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Dreaming of pursuing higher education in a country known for its innovation, rich culture, and world-class universities? Germany is a top destination for international students, and for a good reason. The most significant advantage is that most public universities charge no tuition fees, even for non-EU students. This policy drastically reduces the cost of education, but you still need to cover living expenses.
This is where fully funded scholarships come in. These prestigious awards not only validate your academic profile but also provide the financial support needed to cover your monthly stipend, health insurance, and sometimes even travel costs. Securing one of these can truly make your dream to study in Germany for free a reality.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 10 fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students. Get ready to find the perfect opportunity to launch your academic career in the heart of Europe.
Why Choose Germany for Your Higher Education?
Before we dive into the scholarships, let’s quickly recap why Germany is an exceptional choice for students worldwide:
- No Tuition Fees: As mentioned, the vast majority of public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
- High-Quality Education: German universities are consistently ranked among the best in the world, offering state-of-the-art facilities and excellent research opportunities.
- Globally Recognized Degrees: A degree from a German university is highly respected by employers and academic institutions globally.
- Affordable Living Costs: Compared to other Western European countries, the cost of living in Germany is relatively affordable for students.
- Diverse and Welcoming Environment: Germany is a multicultural country with a large international student community, making it easy to feel at home.
Understanding “Fully Funded” in the German Context
Since university tuition is often free, a “fully funded” scholarship in Germany typically refers to a grant that covers all your living expenses. This usually includes a monthly stipend (currently around €861 – €1,200), health insurance, and sometimes a travel allowance to get you to Germany and back home. These scholarships are designed to ensure you can focus entirely on your studies without financial stress.
Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for International Students
Here is our curated list of the best scholarships that can help you study in Germany without financial worries.
1. DAAD EPOS Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships, with the EPOS program being one of its most popular. It is aimed at young professionals from developing countries with at least two years of professional experience. The scholarship supports development-related postgraduate courses.
- Coverage: Monthly stipend (€861 for Master’s, €1,200 for PhD), health insurance, travel allowance, and a potential German language course.
- Best for: Master’s or PhD students from developing countries in fields like engineering, economics, health sciences, and more.
- Link: DAAD EPOS Programme
2. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
The Heinrich Böll Foundation, affiliated with the German Green Party, awards scholarships to German and international students for all degree levels. They seek students with excellent academic records who are socially and politically engaged and who support the foundation’s values of ecology, sustainability, democracy, and human rights.
- Coverage: Monthly allowance (€861 for Master’s students) plus various individual allowances. Non-EU students receive a higher stipend.
- Best for: Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students who are active in social or political causes.
- Link: Heinrich Böll Foundation
3. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships
This scholarship is for international students who have successfully completed a university degree in their home country and intend to pursue a postgraduate, doctoral, or research program in Germany. The KAS foundation looks for students with above-average academic performance and a strong interest in politics.
- Coverage: Monthly stipend (€861 for Master’s, €1,200 for PhD), health insurance subsidy, and travel allowance.
- Best for: Socially and politically committed Master’s and PhD students under the age of 30.
- Link: KAS Scholarships
4. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung promotes social democracy and supports outstanding students from Germany and abroad. Candidates are expected to have excellent academic merits and a commitment to socio-political goals. The scholarship is open to students in all academic fields for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs.
- Coverage: Monthly stipend of up to €861, cost of health insurance, and support for books and study materials.
- Best for: Students with a strong background in social sciences, politics, or humanities who are committed to social democratic values.
- Link: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
5. Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Programme
The Deutschlandstipendium provides financial and non-material support to high-achieving and committed students from all over the world. It is unique because it’s a public-private partnership where businesses, foundations, or private individuals sponsor young talent with €150 per month, which is then matched by the Federal Government with another €150.
- Coverage: €300 per month. While not “fully funded,” it’s a significant contribution and can be combined with other funding.
- Best for: Talented and high-achieving students already enrolled at a German university.
- Link: Deutschlandstipendium
6. Erasmus+ Scholarship Program
Erasmus+ is a well-known EU-funded program that supports education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. For students, it offers opportunities to study abroad in another European country, including Germany, for a period of 3 to 12 months as part of their degree.
- Coverage: Monthly grant to assist with living and travel costs, which varies depending on the host country.
- Best for: Students currently enrolled in a university outside Germany who want to study for a semester or two in Germany.
- Link: Erasmus+ Programme
7. Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships
This scholarship is provided by a political foundation associated with Germany’s “Die Linke” (The Left Party). It supports students from Germany and abroad who demonstrate high academic achievement and a strong commitment to the values of democratic socialism.
- Coverage: A monthly stipend of €850 plus a lump sum of €20 for additional costs, and a health insurance subsidy.
- Best for: Master’s and PhD students with a strong social, political, or community engagement background.
- Link: Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung
8. Bayer Foundation Fellowships
For those in the fields of science and medicine, the Bayer Foundation offers several fellowships for outstanding students and young professionals. The program is designed to support the next generation of researchers and scientists by funding study projects, internships, or research stays in Germany.
- Coverage: Individualized financial support, which can be substantial depending on the project.
- Best for: Master’s, PhD students, and young professionals in life sciences, medicine, and agricultural sciences.
- Link: Bayer Foundation
9. Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation provides this prestigious fellowship to postdoctoral researchers from abroad with above-average qualifications. It allows you to carry out long-term research (6-24 months) on a topic of your choice in cooperation with a host institution in Germany.
- Coverage: Monthly fellowship of €2,670 for postdocs, plus allowances for family, travel, and language courses.
- Best for: Highly qualified postdoctoral researchers from any field.
- Link: Humboldt Research Fellowship
10. Georg Forster Research Fellowship
Also offered by the Humboldt Foundation, this fellowship specifically targets postdoctoral researchers from developing and emerging countries. It supports research projects that are relevant to the continued development of the applicant’s home country.
- Coverage: Monthly fellowship of €2,670, plus additional financial support for family members and travel expenses.
- Best for: Postdocs from developing countries with research projects that can contribute to their home nation’s development.
- Link: Georg Forster Fellowship
Conclusion
Germany stands out as a beacon for accessible, high-quality education. With its tuition-free public universities, the only remaining hurdle for many international students is the cost of living. The fully funded scholarships in Germany listed above are designed to remove that barrier, offering generous stipends and support systems. Whether you are an aspiring Master’s student, a dedicated PhD candidate, or a promising researcher, there is a German scholarship opportunity waiting for you. Start your research early, prepare a strong application, and you could be on your way to an incredible academic journey in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are German public universities really free for international students?
A: Yes, for the most part. The majority of Germany’s 16 states have abolished tuition fees for undergraduate and consecutive Master’s programs at public universities for all students, including non-EU internationals. The state of Baden-Württemberg is an exception, charging non-EU students €1,500 per semester. All students, however, must pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of around €150-€350, which covers administrative costs and often includes a public transport ticket.
Q2: Can I work part-time in Germany on a student visa?
A: Yes. International students are permitted to work for up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. This allows students to earn extra money to support their living expenses. However, if you are on a scholarship that fully covers your expenses, you may need permission from your scholarship provider before taking up a job.
Q3: What are the basic requirements to apply for these scholarships?
A: While requirements vary for each scholarship, some common prerequisites include an excellent academic record (a strong GPA), a well-written letter of motivation explaining your goals, letters of recommendation from professors, and proof of language proficiency (either English or German, depending on the course). For many politically-affiliated foundation scholarships, demonstrating social engagement or community involvement is also crucial.
