Germany has emerged as one of the most desirable study destinations for international students thanks to its tuition-free education at public universities, world-class research programs, and generous scholarship opportunities that cover living expenses, health insurance, travel costs, and more. While public universities in Germany often don’t charge tuition fees—even for non-EU students—the cost of living can be a challenge. That’s where scholarships come in, enabling you to study almost entirely tuition-free with financial support.
This comprehensive article dives into the best scholarship opportunities, eligibility criteria, benefits, application procedures, and tips for international students aiming to study in Germany without tuition costs and with financial support for living expenses. Let’s get started!
🎓 Why Study in Germany (Almost) Tuition-Free?
Germany’s higher education system is internationally renowned and highly affordable:
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Public universities generally charge £0 tuition, even for international students. Students typically pay only a nominal semester contribution (~€250/semester) for administrative costs and public transport.
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Scholarships supplement this by covering living costs, travel, insurance, and sometimes family support.
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Degrees from German universities are globally respected, especially in engineering, sciences, business, and research fields.
🎓 Top Germany Scholarships With Tuition and Living Support
1. DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service)
🎓 Overview: The DAAD Scholarship is the most sought-after scholarship program in Germany for international students. It supports Master’s, PhD, and research students from around the world.
🎁 Benefits
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Full tuition fee coverage
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Monthly stipend (~€934 for Master’s, ~€1,200+ for PhD)
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance/research support
📌 Eligibility
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Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or Master’s (for PhD)
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Strong academic record
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Admission or conditional offer from a German university
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.daad.de/en/ burseline.com
📅 Deadline: Varies by program and discipline (typically mid-year to autumn)
✨ Note: DAAD offers a range of scholarships including EPOS, research grants, and subject-specific opportunities.
2. Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship Program)
🎓 Overview: A merit-based stipend funded jointly by the German government and private partners to support students in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
🎁 Benefits
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€300 per month (≈ €3,600/year)
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Financial support regardless of nationality
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Often accompanied by mentoring or networking opportunities
📌 Eligibility
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Strong academic performance
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Admission/enrollment at a participating German university
🔗 Learn More & Apply: (Via your university’s scholarship office — deadlines vary by institution)
📅 Typical Window: Applications often open in early spring and vary by university.
3. Erasmus+ Scholarships
🎓 Overview: A European Union program that funds student mobility and joint degree programs, allowing students to study in Germany for a period or as part of a joint degree.
🎁 Benefits
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Tuition waivers in partner institutions
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Monthly living allowance
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Travel subsidy
📌 Eligibility
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Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD students from participating countries
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Enrolled in Erasmus+ eligible programs
🔗 Apply Here: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/ burseline.com
📅 Deadline: University-specific, often early in the academic year.
4. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
🎓 Overview: Supports international students with a commitment to sustainability, democracy, and social causes.
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Monthly stipend (~€850–€1,200+)
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Travel allowances
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Funding for study and research
📌 Eligibility
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Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD students
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Strong academic and social engagement background
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.boell.de/en/foundation/scholarships
📅 Deadlines: Typically March 1 and September 1 each year.
5. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship
🎓 Overview: Aimed at students with above-average academic records and a strong interest in political affairs.
🎁 Benefits
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Monthly stipend (€850–€1,200+)
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Tuition support
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German language courses and networking events
📌 Eligibility
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Master’s and PhD students
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Demonstrated leadership and civic engagement
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.kas.de/en/scholarship-programme
📅 Deadlines: Often in mid-year (e.g., July).
6. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship
🎓 Overview: For students committed to social democracy and community impact.
🎁 Benefits
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Monthly stipend (~€750–€850, higher for certain levels)
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Health insurance support
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Family allowances in some cases
📌 Eligibility
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International students at Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD levels
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Academic excellence and social involvement
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.fes.de/studienfoerderung burseline.com
7. Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships
🎓 Overview: Supports students focused on social justice, political action, and cultural studies.
🎁 Benefits
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Monthly stipend
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Research funding and travel allowances
📌 Eligibility
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Master’s and PhD levels
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Commitment to social and political causes
🔗 Application: See foundation website for details.
8. KAAD Scholarships for Developing Countries
🎓 Overview: Funded by a Catholic organization supporting students from developing countries.
🎁 Benefits
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Full funding for Master’s and PhD programs
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Mentorship and career support
📌 Eligibility
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Students from developing nations
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Academic and leadership potential
🔗 Apply Through: KAAD official portal.
📚 Tuition-Free Universities in Germany
Even without external scholarships, public universities charge no tuition for international students, meaning you can study for free in Germany. You may still need to secure scholarships for living costs, which can range from €850–€1,100+/month.
Examples of institutions offering tuition-free education and internal scholarship support include:
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Technical University of Munich (TUM) — merit scholarships and student grants
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RWTH Aachen University — Education Fund and Deutschlandstipendium access
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University of Hamburg — merit-based funding and monthly support
📌 Eligibility Criteria — What Scholars Look For
While each scholarship has unique rules, general expectations include:
✔ Academic Excellence — Strong grades, research potential, and academic fit.
✔ Letter of Motivation/Study Plan — Clear goals tied to your program and scholarship mission.
✔ Letters of Recommendation — Academic or professional references.
✔ Proof of Admission — Many require a conditional or formal offer from a German university.
✔ Language Proficiency — Some require German (TestDaF/DSH) or English (TOEFL/IELTS) depending on the program’s language.
📅 Application Timeline & Tips
📌 Typical Timeline
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DAAD & Foundation Scholarships: Applications often open late summer and close between Dec–Mar for the next academic year.
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Deutschlandstipendium: Deadlines vary by university, typically spring.
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Erasmus+ and Foundations: Check program websites regularly for updates.
✔ Start Early: Begin research 6–12 months ahead of your planned start date.
✔ Prepare Documents in Advance: Most scholarships require transcripts, SOPs, CVs, and letters well before deadlines.
✔ Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t rely on just one — many students win multiple smaller awards.
🌍 Final Thoughts
Germany offers unparalleled access to high-quality, tuition-free higher education backed by generous scholarships for international students. Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, funding options like DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Erasmus+, and foundation scholarships can help you cover your academic costs and living expenses.
Start planning early, tailor your applications, and take advantage of Germany’s strong scholarship ecosystem to turn your study abroad dream into reality.