Germany is recognised for waiving off tuition fees on most courses across some of the top universities in the QS world universities ranking. Germany also offers courses in English as well as German for students from abroad.
Undergraduate studies follow a tuition-free education system, but Masters and PhD studies are fee-based. Living expenses in Germany are slightly above average in Europe and lie around 800 Euros per month. Covering these costs constitutes a significant challenge for many students.
There are two types of scholarships available in Germany: the German government and the other one provided by private universities and institutions.
Fee Structure for MIM in Germany
Government Scholarships in Germany for International Students
The amount of a grant is often decided by evaluating the student’s needs and the family’s financial situation. It usually ranges from 147 Euros to 807 Euros/month for 12 months. Here are the government provided scholarships:
- DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides numerous scholarships to international students to study in Germany at various degree levels.
- Erasmus+: Led by the European Commission, Erasmus+ is the largest provider of scholarships in the EU. It funds international students to study in Europe. The average monthly grant offered to a student in Germany is 270 Euros.
Private scholarships in Germany for International Students
In the below table are some of the scholarships offered by private/non-government institutions:
| Scholarship | Details | Amount Granted (Euro) |
| Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship | Supported by the Einstein Foundation for postdoctoral research at a college in Berlin | 20,000 for a year |
| Humboldt Research Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers | Postdoctoral grants for researchers and scholars of any subject and identity | 2670 per month |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships | Monthly masters and PhD grants are accessible for international candidates under 30 | Masters-850PhD-1,200 per month |
| Kurt Hansen Science Scholarships | Science scholarships to study in Germany, supported by the Bayer Foundation | 18,611 for a year |
| Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) for Developing Countries | Postdoctoral exploration grants for international students | 15,000 for a year |
| Mawista Scholarship | Scholarships for those studying abroad while taking care of a child | 500 per month |
Top scholarships in Germany
Here are the top two grants and scholarship program offered by Germany to all its international students.
Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme (Germany Scholarship Program)
Details are as given below:
- Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme provides financial aid to deserving and dedicated students across the globe.
- Supports more than 22,500 students
- Not dependent on personal or parent income and nationality.
- It is granted for at least two semesters.
- It can also be extended to cover the standard period of study.
- Valid in all participating universities in Germany.
- Value: Approximately EUR 300 per month
- DAAD Scholarship Programs
Bachelors Guide For Germany – All you need to know!
Key details are mentioned below regarding this scholarship:
- The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers 215 scholarships and funding opportunities to international students to study in Germany at various degree levels.
- Aids more than 100,000 German and international students as well as researchers
- They are awarded to those seeking financial assistance for their studies, research work, or teaching assignments in Germany.
- Its database lists all the scholarships granted.
- DAAD Scholarships for Development-related Postgraduate Courses – Most sought-after scholarship program among students from developing countries.
- DAAD Scholarships in Public Policy and Good Governance are also popular.
The table below will elaborate on the various scholarships offered by DAAD.
| DAAD Scholarships | Who Can Apply? | Monthly Amount Granted (Euro) |
| Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) | Graduates with a minimum professional experience of two years and outstanding academic achievements. | 750 (graduates) 1,000 per month (doctoral candidates) |
| RISE Germany (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) | Science and engineering undergraduates who have completed at least two years of study. | 750 |
| Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) | For recent graduates who want to pursue their PhD in a structured graduate school in Germany | 1,200 |
| Helmut-Schmidt-Programme | Supports future leaders from developing countries | 850 |
Application Requirements for the Scholarships
These are the basic requirements for applying to any scholarship in Germany:
- No fixed age limit.
- Can apply in your last academic year if you have not completed your university degree at the time of application deadlines for Germany Universities.
- In some cases, applicants with foreign citizenship can also be considered for funding programs made for Germans.
- For full-time students only
- May require language certificates when you apply for a scholarship.
Application Process
This is the application process for scholarships in Germany:
- Start the application procedure a year before the intake.
- For government-funded scholarships, apply on the DAAD official website, for Germany Scholarship Program at deutschlandstipendium.de, and Germany Foundations’ Scholarship Programs at kaad.de or kas.de.
- Go through the details of the scholarships. Scholarship deadlines vary among academic institutions.
- Attach a letter of motivation, a letter of recommendation from a university teacher and other necessary documents with the complete application.
- Submit your application either in German or English.
Study PhD in Germany – Procedure and Requirements
Work While You Study Programs in Germany
Germany allows international students to take up a part-time job while studying and working for not more than 20 hours a week.
- Part-time jobs in Germany are an excellent way to funding your day-to-day needs.
- Most universities allow students to work while studying.
- International students are allowed to work for 120 full days or 240 half days.
- A student can earn between EUR 5 to EUR 15 per hour and roughly around EUR 450 per month.
- Tax-free one-year earnings devoid of issuance of social security – EUR 8,354
FAQs
We have answered some questions here for your ease.
Q1. Do PhD students get paid in Germany?
Ans. In Germany, applicants must apply for a pre-set doctoral project usually tied to a professor’s research. There are several pay scales within the TV-L, but PhD students are generally paid at the TV-L E13 level. Within this level, three factors determine the student’s actual salary.
Q2. How can I study PhD in Germany?
Ans. You are not limited to gaining your PhD by conducting research work at a university. One could also complete a project at a non-university research organisation or a German company in the industrial sector. You can also choose what is known as a structured PhD program.
We truly hope we were able to resolve any queries you might have had.
Scholarships for Bachelors, Masters, and PhD in Germany
Good luck!