Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for International Students (2026 Guide)
Dreaming of studying in Germany without paying huge tuition fees?
Good news — many German universities offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and even health insurance. Germany remains one of the best destinations for international students in 2026, thanks to its world-class education and affordable lifestyle.
Below are the top 10 fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students to apply for this year.
1. DAAD Scholarship (German Academic Exchange Service)
- The most popular scholarship for international students in Germany.
- Covers tuition, monthly stipend (€934), health insurance, travel allowance, and sometimes family support.
- Available for Master’s and PhD programs in all fields.
- Learn more and apply via DAAD portal.
2. Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship Program)
- Jointly funded by the German government and private sponsors.
- Offers €300 monthly support to talented students from all backgrounds.
- Open to Bachelor’s and Master’s students in both public and private universities.
3. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
- For students committed to social justice, sustainability, and democracy.
- Covers full tuition and monthly living allowance.
- Available for international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees.
4. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship
- Ideal for students with strong leadership potential or political engagement.
- Provides monthly stipend (€850–€1,200), insurance, and family allowances.
- For Master’s and PhD students.
5. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
- Focuses on promoting social democracy and equal opportunity.
- Supports international students with €750/month (Master’s) or €1,000/month (PhD).
- Includes health insurance and family allowances.
6. Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships
- Aimed at socially active students interested in political, social, or cultural activism.
- Covers tuition, monthly stipend, research grants, and conference funding.
7. Erasmus+ Scholarships (Study in Germany via Europe)
- EU-funded program that allows students to study in Germany for 6–12 months.
- Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Great for exchange or joint Master’s programs.
8. Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships
- For students passionate about freedom, democracy, and entrepreneurship.
- Offers up to €850/month and research/travel grants.
- Open to Master’s and PhD candidates in any discipline.
9. Humboldt Research Fellowship
- For postdoctoral researchers and academics.
- Provides a monthly fellowship (€2,650–€3,100), plus family and travel allowances.
- Prestigious and globally recognized.
10. Bayhost Scholarship
- Funded by Bavaria State Government for students from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe.
- Covers tuition, accommodation, and living allowance.
- Ideal for those pursuing Master’s or PhD studies in Bavarian universities.
Why Study in Germany?
- Tuition-free education at most public universities.
- Globally ranked institutions like LMU Munich, Heidelberg, and TU Berlin.
- Strong research funding and career opportunities after graduation.
- Affordable cost of living compared to other EU countries.
Related Scholarships to Explore
Planning to apply to more countries? Check out these other guides to expand your options:
- ✈️ Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA for International Students (2026 Update)
- Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students (2026 Edition)
- Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia for International Students (2026 List)
- Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK for International Students (2026 Update)
- Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Europe for International Students (2026 Edition)
Final Thoughts
Studying in Germany is a dream within reach — especially with these fully funded opportunities that remove the financial barrier. Whether you’re pursuing engineering, social sciences, medicine, or arts, Germany offers the right program and funding for you.
Keep your application documents ready: academic transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of English or German proficiency, and a strong motivation letter.
Bookmark this page and explore the other country guides linked above to find the best fit for your study abroad goals!