Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany
There are 33 active fully funded scholarships for international students in Germany worth up to €60k, from 31 providers. Compare eligibility, awards, and deadlines below and apply before they close.
full fundingIKEA Social Entrepreneurship Scholarship for the One Young World Summit
Open to founders or co-founders of social enterprises aged 18 to 30 (exceptional candidates over 30 may be considered) who are residents of Chile, Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Romania, or Sweden. Applicants must be fluent in English, must be at least 18 by the time of the summit, and their social business must work in inclusive circularity, inclusive employment, or inclusive agriculture and food systems. Applicants must demonstrate proven leadership, tangible social impact, and commitment to addressing local or global challenges. This is a summit delegate scholarship, not a degree scholarship.
full fundingBfR PhD Scholarship in Experimental Toxicology
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in biology, biotechnology, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, or a related discipline, have prior cell-culture experience, can write and communicate effectively in scientific English (German an advantage), and have a genuine interest in stem-cell research and neurodevelopmental disease models. International applicants must meet German visa and residence requirements.
full fundingLeibniz University Hannover Soil Science PhD Scholarship
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in soil science, geosciences, environmental sciences or a closely related field, are proficient in written and spoken English, and are physically fit for extended fieldwork in tropical regions (Ghana and India). Experience with soil analysis, spectral tools and drone operations is an advantage but not mandatory.
full fundingKarlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) PhD Scholarship in Solar-Powered Water Treatment
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in chemical, process, or environmental engineering or a related field, have a strong academic record and motivation in water-treatment research, and are fluent in written and spoken English (German a plus). A valid driver's licence is required for fieldwork, and prior experience with membrane filtration or electrochemical systems is an advantage.
full fundingNHR Graduate School PhD Scholarships
Open to candidates of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, or a related discipline, and who meet the doctoral admission criteria of the NHR center they apply to. Applicants must show English proficiency (TOEFL iBT at least 79, IELTS at least 6.5, or equivalent) and a strong commitment to research in high-performance computing or computational science. The Master's must be completed before the programme begins.
full fundingUniversity of Stuttgart ENWAT Project PhD Scholarship in Environmental Engineering
Open only to international (non-German) applicants who hold a Master's degree (M.Sc., Dipl.-Ing. or equivalent) in civil engineering, environmental engineering, microbiology, water resources management or a related field. At the time of DAAD nomination the last degree must be within 6 years, the applicant must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months, and proof of English proficiency is required.
full fundingRosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) Scholarships
Open to international and German students with above-average academic achievement and a strong commitment to social, political, or civic engagement aligned with the foundation's values of justice, equity, and anti-discrimination. German-language proficiency of at least B2 is required at the time of application. International Master's students must reside in Germany for study at a state-recognised university and plan to return home after graduation; international PhD students must be accepted at a German university; Bachelor's applicants are limited to German and BAfoeG-eligible students via the Lux Like Studium track.
full fundingMax Planck IMPRS-ML PhD Scholarship (Molecules of Life)
Open to domestic and international applicants who hold an MSc or equivalent (~300 ECTS), an integrated 5-year MSc, or a 4-year BSc Hons (240 ECTS) from the EU, UK, Australia or Canada. A 4-year BSc only from the USA, Asia, Africa or Turkey, and medical degrees (MBBS, MD, Veterinary Medicine), are not eligible. A German-scale grade of 1.0–2.5 and English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5) are required.
full fundingGeorg Forster Research Fellowship
Open to postdoctoral and experienced researchers who are nationals of developing or transition countries (with certain country restrictions) and whose research contributes to sustainable development in their home region. Postdoctoral applicants must have completed a doctorate within the last four years, while experienced researchers must have completed it within the last twelve years. Applicants need a strong publication record and a confirmed host at a German research institution.
