Germany is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students due to its world-class education system, strong research environment, and largely tuition-free public universities. For students planning to study abroad in 2026, several fully funded scholarships are available to cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel support, and additional academic benefits. These scholarships are offered by the government, foundations, universities, and research organizations.
Below is a curated list of the most authentic and fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students across bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and research levels, along with eligibility details, benefits, and application guidance.
1. DAAD Scholarship (German Academic Exchange Service)
The DAAD Scholarship is one of the most recognized international scholarship programs worldwide. It supports students, graduates, and researchers from around the world to study and conduct research in Germany.
Eligibility
- Open to international students (non-German citizens)
- Available for graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs
- Strong academic record required
- Admission or conditional acceptance from a German institution is often recommended
What It Covers
- Monthly living allowance (varies by program)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance contribution
- Study and research support
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
2. Deutschlandstipendium Merit Scholarship
The Deutschlandstipendium is a merit-based scholarship funded by the German government and private partners. It supports high-achieving students from all nationalities.
Eligibility
- Open to international and German students
- Excellent academic performance required
- Leadership and extracurricular activities are also considered
- Valid for all study levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
What It Covers
- Monthly scholarship amount (standard EUR 300/month)
- Additional support through networks and mentoring
- Not income-based, purely merit-based
- Renewable each year based on performance
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
3. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
The Heinrich Böll Foundation awards fully funded scholarships to international students pursuing degree programs in Germany with a focus on environmental sustainability and social justice.
Eligibility
- Open to international students and German citizens
- Commitment to ecological and social issues
- Academic excellence required
- Leadership and community engagement preferred
What It Covers
- Monthly stipend
- Travel and study allowance
- Health insurance contribution
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
4. Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarships
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation offers scholarships to motivated international students with a strong interest in politics, law, economics, and social sciences.
Eligibility
- Open to international postgraduate and doctoral students
- Strong academic performance
- Interest in civic responsibility and political development
- Leadership potential
What It Covers
- Monthly living allowance
- Research and travel support
- Health insurance coverage
- Conferences and academic events support
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
5. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation supports international students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to social democracy and civic engagement.
Eligibility
- Open to international students
- Academic merit and social commitment required
- Leadership or volunteer experience preferred
What It Covers
- Monthly stipend
- Study and travel allowances
- Health insurance support
- Career guidance and networking
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
6. Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarships
The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship supports international students with a strong commitment to social justice, cultural understanding, and global equality.
Eligibility
- Open to international and German students
- Commitment to social change and civic engagement
- Academic merit required
What It Covers
- Monthly scholarship stipend
- Health insurance contribution
- Conference and project funding
- Academic and mentoring support
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
7. Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships
This scholarship supports international students who are academically gifted and committed to liberal and democratic values.
Eligibility
- Open to non-German citizens
- Academic excellence required
- Commitment to freedom, human rights, and social progress
What It Covers
- Monthly living stipend
- Study and research support
- Participation in seminars and events
- Networking opportunities
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
8. Max Planck Society Research Scholarships
The Max Planck Society offers fully funded research positions for international doctoral and postdoctoral researchers at its institutes in Germany.
Eligibility
- Open to international PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers
- Outstanding research proposals
- Academic excellence in relevant fields
What It Covers
- Monthly salary or living stipend
- Health insurance provided
- Research support and laboratory access
- Opportunities to collaborate with top scientists
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
9. Helmholtz Centre Scholarships
The Helmholtz Association supports international doctoral researchers with fully funded scholarships across its research centers in Germany.
Eligibility
- Open to international PhD students
- Strong research background
- Admission to a Helmholtz graduate school or partner university
What It Covers
- Monthly living allowance
- Research and travel support
- Health insurance contribution
- Participation in research networks
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
10. Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship supports postdoctoral researchers from abroad who want to conduct long-term research in Germany.
Eligibility
- Open to international postdoctoral researchers
- Strong academic and research track record
- Host collaborator in Germany recommended
What It Covers
- Monthly stipend
- Travel and research allowance
- Family support options (if eligible)
- Networking and academic events
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
11. Baden-Württemberg Scholarship for International Students
This scholarship is funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg and offered to international students studying in this German region.
Eligibility
- Open to international students enrolled in Baden-Württemberg institutions
- Strong academic standing
- Proficiency in program language required
What It Covers
- Monthly financial support
- Partial tuition support in some cases
- Academic support services
- Funding duration varies by program
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
12. Bavaria Scholarships for International Students
The Bavaria Scholarship supports international students enrolled in universities across the Bavarian region of Germany.
Eligibility
- Open to international students in Bavaria
- Good academic record
- Admission to a Bavarian university required
What It Covers
- Monthly stipend
- Living cost support
- Travel support in selected cases
- Academic networking opportunities
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
13. German Research Foundation (DFG) Funding
The German Research Foundation provides research funding and scholarships for international doctoral candidates and scientists.
Eligibility
- Open to international doctoral researchers
- Strong research proposal required
- Partner support recommended
What It Covers
- Research funding and travel grants
- Monthly living allowance
- Conference and publication support
- Lab and academic collaboration funding
14. University of Mannheim Scholarships
The University of Mannheim offers scholarships to support international excellence in business, economics, and social sciences.
Eligibility
- Open to admitted international students
- Outstanding academic performance required
- English or German proficiency required
What It Covers
- Tuition fee waivers
- Monthly financial support
- Academic mentoring
- Networking events and workshops
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
15. Goethe University Frankfurt Scholarships
Goethe University Frankfurt offers several fully funded scholarships for international students across disciplines.
Eligibility
- Open to international Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students
- Academic excellence required
What It Covers
- Tuition fee reductions or waivers
- Monthly stipend support
- Health insurance contributions
- Networking opportunities
- Click here to check complete process of this scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students in 2026?
Yes, Germany offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships for international students through government agencies, foundations, and universities covering tuition, living costs, and travel support.
Do German universities charge tuition fees for international students?
Many public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for both domestic and international students, although there may be small administrative fees.
Is Germany a good place to study for international students?
Yes, Germany is known for high-quality education, strong research opportunities, affordable living costs, and excellent post-study work options.
Can international students work while studying in Germany?
Yes, international students are generally allowed to work part-time during their studies, subject to visa and university regulations.
Do fully funded scholarships cover living expenses in Germany?
Most fully funded scholarships provide monthly stipends that cover living expenses, health insurance, and additional academic support.
