Germany is a great place for international students to study with high-quality education, leading-edge research, and an open climate. In addition to Germany’s quality, Germany is also rich in scholarships for international students, which renders it easier for international students to afford education in Germany. Scholarships can be utilized to fund tuition fees, living expenses, and other education expenses, reducing the financial burden of studying abroad.

 

Here, in this blog, we are going to talk about some of the best international student scholarships in Germany for 2025. Half scholarships or full scholarships, there are plenty to choose from. Read on to find out what the eligibility is to get each scholarship, and how you can apply for these great opportunities.

 

1. DAAD Scholarships

 

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the most ranked scholarship programs available to foreign students in Germany. DAAD provides several scholarships to undergraduate, master, and PhD students undertaking different courses. The scholarship accommodates tuition fees, travel, and monthly stipends.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• You must be an international student from a country outside Germany.
• For postgraduate scholarships, you should have completed your previous degree with above-average grades.
• You must demonstrate a strong academic and professional background relevant to your field of study.
• The DAAD scholarship is available for students planning to study full-time in Germany.
• Proficiency in the German language may be required, depending on the course.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• DAAD scholarships provide travel compensation, health insurance, and monthly stipends (e.g., €992 for students, €1300 for PhDs).  Program-specific application deadlines typically fall around July 15th for winter semesters and January 15th for summer semesters.

 

 

2. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

 

The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers foreign students, particularly those willing to work on social and environmental concerns, scholarships. The foundation believes that those willing to work towards sustainability, democracy, and human rights should be motivated.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• You should be an international student accepted or currently enrolled in a German university.
• Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and a commitment to social or environmental causes.
• The scholarship is open to students pursuing both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
• You must be able to provide evidence of your financial need, although some exceptions exist.
• German language proficiency is an advantage but not always required for English-language courses.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Applications must be filed online, and the deadlines are March 1st and September 1st.
• Monthly Basic Scholarship for Non-EU Graduate Students: €1,200 + Mobility Allowance of €100 + Other Individual Allowances
• Non-EU doctoral students: €1,319 monthly plus €110 for mobility benefits and other individual benefits

 

 

3. Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarships

 

The Konrad Adenauer Foundation provides scholarships for international students who are keen on studying political science, economics, law, and related fields. The foundation aims to support students who have the potential to become leaders in their respective fields.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be from outside Germany and plan to study at a German university.
• The foundation favors students with a clear commitment to social and political involvement.
• Applicants should have strong academic credentials, particularly in fields related to politics, law, or economics.
• You need to show leadership qualities and demonstrate potential for future engagement in politics or public service.
• Proficiency in the German language is required for most programs.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• A monthly stipend of €934 for Master’s students and €1,400 for PhD students
• Deadline in July

 

 

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)

 

The Erasmus Mundus Program offers scholarships to international students who want to pursue a joint master’s degree in various disciplines. The program is designed to support high-achieving students and provide them with a unique international experience.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Students from both EU and non-EU countries are eligible to apply.
• You must be accepted into one of the Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degree programs offered in collaboration with German universities.
• The scholarship is intended for master’s degree programs, and applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree.
• Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and motivation for an international study experience.
• English language proficiency is required, and in some cases, knowledge of the language of instruction in the partner universities may be needed.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• A €1,400 monthly stipend; application dates vary every program, but for courses beginning the next academic year, they usually fall between October and January.

 

 

5. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships

 

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation offers scholarships to international students who have a background in political science, social science, or related fields. The foundation focuses on providing opportunities for students who are passionate about democratic values, social justice, and progress.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• You must be an international student with a strong interest in political or social sciences.
• The scholarship is open to students at all academic levels, from undergraduate to postgraduate.
• Applicants must show an active commitment to democracy, human rights, and social justice.
• You should have a good academic record and demonstrate the potential to become a future leader in your field.
• Proficiency in German is required for most programs, though some English-language programs may be available.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• A monthly stipends of 750-850 EUR, and additional allowances for health insurance and family, with no repayment required
• Costs for health insurance are funded and scholars with a child receive a family allowance of EUR 276
• Masters: summer semester, April 30, 2025; winter semester, October 31, 2025
• Bachelor / Diploma / Magister students as well as students aiming for a state examination: After the 1st semester and later. up to 3 semesters before the end of the standard period of study
• Medical students:  either at the conclusion of the fourth semester or after the physics course till the sixth semester
• PhD candidates: Anytime

 

 

6. University-Specific Scholarships

 

Many German universities offer their own scholarships for international students. These scholarships can cover a range of expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs. Each university has different eligibility criteria, so it’s important to check with the university you’re interested in.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be enrolled or have received an offer of admission from a German university.
• Specific eligibility criteria vary depending on the university, but generally, applicants need to demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Scholarships may be available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Some universities may offer scholarships based on financial need or academic excellence, while others may focus on specific fields of study.

 

 

7. The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarships

 

The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation provides scholarships to international students, particularly those pursuing studies in social sciences, political sciences, and economics. The foundation is committed to supporting students who aim to contribute to social justice and equality.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• International students from non-EU countries are eligible.
• Applicants should have a background in social sciences, political science, or economics.
• You should demonstrate a strong commitment to social justice, equality, and democratic values.
• The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Proficiency in the German language is required, especially for students applying for programs taught in German.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Monthly amounts ranging from €934 to €1350, and application deadlines are typically April 1st and October 1s

 

 

8. The Deutschlandstipendium

 

Deutschlandstipendium is a merit grant scheme managed by most of the German universities and private benefactors. It gives money to students on merit, motivation, and individual circumstances.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a German university or have been accepted to one.
• The scholarship is available to both German and international students.
• Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, and in some cases, financial need.
• Some universities may have additional criteria, such as extracurricular activities or social involvement.
• Proficiency in German or English may be required, depending on the program.

 

Deadline & Coverage

• Each scholar will receive €300 per month (€150 are supplied by private sponsors and €150 by the Federal Government).
• The application period depends on the university but is usually around the months leading up to the start of the academic year (June to August)

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Conclusion

 

Germany provides various scholarships to students all over the world in 2025 in a wide variety of areas and levels of students. Ranging from the maximum DAAD award to the possibilities offered within universities themselves, all of the scholarships have purposes to facilitate students’ study and education and support the creation of global leaders. All of the scholarships will be based on individual eligibility, so do your research well into the options and apply as early as possible in order to have the best chances of gaining funding for study.

If you are thinking of pursuing further studies in Germany, use these scholarships to make your education more affordable and accessible.