Essential information for foreign students regarding academic grants in Germany
Germany is an attractive destination for international students, offering a diverse range of academic scholarship programmes. While many scholarships are geared towards graduate and postgraduate levels, there are several opportunities available for undergraduate students as well.
## Scholarship Overview
One such programme is the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarships, which occasionally supports undergraduate students, particularly through programmes like the DAAD Study Scholarship for Graduates of All Disciplines[1][2]. However, these are more common for master's and Ph.D. students.
Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) offers scholarships for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programmes. These are funded by various sources, including the German Federal Government and DAAD. The scholarships provide full or partial tuition fee coverage, monthly stipends, and other benefits like health insurance assistance[3].
Government scholarships, funded by the German government to promote international academic exchange, are more commonly available for graduate levels but can provide excellent opportunities for deserving students[4].
## Eligibility Criteria
Most scholarships are open to international students. Strong academic records are often required, and proficiency in German is typically necessary, although some programmes may accept English proficiency. Specific requirements can vary by university, such as admission restrictions (numerus clausus) and country-specific documentation[2].
## Application Process
Before applying, it's essential to understand the specific requirements for your desired program, including any restrictions. Gather necessary documents such as university entrance qualifications, transcripts, passport photos, and language certificates. Applications may be submitted through the university directly, uni-assist, or other portals. Be prepared to pay any applicable fees[2].
## Financial Support Offered
Scholarships offer various forms of financial support, including tuition fee waivers, monthly stipends for living expenses, travel allowances, health insurance assistance, emergency financial aid, and academic advising for academic success[3][5].
The Deutschlandstipendium is available to both German and international students at participating universities. Successful applicants receive €300 a month for at least two semesters[6].
The Expatrio Scholarship, funded by a company specialising in administrative services for foreigners in Germany, offers ten prizes in 2025. The first prize is €15,000, the second prize is €12,000, and the third prize is €9,000. The application process involves creating a two-minute video answering a single question[7].
It's important to note that the Foundation that funds the Expatrio Scholarship does not specify that it is particularly interested in supporting women, students studying STEM subjects, students from immigrant families, or students who are the first person in their family to attend university[8].
A more complete list of academic scholarships available to international students can be found online[9]. Approximately 405,000 international students are currently enrolled at universities in Germany[10].
[1] https://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendien/postgraduiertenstipendium/ [2] https://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendien/deutschlandstipendium/ [3] https://www.tu-berlin.de/en/study/scholarships [4] https://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendien/stipendien-fuer-deutschland/ [5] https://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendien/stipendien-fuer-deutschland/stipendienfuer-deutschland-detailsseite/21517-stipendium-fuer-deutschland-fuer-exzellente-studentinnen-und-studenten-aus-der-tuerkei/ [6] https://www.deutschlandstipendium.de/en/ [7] https://expatrio.com/blog/expatrio-scholarship-2025/ [8] https://expatrio.com/blog/expatrio-scholarship-2025/ [9] https://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendien/ [10] https://www.statista.com/statistics/269869/number-of-international-students-enrolled-at-german-universities/
Finance plays a crucial role in supporting undergraduate students in Germany, as many scholarships like the Expatrio Scholarship offer monetary awards of up to €15,000 for deserving students. Education and self-development are also fostered through financial aid programs that provide tuition fee waivers, monthly stipends, health insurance assistance, and academic advising for academic success.
