Most German public universities already charge little or no tuition, which means a scholarship there often goes straight toward living costs, travel, and research expenses rather than just offsetting fees. DAAD and the country’s political foundations run the bulk of these programs.
The ten scholarships below are consistently available year after year and welcome applicants from a wide range of countries and academic backgrounds.
1. DAAD EPOS Scholarship for Public Policy and Good Governance
The [DAAD EPOS Scholarship](/daad-epos-scholarship/) funds master’s study in public policy, governance, and related development fields at German universities, covering a monthly stipend, health insurance, and a travel allowance for the full program.
2. DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa
This program funds master’s study within Africa rather than in Germany itself, at universities partnered with German institutions, and covers tuition, a stipend, and study materials for students from across the sub-Saharan region.
3. Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship
The [Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship](/konrad-adenauer-scholarship/) supports outstanding international students pursuing a degree in Germany, with funding for living costs plus seminars on political and civic topics tied to the foundation’s mission.
4. Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship
Linked to Germany’s Green party, the [Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship](/heinrich-boll-scholarship/) funds students whose academic work connects to ecology, sustainability, democracy, or human rights, covering a monthly stipend alongside the usual study costs.
5. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship
The [Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship](/friedrich-ebert-scholarship/) supports students with a background in social democratic values and community engagement, providing a monthly stipend and access to the foundation’s own seminar program throughout the degree.
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships at German Universities
The [Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship](/erasmus-mundus-german-universities/) funds students on joint degree programs delivered across multiple European universities, including partner institutions in Germany, covering tuition, travel, and a living allowance for the full two-year course.
7. Deutschlandstipendium
This national merit scholarship, jointly funded by the German government and private sponsors, pays a fixed monthly amount to academically strong students at participating universities, international and domestic alike, for at least two semesters.
8. Heidelberg University DAAD EPOS Scholarship for International Health
The [Heidelberg EPOS Scholarship for International Health](/heidelberg-daad-epos-international-health/) funds a specialized master’s degree in public and global health, covering tuition-equivalent costs, a stipend, and insurance for students from eligible developing countries.
9. University of Freiburg EPOS Scholarship for Environmental Governance
This [EPOS Environmental Governance Scholarship](/freiburg-epos-environmental-governance/) supports a master’s program focused on environmental policy and sustainable resource management, with funding structured the same way as other DAAD EPOS awards.
10. KIT Scholarship for International Master’s Students
The [KIT Scholarship](/kit-masters-scholarship/) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology supports international students in engineering and science master’s programs with a monthly stipend intended to cover living expenses during the course.
Because most DAAD-linked programs run on an annual cycle tied to the following academic year, applicants typically need to submit documents a full year ahead of the intended start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German public universities charge tuition for international students?
Most do not, aside from a modest semester contribution, which is why many German scholarships focus mainly on living costs rather than tuition fees.
Is German language proficiency required for DAAD scholarships?
It depends on the program. English-taught master’s degrees often require only an English test, while German-taught programs expect a recognized German language certificate.
Can students apply directly to DAAD, or does it go through a university?
Some DAAD programs like EPOS require applying directly to DAAD along with a university admission process, while others are coordinated through partner universities abroad.
What is the Deutschlandstipendium worth?
It provides a fixed monthly stipend split between federal government funding and a private sponsor, paid for a minimum of two semesters.
Are political foundation scholarships only for political science students?
No, foundations like Friedrich Ebert and Heinrich Boll fund students across many disciplines, though they generally expect some demonstrated interest in civic or social engagement.
How long does the DAAD application process usually take?
From document submission to final decision, the process commonly takes six to nine months, which is why early preparation matters.
Do these scholarships cover family members traveling with the student?
Generally no, though a small number of DAAD programs offer limited supplementary allowances for accompanying family in specific circumstances.