Germany can be considered as the most affordable countries in Europe for international students when it comes to education. Germany is recognized for its credible and affordable education system, top universities and excellent infrastructure. Every year, Germany attracts around 3,500,000 international students and more who wish to study in the country. The cost of studying in Germany is very much affordable. Hence, there are plenty of financial aids for international students through which they can cover their living costs, scholarships being one of them. In this blog, we help you discover more options of study in Germany scholarships for international students.
kinds of Scholarships in Germany
There are various kinds of scholarships for international students in Germany. These scholarships can be really beneficial for students with financial hardships and aims to ease down their financial burden. The two major types of study in Germany scholarships are:
- Germany Government Scholarships
- Non-government Scholarships
1. DAAD Scholarship Germany
DAAD Scholarship Germany is offered by The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for international students to study in Germany. DAAD Scholarships are very popular and the organization offers 215 scholarships and funding opportunities to international students. These scholarships help approximately 100,000 German and international students. DAAD scholarships are among the fully funded scholarship in Germany.
2. Erasmus Scholarship Programs in Germany
The Erasmus Scholarship Programs in Germany stand as one of the most important scholarship initiatives in the European Union, funded directly by the European Commission. Renowned for its wide reach, the Erasmus Scholarship offers invaluable financial support to international students pursuing studies in Germany. With an average monthly grant that can reach up to 350 EUR, the scholarship significantly eases the financial burden for recipients. The Erasmus Scholarship Germany facilitates educational exchanges within the European Union, providing funding for students to study in various member countries. Beyond its financial assistance, the Erasmus Scholarship Program fosters cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and cross-border understanding, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive academic community in Germany and across Europe.
Non-Government Scholarships in Germany
Non-government funded scholarships is a kind of scholarship that is not funded by the government, but other organizations or entities. Below are list of some of the popular non-governmental scholarships for Germany :
1. Heinrich Boll Scholarships for International Students
The Heinrich Boll Foundation provides scholarships to international students, including refugees, at all the degree levels. The foundation mainly awards scholarships to students who plan to study STEM fields (Science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and especially programs focusing on Environmental sciences. Other scholarships are awarded to students planning to study journalism, economic or legal studies and art degrees.
2. The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
This organization awards scholarships to German and international students having an inclination towards social and political matters. The applicants must have above average academic results and must show a sense of civil responsibility. Students can receive up to 1000 EUR per month which can cover their enrolment fees, health insurance and monthly required books and other study materials.
3. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships
International students who plan to further there study in masters or PhD in Germany are eligible for the scholarship. The applicant must be below 30 years of age and must have completed a university degree in their various country. The applicants must also provide extraordinary academic scores and should be actively involved in voluntary work that benefits the society in their home country.
4. Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) For Developing Countries
The Marie Curie (IIF) for Developing Countries offer a good opportunity for researchers relocating within Europe from other regions of the world. These prestigious scholarships are specifically designed for international students seeking to undertake postdoctoral research in Germany. With grants reaching up to EUR 15,000 per year, the IIF program provides significant financial support to facilitate groundbreaking research endeavors.
In addition to the non-governmental scholarships mentioned above, there exists a plethora of other scholarship opportunities available to international students. These scholarships serve as invaluable resources for individuals seeking to pursue their academic and research aspirations in Germany, contributing to the vibrant and diverse academic landscape of the country.
Scholarships Provided By German Universities for International Students
Scholarships Offered by German Universities provide valuable financial support to students pursuing their academic career. These are some examples of scholarships offered by universities in Germany:
- Heidelberg University Scholarships: Renowned for its academic excellence, Heidelberg University offers various scholarships to international students across diverse fields of study. For instance, the International Ambassador Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students based on their academic performance in high school.
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Scholarships: Hamburg University offers scholarships of up to EUR 400 per month for international students, available for four months or a semester.
- RWTH Aachen University Scholarships: RWTH Aachen University provides numerous scholarships offering various financial benefits. Selected students may receive up to 50% tuition fee coverage from the university.
- Humboldt University International Research Fellowship: Humboldt University offers fellowships to international students pursuing research in fields such as history, anthropology, law, sociology, political science, geography, economics, or area studies.
- Leipzig Graduate School of Management Scholarship: The Leipzig Graduate School of Management offers scholarships or financial aids to students enrolled in various MSc courses.
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Doctoral Tuition Waivers: This scholarship, available at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, provides tuition waivers for doctoral students studying English-taught programs. It is applicable to students studying mathematics, finance, accounting, and business administration.
These scholarships highlight the commitment of German universities to support international students in their academic pursuits and contribute to their success in higher education.
Degree-specific scholarships in Germany takes care of students at each stage of there academic pursuit, whether they’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD. Let’s explore some common scholarships available for each type of degree:
- Scholarships for Bachelor’s Degree in Germany: Bachelor’s degrees in Germany are predominantly tuition-free. However, students may incur semester fees, which vary depending on the university. Some scholarships available for undergraduate students include:
- Technical University of Munich – Oskar Karl Foster Scholarship for Books and Learning Materials in Germany 2021
- Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Scholarship for SC 2021 (For Indian nationals)
- Domestic and International State Grants at Munich Business School
- DAAD Bavarian Government Scholarship at Hochschule Hof, Germany
- KAS Foundation Scholarship, Germany
- Leaky Foundation: Joan Cogswell Donner Scholarship for Students Worldwide
These scholarships, whether partial or full funding, assist in reducing living costs for undergraduate students in Germany.
- Scholarships for Master’s in Germany: While master’s degree courses in Germany may require tuition fees, the overall cost, including living expenses, can be challenging for international students to manage. Hence, various scholarships are available, either fully or partially funded, such as:
- DAAD Scholarships for Development-related Postgraduate Courses
- DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master’s Scholarship for Public Policy and Good Governance)
- Heinrich Böll Scholarships in Germany for International Students
- Goethe Goes Global – Masters Scholarships
These scholarships, including the fully funded ones like DAAD Scholarships, provide significant support to international students pursuing master’s degrees in Germany.
- PhD Scholarships in Germany: For doctoral studies, numerous funding options and scholarships are available to international students. Some well-known PhD scholarships include:
- DAAD Scholarships for Research Studies
- Scholarships for Students Opting for Doctoral Studies
- University of Cologne International Doctoral Scholarships
Students can explore various scholarships online, check official university websites, or refer to the DAAD database for scholarship opportunities. Scholarships for students studying in Germany can be particularly helpful due to the potentially higher cost of living in Germany compared to other parts of the country or more especially the continent Africa