full fundingDeutsches Museum Scholar-in-Residence Program
Open to pre-doctoral and post-doctoral researchers of all nationalities who hold at least one university degree (Master's or PhD) and can read German (passive language skills). Projects should draw on the Deutsches Museum's collections and use artefact-oriented approaches. Applicants arrange their own health insurance.
full fundingAlexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships (for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers)
For researchers from abroad — postdoctoral (normally within 4 years of a PhD) or experienced (within 12 years of a PhD) — to carry out a long-term research stay in Germany with a host of their choice. Selection is on academic record and research potential; applications can be submitted at any time.
full fundingFriedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships for International Students
For international students already enrolled at (or admitted to) a German higher education institution for a master's or doctorate, with strong academics, German language ability, and a commitment to social-democratic values and social/political engagement. The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung selects scholars who share its values.
full fundingMax Planck Schools Graduate Scholarships
Open to talented international and domestic students of all nationalities who hold (or are about to complete) a master's degree, or an exceptional bachelor's degree, in a relevant scientific field. Applicants choose one of three graduate schools - Cognition, Matter to Life or Photonics - and may enter either a combined MSc and PhD track or a standalone PhD track depending on their academic background.
full fundingifa CrossCulture Programme Fellowships
Open to professionals and volunteers of all nationalities working in civil society, community development or intercultural exchange, with a clear plan for how the fellowship will strengthen their organisation. No IELTS is required; working knowledge of English is expected.
full fundingForschungszentrum Julich Funded PhD Positions
Open to international applicants who hold a master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field with strong academic performance, with experience in electrochemical modelling and simulation, knowledge of PEM and AEM electrolyser technology, skills in automation and data analysis (Python, LabVIEW), and proficiency in German and English.
full fundingCISPA & University of Stuttgart Software Lab PhD Scholarships
Open to applicants who hold or expect a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, with strong coding skills, an interest in large-scale software projects and the ability to write and present in English (no German required). Candidates should be passionate about high-quality academic research, willing to mentor undergraduate students, and have a long-term vision and persistence for deep research. Positions are filled on a rolling basis as suitable candidates are identified.
full fundingIMB International PhD Programme (IPP) in Germany
Open to PhD candidates from all countries who hold (or are completing) a Bachelor's and a relevant Master's degree in the life sciences and want to carry out doctoral research in Mainz, Germany. A strong command of English is required, and applicants provide details of degrees, any post-graduate distinctions (up to 250 words), research experience, publications in PubMed format (up to 300 words) and a motivational statement (up to 300 words). Applicants select up to 5 research groups and arrange at least two academic referees.
full fundingHeidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF)
Open to applicants of all nationalities who are active young researchers in mathematics, computer science or closely related fields, including undergraduate and pre-master students, current master's students, PhD students, and postdocs who completed their PhD within the last five years.
full fundingForecast International Mentorship Program
Open to creative practitioners worldwide of any age working in a field relevant to one of the 6 selected mentors for the cycle. There is no geographic, religious, or cultural restriction. Applicants must submit a project proposal whose central concept aligns with a chosen mentor's call, and must demonstrate critical thinking and creative ability. Selection is based solely on the quality of the proposal.
full fundingHeinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
For international students enrolling at or studying at a German higher education institution for a bachelor's (final stage), master's, or doctorate, with excellent academics, social/political engagement, and alignment with the foundation's values (democracy, ecology, human rights). German language skills are normally required.
full fundingUniversity of Bonn SDG Fellowships
Open to post-doctoral scientists and researchers from developing countries who have a long-term affiliation with a research institution and demonstrated expertise in an area connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Applicants must be proficient in English; some fellowships may require German or another language. A host or supervisor at the University of Bonn is normally required.
full fundingMunich School for Data Science (MUDS) PhD Scholarships
Open to international students of all nationalities with a strong academic background in computer science, data science, or a related field, or a degree in a domain science (such as life sciences, medicine, health, earth observation, or robotics) or interdisciplinary fields (such as geoinformatics or bioinformatics) with a strong data science emphasis. Applicants need a passion for applying state-of-the-art data science techniques to real-world scientific challenges. Selection is based on academic record, research potential, and motivation.
full fundingHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon PhD Position in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering
Open to applicants who hold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with strong knowledge of metallurgy, slip/twinning mechanisms and the mechanical behaviour of metals. Experience with magnesium (Mg) alloys, micro-compression or SEM techniques is an advantage. Candidates need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international environment. The post is a salaried PhD position open to international applicants.
full fundingThe Einstein Fellowship
Open to young thinkers from any country who are under 35 years of age and hold a university degree in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences. Candidates must propose a project in a field different from their previous focus that is not part of their dissertation or thesis. The application includes a CV, a two-page project proposal, and two letters of recommendation, all in English.
full fundingUA Ruhr International Senior Fellowship
Open to senior-level international researchers, preferably at R4 level, who hold a PhD awarded at least six years before the application date and are actively affiliated with a university or research institution outside Germany. Applicants need a strong international publication record in the humanities or social sciences and must secure a UA Ruhr tandem partner before submitting their application.
full fundingHolcim Building Tomorrow Scholarship
Open to young leaders aged 18 to 30 from all countries who are doing active, tangible work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and sustainable construction, urban resilience or responsible AI deployment. This is a delegate scholarship to attend the One Young World Summit rather than a university tuition award; applicants should be able to evidence real-world impact in the focus areas, whether they work as engineers, data scientists, architects, policy makers or social entrepreneurs.
full fundingGottfried Böhm Scholarship at TH Köln (Cologne University of Applied Sciences)
Open to applicants of all nationalities who have completed a postgraduate degree in Architecture or Urban Planning. Candidates must show a demonstrated interest in the intersection of architecture and urban development, the ability to propose ideas that blend new architecture into existing urban environments, and a willingness to live in Cologne for the full duration of the one-year residency and contribute to urban-planning projects for the city.
full fundingDBU PhD Scholarships (German Federal Environmental Foundation)
Open to PhD candidates of all nationalities with an above-average academic record and a research project linked to environmental protection or sustainability. Applicants must either be starting a doctorate at a German university or be within about one year of completing their qualifying degree, and German-language proficiency is needed because the application is submitted in German. Projects should have a clear environmental relevance, and an academic supervisor at a German institution is expected.
full fundingDAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
For professionals from developing countries with a bachelor's degree, normally at least ~2 years of relevant work experience, and a degree completed within the last ~6 years. Applicants apply directly to one of the EPOS-listed master's/PhD courses at a German university by that course's deadline.
full fundingDAAD Scholarships for Foreign Students in Germany
For international students and graduates seeking to study or research in Germany through DAAD's individual scholarship programmes (master's, doctoral, and research grants). Eligibility, fields, and deadlines are set per programme; applicants choose the relevant DAAD programme in the scholarship database and apply accordingly.
full fundingDAAD Funding Programmes
For students and researchers from many countries seeking funding for master's and doctoral study, research stays, and courses — mostly in Germany. DAAD offers hundreds of programmes, each with its own eligibility, value, and deadline; you use the DAAD scholarship database to find the right one.
full fundingKAAD Scholarship Programmes
For graduates from developing countries (in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America) who want to pursue a master's or doctorate in Germany, generally with ~2 years' work experience after their first degree and a commitment to engaging with their society. Applicants apply through KAAD's partner structures or directly, depending on the programme.
full fundingDAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service)
Open to international graduates (and in some programmes professionals and researchers) seeking to study or research in Germany. Most DAAD scholarships require a completed first degree, with selection on academic merit, a convincing study/research plan, and — for development-focused programmes — relevant work experience.
Frequently asked questions
How many fully funded scholarships are available in Germany?
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33 active scholarships are listed on this page, updated regularly.
Can international students apply for scholarships in Germany?
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Yes — these scholarships are open to international students; check each one's eligibility and deadline.