Germany is unusual because public universities charge little or no tuition for most programmes, so scholarships here are mostly about living costs rather than fees. That changes what you should be looking for: a monthly stipend, health insurance and, at doctoral level, an employment contract rather than a scholarship at all.
Email-based DAAD EPOS scholarship application for the TropHEE MSc, followed by a TU Darmstadt online admission application after a positive DAAD decision.
Email-based DAAD EPOS scholarship application for the TropHEE MSc, followed by a TU Darmstadt online admission application after a positive DAAD decision.
DAAD Study Scholarships for Master Studies in All Academic Disciplines support eligible graduates undertaking a complete postgraduate degree in Germany beginning in the 2027 academic cycle.
DAAD Study Scholarships for Master Studies in All Academic Disciplines support eligible graduates undertaking a complete postgraduate degree in Germany beginning in the 2027 academic cycle.
DestinationGermanyStudy levelMaster’sFundingTuition and stipendApply byNov 16, 2026
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme supports qualified graduates from developing and emerging countries in selected master's programmes focused on public policy, governance, and administration.
The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme supports qualified graduates from developing and emerging countries in selected master's programmes focused on public policy, governance, and administration.
The DAAD United States applicant route funds eligible doctoral researchers and recent postdoctoral researchers undertaking a defined research project in Germany beginning in 2027.
The DAAD United States applicant route funds eligible doctoral researchers and recent postdoctoral researchers undertaking a defined research project in Germany beginning in 2027.
This DAAD route supports eligible United States-based doctoral researchers completing a bi-nationally supervised doctorate or formal cotutelle with a German host institution.
This DAAD route supports eligible United States-based doctoral researchers completing a bi-nationally supervised doctorate or formal cotutelle with a German host institution.
No upcoming cycle has been confirmed yet. Records move here as soon as a provider announces the next round.
Funding
What the funding actually covers
DAAD and foundation awards pay a monthly stipend, health insurance, a travel allowance and often a study or research allowance. Funded doctoral positions are frequently employment contracts on the TV-L pay scale, which means salary, pension and social insurance instead of a tax-free stipend. The two are not interchangeable, and the application processes are entirely different.
Eligibility
Eligibility patterns to check first
DAAD awards commonly restrict how long ago you graduated, typically within the last six years.
Foundation awards often require German language ability even when the degree is taught in English.
Doctoral positions are advertised per project and selected by the research group, not centrally.
Several programmes are restricted to applicants from specific developing or partner countries.
Blocked-account proof is a visa requirement and is separate from scholarship eligibility.
Deadlines
How the deadlines work
DAAD deadlines vary by country of application and are published on the country-specific DAAD portal, so the closing date on a general programme page may not be the one that applies to you. Doctoral positions are advertised continuously with individual closing dates.
Applying
Application advice for this search
Check the DAAD portal for your own country before trusting a general deadline.
For doctoral study, treat this as a job application: the research proposal and supervisor contact matter more than a scholarship essay.
Confirm whether the stipend or the salary route applies, because tax and insurance treatment differ substantially.
Apply for university admission and funding in parallel where the programme allows it.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay tuition at a German public university?
Most public universities charge only a semester contribution, typically €150–€350, which covers administration and often local transport. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU tuition, and most master's programmes classed as continuing education charge fees, so confirm per programme.
Is a funded PhD position in Germany a scholarship?
Often not. Many are employment contracts with salary and social insurance, which affects your visa category, your tax position and your right to work additional hours. The record states which type each opportunity is.
Do I need German to study in Germany?
Not for most English-taught master's and doctoral programmes. Several scholarship providers, particularly political and religious foundations, still expect German ability as part of their selection, and daily life outside the university generally requires it.
