Student scholarships
There are many German foundations which award scholarships to hard-working students with excellent academic performance. Some scholarship programmes are exclusively targeted at students in specific degree programmes or from specific countries.
In return for receiving a scholarship, the recipient is normally obliged to complete his/her studies in a timely manner and with very good marks, submit an annual report on his/her academic progress, and participate in seminars and workshops organised by the scholarship provider.
As most scholarships are largely financed through public revenues provided by the German government, most scholarship programmes award funding to German students and those of equivalent legal status. Moreover, most scholarship organisations in Germany focus on supporting students in master's and
Scholarship search
In addition to these (large) scholarship providers, there are many small, private foundations of a regional-political, subject-oriented or other background which offer scholarships of their own. For addresses and contact information, visit the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen (German Foundations) website.
Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen (German Foundations)
We also recommend using the following search engines to help you find a suitable scholarship:
Scholarships offered by German organisations [de]
Scholarships specifically targeted at international students
Scholarships for international students
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) awards scholarships to students in master's and doctoral programmes at German universities in all subjects and from all countries. Please note that the DAAD generally requires applicants to submit their applications from their home countries. Students who have been living in Germany for longer than 15 months are no longer eligible to apply for a DAAD scholarship. For more information, please visit the DAAD branch office or Information Centre (IC) website in your home country.
DAAD branch and IC offices in your home country
International students can obtain more information about other scholarships and financial aid options, also for bridging short-term financial emergencies, from the International Office.
Applying for a ProTalent scholarship
The ProTalent scholarship programme promotes students with outstanding academic achievement. They receive a stipend of 300 euros per month which enables them to concentrate on successfully completing their studies. Scholarship recipients can also establish contact with their sponsors, resulting in new perspectives and exciting work placement opportunities.
Visit the ProTalent website [de]
Scholarships for students with disabilities
Many of the above-mentioned scholarship providers award grants and scholarships to students with disabilities. For helpful advice and further details, visit the website of the Deutsches Studentenwerk.
Visit the Deutsches Studierendenwerk [de]
Scholarships offered by state, civic, party- and church-affiliated foundations
There are several large foundations in Germany which award scholarships to students. One of these is the Vocational Training Foundation for the Highly Talented (Begabtenförderungswerk). It provides financial and moral support to students who have exhibited outstanding achievement in their academic career. Currently there are thirteen Vocational Training Foundations in Germany with a political, church or trade union-oriented affiliation. A number of these receive funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Students from non-EU countries may only apply for a Vocational Training Foundation scholarship under certain conditions.
In addition to the above, there are various state and private foundations which offer financial assistance to students. For more information on these scholarship programmes and application procedures, please visit the respective websites.
More information from the Student Advice and Counselling Centre (ZSB) [de]
Every university selects members of its academic staff to serve as liaison lecturers for the Vocational Training Foundations. As liaisons, they serve as contact partners for the scholarship applicants at their respective university. Their responsibilities include providing consultation on various funding opportunities and assistance with completing the applications, particularly for first-time applicants. For more information about the Vocational Training Foundation for the Highly Talented, please speak with the liaison lecturers at the University of Münster:
Liaison lecturers at the University of Münster
