Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for International Students

In this article, we explore some of the best fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students, whether you're pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD.

🇩🇪 Why Study in Germany?

Before diving into the scholarships, here’s why Germany is so attractive for international students:

✅ No tuition fees at most public universities

✅ Globally recognized degrees

✅ Top-tier research and innovation opportunities

✅ Strong economy with job prospects

✅ Safe, multicultural environment

✅ Generous scholarships from government and private foundations

🎓 Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany

1. DAAD Scholarships – Germany’s Most Prestigious Award

Level: Master’s & PhD

Coverage: Fully funded (monthly stipend, travel, health insurance, tuition, etc.)

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the largest German organization offering scholarships to international students. Their programs support students from all over the world to study postgraduate programs in Germany.

Fields Covered: All academic fields, especially development-related programs.

🔗 Apply Here

2. Erasmus+ Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly allowance, travel costs

While Erasmus+ is a European Union initiative, many German universities participate. If your home university has a partnership with a German institution, you may be eligible to study in Germany for free, including living costs and travel.

🔗 Apply Here

3. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

Level: Master’s & PhD

Coverage: Full tuition + monthly stipend (€934–€1,200), health insurance, study grants

This scholarship is for students who are socially engaged, have excellent academic records, and align with the values of democracy and sustainability.

Open to: All nationalities, but especially applicants from outside the EU.

🔗 Apply Here

4. Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)

Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s

Coverage: €300/month for 1 year (extendable), combines federal + private funding

This unique scholarship rewards high-achieving students and is not dependent on nationality or income. Students can apply directly through their universities.

🔗 Apply Here

5. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship

Level: Master’s & PhD

Coverage: Fully funded + networking and training programs

Offered by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, this scholarship targets future leaders committed to politics, economics, or civil society. The funding includes €861–€1,200/month, health insurance, travel grants, and more.

🔗 Apply Here

6. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships

Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

Coverage: Monthly stipend + health + family allowance

These scholarships are focused on students committed to social democracy and justice. It’s especially open to students from developing countries with political or social engagement.

🔗 Apply Here

7. Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship

Level: Master’s & PhD

Coverage: Full funding + health insurance + travel grants

This is a political foundation supporting students dedicated to social justice, feminism, or anti-racism causes. Applicants should show strong commitment to community development and activism.

🔗 Apply Here

8. Humboldt Research Fellowship (for Postdoctoral Researchers)

Level: PhD/Postdoctoral

Coverage: Monthly stipend (€2,670), travel, family allowance, and research costs

If you’re a researcher looking to conduct a project in Germany, this is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity.

🔗 Apply Here

9. Bayer Foundation Fellowships

Level: Graduate students and researchers

Coverage: Fully funded research fellowships + travel

Bayer supports international talents in life sciences, medicine, agriculture, and education with generous research fellowships.

🔗 Apply Here

10. IU Germany’s Online University Scholarships (Up to 100%)

Level: Bachelor’s & Master’s (Online)

Coverage: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver

IU offers up to 100% scholarships to students from Asia, Africa, and Latin America to study online degree programs in areas like Data Science, Business, IT, and more.

🔗 Apply Here

✈️ How to Apply for Scholarships in Germany

Here are general steps to apply for German scholarships:

Choose Your Program & University: Use DAAD database to find programs.

Check Requirements: These usually include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, SOP, language tests (IELTS/TOEFL), and a CV.

Apply Online: Most applications are done via the university or the scholarship foundation’s website.

Prepare for Interviews: Some scholarships require virtual interviews or essays.

Visa & Travel Planning: Once accepted, apply for your German student visa.

🧳 What Do Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany Cover?

While each scholarship varies, here’s what most fully funded packages include:

100% tuition fee waiver

Monthly living stipend (€850–€1,500)

Travel expenses

Health insurance

Research grants (if applicable)

Family allowance (for spouses/children)

🌍 Who Can Apply?

Citizens of developing countries (DAAD, Friedrich Ebert, Rosa Luxemburg, etc.)

EU & Non-EU students

Students with high academic records

Candidates with community service or activism background

Professionals seeking development-related training

📌 Final Thoughts

Germany offers some of the best educational opportunities globally — and the chance to study for free or nearly free makes it even more attractive. If you’re ready to take the next step in your academic journey, apply to one (or more) of these scholarships and start planning your life-changing experience in Germany.