Scholarships in Germany

Germany is one of the cheapest countries in Europe to study in, because most public universities charge no tuition fees. The main exception is the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, which charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester. Almost every student still pays a small semester contribution for administration and local transport.

Because tuition is usually free, a German scholarship is mostly about living costs. The largest provider is the DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service.

DAAD Scholarships at a Glance

DAAD study scholarships: for master’s students. Pay a monthly stipend of under EUR 1,000. Read the DAAD overview.
EPOS: for development-related master’s and PhD courses. Most courses want professionals with work experience. Read the EPOS guide.
Research grants: for doctoral candidates. Read the DAAD PhD guide.

Who Should Apply, and Who Should Not
EPOS fits graduates from developing countries who already work in a related field. If you graduated recently and have no work experience, most EPOS courses will not accept you. Look at the general DAAD study scholarship instead, or apply directly to tuition-free universities.

The Part Most Applicants Get Wrong
A DAAD application is often decided by the motivation letter. A general letter about loving Germany will not work. Read how to write a DAAD motivation letter before you start.

Common Questions
Is studying in Germany free for international students?
At most public universities, yes, apart from the semester contribution. Baden-Wurttemberg is the main exception.
Do I need to speak German?
Not for English-taught programmes. But basic German makes daily life and part-time work much easier.

Figures checked October 2026. Always confirm amounts and deadlines on the official DAAD website.