, this guide is your go-to resource. Below is a list of the top scholarships in Germany available to international students, along with their eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and more.
Stanford University Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2025-26 (Fully Funded)
🏛️ Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Germany
- Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Eligible Nationalities: All Nationalities
- Application Deadline: Varies by scholarship (details below)
- Host Institutions: Public and private universities across Germany
Full Ride USA Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)—Study in the USA for Free!
🎓 Top Scholarships in Germany (2025)
1. DAAD Scholarships (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
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For: Master’s & PhD programs
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Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (~€934), travel allowance, health insurance
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Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, at least two years of work experience, good academic record
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Fields: Wide range including economics, engineering, public policy, and more
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Deadline: Varies (usually between October and December)
Canon Foundation Research Fellowships 2026 in Europe (Fully Funded)
2. Erasmus+ Program
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For bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral students
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Coverage: Tuition fee waiver, monthly allowance, travel grant
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Eligibility: Enrolled at a participating university, good academic standing
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Features: Study in multiple European countries, including Germany
3. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
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For: Master’s & PhD students
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Coverage: Monthly stipend (€850 for master’s, €1,200 for PhD), travel costs, research expenses
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Eligibility: Academic excellence, social engagement, environmental commitment
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Deadline: March 1 and September 1, 2025
Top 25 American Scholarships Without IELTS 2026 (Fully Funded)
4. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships
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For: Master’s & PhD students
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Coverage: Monthly stipend (€850–€1,200), health insurance, travel
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Eligibility: Above-average academic performance, interest in politics, civic engagement
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Deadline: July 15, 2025 (for most countries)
5. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
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For bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students
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Coverage: Monthly stipend, health insurance, study material support
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Eligibility: Strong academic performance, social or political engagement, financial need
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Deadline: Varies
Ontario Graduate Scholarship 2025 in Canada (Funded)
✅ General Eligibility Criteria (Simplified)
To apply for most scholarships listed above, you must:
- Be an international student (non-German national)
- Hold an excellent academic record
- Have proof of English or German proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/TestDaF)
- Meet specific criteria set by the scholarship organization
- Submit a complete application before the deadline
📝 Required Documents
While requirements may differ slightly by program, here’s a general list of what you’ll need:
- Completed scholarship application form
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- CV/Resume
- Motivation letter or Statement of Purpose
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2)
- Proof of language proficiency (English or German)
- Passport or National ID copy
- Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
🛠️ Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Research the scholarship program that fits your study level and field.
- Check eligibility on the official website.
- Prepare required documents (translated and certified, if necessary).
- Register and fill out the online application on the scholarship portal.
- Submit before the deadline.
- Wait for the interview call or selection email.
💡Tip: Start your application at least 3–6 months before the deadline.
❓ FAQs
Q: Do I need to speak German to get a scholarship?
A: Not necessarily. Many programs are taught in English, especially at the master’s and PhD levels.
Q: Can I work part-time while studying?
A: Yes, international students can work up to 120 full or 240 half days per year.
Q: Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
A: Yes, but you can usually accept only one fully funded scholarship at a time.
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: Some scholarships may have age restrictions (usually under 35 for master’s).
📅 Important Dates to Remember
| Scholarship | Application Deadline (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| DAAD | Oct–Dec 2024 |
| Erasmus+ | Varies by university |
| Heinrich Böll | Mar 1 & Sep 1, 2025 |
| KAS | July 15, 2025 |
| Friedrich Ebert | Rolling deadlines |
🔔 Always check the official website for the exact dates and details.
💬 Final Tips
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Start your application process early and don’t wait for deadlines.
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Personalize your motivation letter—explain why you chose Germany and how the scholarship will help you.
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Double-check all documents for accuracy and clarity.
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Reach out to current students or alumni if possible—they offer valuable insights.
📚Studying in Germany can be life-changing. With the right scholarship, your academic dreams are more accessible than ever. Best of luck! 🇩🇪
DAAD Helmut Schmidt Scholarship 2025-26 in Germany (Fully Funded)
Apply Link
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Program 2026 in Europe (Fully Funded)
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Max Planck Doucet Scholarship 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded)
Apply Link
Frankfurt Universities Offering Scholarships 2026 in Germany (Fully Funded)
Apply Link
Study in Germany Without IELTS 2025-26: List of Universities & How to Apply
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100% DAAD Scholarships 2025-26 in Germany (Fully Funded)
Official Link
PDF of DAAD Scholarship
Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships 2025-26 in Germany (Funded)
Official Link
Humboldt Research Fellowship 2025-26 in Germany (Fully Funded)
Official Link
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management Scholarships
Official Link
Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids
Official Link
FRIAS Cofund Fellowship Programme in Germany
Official Link
DRD Scholarships for African Students in Germany
Official Link
Ulm University Scholarships for International Scholarships
Official Link
Non-Government Scholarships in Germany:
1# Deutschland Stipendium:
2# Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellowship Programme:
3# Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship:
Einstein Forum Fellowship 2025 Details:
Official Link
| Provided by: | Einstein Forum |
| Duration: | 5 to 6 Months |
| Fellowship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Germany |
| Last Date: | 15 May 2025 |
