Top 10 Scholarships in Germany for International Students – 2025 Guide
Germany has long been a preferred destination for higher education, especially due to its world-class universities, vibrant cultural scene, and, most importantly, low to no tuition fees. But even with affordable education, living costs in Germany can still be a challenge for many international students. That’s where scholarships come in to ease the financial burden and allow you to focus on what matters most – your studies.
Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD, Germany offers a variety of prestigious scholarships funded by the government, universities, and private organizations. Here are the Top 10 Scholarships in Germany for 2025 that every international student should know about.
1. DAAD Scholarships (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
Level: Master’s & PhD
Fields: Wide range including Engineering, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Arts
Benefits: Monthly stipend (€934 for graduates, €1,300 for doctoral candidates), travel allowance, health insurance, study & research allowance, rent subsidy, and family support (if applicable)
Why it's top-tier: DAAD is Germany’s largest scholarship organization, supporting over 100,000 international and German students each year. It’s competitive, comprehensive, and widely recognized worldwide.
2. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Level: Master’s & PhD
Fields: All fields, with a focus on environmental sciences, sustainability, human rights, and democracy
Benefits: Up to €934/month (Master’s), €1,200/month (PhD) + allowances for books, travel, and family
Special criteria: Strong academic merit, political and social engagement, and alignment with green values
3. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships
Level: Master’s & PhD
Fields: All fields, especially Law, Political Science, Economics, Journalism
Benefits: €934/month (Master’s), €1,200/month (PhD), health insurance, travel, and family support
What makes it unique: Emphasis on leadership potential, active civic engagement, and commitment to democratic values
4. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarships
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD
Fields: All academic fields
Benefits: Up to €934/month for undergraduates and postgraduates, €1,200/month for PhD + health insurance & family allowance
Eligibility: Non-German students with a commitment to social democracy and excellent academic records
5. Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship Program)
Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s
Fields: All fields at participating universities
Benefits: €300/month (half from the government, half from private sponsors) for at least 2 semesters
Noteworthy: Focus on merit, extracurricular achievements, and potential – not financial need
6. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) – EU Funded
Level: PhD & Postdoctoral research
Fields: Research and innovation in all disciplines
Benefits: Competitive salary, mobility allowance, research costs, and training opportunities
EU mobility rule: Applicants must not have resided in Germany for more than 12 months in the last 3 years.
7. Helmholtz Association Scholarships
Level: PhD & Postdoc
Fields: Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Sciences
Benefits: Monthly salary/stipend according to TVöD (public sector pay scale), research funding, and career development support
Top research areas: Energy, Earth & Environment, Health, Key Technologies, Structure of Matter
Helmholtz Graduate Schools
8. Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships
Level: Master’s & PhD
Fields: Humanities, Social Sciences, and related fields
Benefits: Monthly stipend (€850 for Master’s, €1,350 for PhD), research and travel support
Political aspect: Preference for students with a strong interest in political engagement, justice, and anti-discrimination
9. Erasmus+ Program
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Fields: All disciplines for short-term exchange or full-degree
Benefits: Monthly grants (€300–€850), travel support, and tuition fee waivers for partner institutions
Why it’s flexible: Supports full-time and exchange programs at German universities partnered with EU institutions
10. University-Specific Scholarships in Germany (2025)
Many top German universities offer their own scholarship schemes. Some examples:
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University of Freiburg Global Scholarship
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TU Munich International Scholarships
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Humboldt University International Research Awards
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RWTH Aachen Scholarships for International Students
These are typically based on merit, financial need, or specific fields of study. Visit individual university websites for deadlines and eligibility.
Final Thoughts
Studying in Germany is not just about getting a free education – it’s about immersing yourself in a research-rich, innovation-driven academic environment. These scholarships make it even more accessible for talented international students to pursue their dreams without financial barriers.
Whether you’re passionate about climate action, AI research, politics, or classical music, there’s likely a scholarship tailored for you. Start early, tailor your applications, and don't hesitate to contact scholarship offices for support.
Pro Tip: Most major scholarships open between August and December for the following academic year. Keep track of deadlines, prepare strong motivational letters, and secure reference letters in advance!