How to Get a Scholarship to Study in Germany

Types of Scholarships and Financial Aid

Full Scholarships – covering both tuition and living expenses, these are the most comprehensive scholarships. They are often very competitive, so make sure that you do your research with regards to the requirements.

Partial Scholarships – these typically cover a portion of the tuition fees or living expenses. They are not as competitive as full scholarships, but still very popular.

Country-specific Scholarships – these are offered to international students who are from certain countries, sometimes with the aim to foster relations between the two countries, and to encourage international exchanges.

Course/Subject-specific Scholarships – these are designed for students who are pursuing certain fields of study, sometimes to increase the potential future workforce.

Research Grants – for students (especially postgraduate) conducting research projects, or PhD candidates.

Student Loans – while not technically scholarships, certain organisations offer loans to international students at lower interest rates. If you choose to go with a student loan, you should make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the loan and its repayments.

Organisations Offering Scholarships

DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) – one of largest organisations catering to international students. DAAD offers a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD candidates.

Political and Religious Foundations – organisations such as Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung, and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offer scholarships based on your political or religious affiliations.

Universities – many universities offer their own range of scholarships to international students. Check the university website or contact their international office for more information about what kind of financial support you might be eligible for.

Private Organisations and Companies – some corporations offer scholarships to attract potential employees, particularly in fields such as engineering, IT and business. You should make sure that you are aware of the terms around a scholarship like this, some companies might require that you commit to working with them for a certain period of time after graduation.

Erasmus+ – an initiative created and regulated by the European Union, it offers scholarships to international students, especially those from EU member states or partner countries.

Application Process and Required Documents

Research and Eligibility

• Start by identifying scholarships that are related to your field of study and check their eligibility criteria.
• Consider factors like academic excellence, nationality, and specific fields of study.

Application

• Complete the application form, ensuring that all fields are filled out accurately. Take the time to read the application form carefully. Sometimes it can be useful to ask someone else to read your application to ensure that you have filled it out properly.
• Some scholarships might require online submission, while others might want a printed and mailed application.

Academic Transcripts and Certificates

• Prepare all of your academic documents. This can include your high school diplomas, undergraduate degrees, course transcripts, and any other relevant certificates or documents.
• It’s advisable to have them translated into English or Germany if they are in another language. Some organisations and universities will require this, and might offer suggestions as to recommended translation services.

Motivation Letter

• A well structured motivation letter can be crucial to your success. Take the time to outline why you are suitable candidate, your academic and career goals, and why Germany is the best choice for your university experience.

Letters of Recommendation

• Typically, two letters of recommendation from your previous teachers or professors will be required.
• Ensure that your letters highlight your academic achievements and future potential.

Proof of Proficiency in English or German

• Depending on your course, you might be required to provide proof of your language proficiency in either English (TOEFL or IELTS scores) or German (DSH or TestDaF scores).

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Provide an updated CV that lists your academic qualifications, work experience achievements, and any other relevant information.

Proof of Identity

• A copy of your passport or national identity card is typically required. You will be provided with more information about how to provide this.

Research Proposal (For Research Scholarships or PhD Candidates)

• Detail the specifics of your research, its significance, methodology and expected outcomes.

Apply Before Deadlines

• Scholarship deadlines can be strict. Ensure that you send in all of the required documents in plenty of time ahead of the deadline.

Top Tips

• Stay Organised: keep a dedicated folder for each scholarship you apply to. This helps in ensuring that no document can be overlooked. It also means that if you need to revisit any application documents, you can easily find them.
• Apply for Multiple Scholarships: this increases your chances of securing at least one.
• Contact Past Recipients: if possible, reach out to previous scholarship recipients. Their insights and experience can provide valuable guidance for you.
• Stay Updated: it can be useful to follow the scholarship providers on social media or subscribe to their newsletters to receive updates and announcements.

Securing a scholarship to study in Germany can significantly ease the financial burden studying abroad. Through research, meticulous preparation and timely submissions can increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship. Remember, even if you don’t secure a scholarship on your first attempt, many opportunities await. Keep persevering and refining your application, and your dream of studying abroad in Germany can become a reality.

Find out more about Funding and Scholarships for International Students.