Avicenna-Studienwerk International Scholarship Programme For Muslim Students 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — Avicenna-Studienwerk and Islamkolleg Deutschland
⚠️ This scholarship's deadline has passed and it's no longer accepting applications.
A scholarship built for a specific community of learners can feel rare, which is exactly why the Avicenna-Studienwerk’s International Scholarship Programme stands out among Germany’s funding options.
About the Scholarship
The International Scholarship Programme (ISP) is run jointly by the Avicenna-Studienwerk and Islamkolleg Deutschland, with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office. It supports international Muslim students, doctoral candidates, and religious personnel who are enrolled, or have at least been accepted, at a German higher education institution. The foundation is one of thirteen official German scholarship organizations recognized by the federal government, and this particular programme was created to widen access to German higher education for talented Muslim students from around the world.
Scholarship Benefits
The funding package covers living costs and more, structured to let recipients focus entirely on their studies or research.
- A monthly scholarship of 844 EUR for Master’s students
- A monthly scholarship of 1,190 EUR for doctoral candidates
- A monthly healthcare allowance of 100 EUR
- A monthly travel allowance of 100 EUR
- Funding for the full duration of a Master’s programme, and up to 36 months for a doctorate
- Access to seminars, workshops, and a peer network of fellow scholars
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold foreign citizenship and not be classified as a Bildungsinländer, meaning they completed their schooling outside Germany. They must be enrolled or accepted for a Master’s degree or doctorate at a recognized German institution, demonstrate above-average academic potential, and show a record of social, cultural, or political engagement. German language proficiency at B2 level or higher is required, since much of the scholarship’s seminar programme is conducted in German. The scholarship is intended for students of the Muslim faith, in line with the foundation’s mission.
Fields of Study Covered
There is no restriction to a particular discipline. Past recipients have come from engineering, medicine, social sciences, Islamic theology, law, and the natural sciences, reflecting the programme’s broad academic scope.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form
- Curriculum vitae
- Letter of motivation explaining academic and personal goals
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Proof of admission or application to a German university
- Proof of German language proficiency (B2 or higher)
- Letters of recommendation from academic referees
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Confirm eligibility, including foreign citizenship status and the B2 German language requirement.
2. Secure admission, or at least submit an application, to a Master’s or doctoral programme at a German university.
3. Prepare the required documents, including transcripts, CV, and motivation letter.
4. Submit the online application during the window, typically opening in early May.
5. Attend an interview if shortlisted by the selection committee.
6. Await the funding decision, usually communicated within a few months of the deadline.
Selection Process
A committee reviews academic records, the strength of the motivation letter, and evidence of social or community engagement. Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview, where language proficiency and personal fit with the foundation’s values are assessed alongside academic merit. Students pursuing a DAAD Scholarship for Master of Hydro Science and Engineering at TU Dresden have found that building a clear research or career narrative strengthens applications to funders like Avicenna-Studienwerk as well.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Applicants who clearly connect their intended field of study to community impact tend to stand out, since the foundation values students who plan to contribute meaningfully after graduation. Starting German language preparation early matters too, since B2 proficiency is non-negotiable and often the deciding factor between otherwise similar applications. Reviewing the profiles of past scholars, many of whom balanced strong grades with volunteer work or interfaith initiatives, can help applicants frame their own experience. Comparing this programme with the Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers is useful for understanding how German foundations generally weigh both academic output and personal character in their decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship only for students already admitted to a German university?
Applicants can apply with either a confirmed admission or a submitted application, though holding an actual offer strengthens the file considerably.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
Most German public universities charge little to no tuition for Master’s and doctoral programmes, so the monthly stipend is designed to cover living costs rather than tuition itself.
Can non-Muslim applicants apply?
No. The programme is specifically designed for Muslim students and religious personnel, in line with the foundation’s founding mission.
What level of German is required?
A minimum of B2 on the Common European Framework is required, since parts of the accompanying seminar programme are conducted in German.
How long does the doctoral funding last?
Doctoral candidates can receive funding for up to 36 months, renewable based on progress reports submitted to the foundation.
Is prior scholarship or fellowship experience required?
No prior funding history is required, though demonstrated academic excellence and community involvement are weighed heavily during review.