Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Germany has become a leading destination for international students pursuing MS degrees, with the country expected to host over 400,000 international students in 2025, a 7% increase from the previous year. Scholarships like DAAD, Erasmus+, and Deutschlandstipendium provide financial aid covering tuition fees, living costs averaging €934 per month, and travel expenses. Additionally, programs from organizations like Heinrich Böll Foundation and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung focus on academic excellence and social engagement, ensuring accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.
With options for both full and partial funding, these scholarships make higher education affordable while fostering career growth. Students can also take advantage of assistantship roles, such as Graduate or Research Assistantships, to supplement income and gain practical experience. Germany’s combination of affordable education, increasing global appeal, and extensive support systems makes it an attractive choice for Indian and international students.
Also Check: Scholarships in Germany
- 100% Scholarships for MS in Germany
- Other Popular Scholarships for Masters in Germany
- Need-Based and Merit-Based Scholarships for MS in Germany
3.1 Universities Offering Need-Based Scholarships
3.2 Universities Offering Merit-Based Scholarships
- Graduate Assistantship, Research Assistantship, And Teaching Assistantship
- How to Secure Scholarships for MS in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide
- FAQs
100% Scholarships for MS in Germany
The table below showcases top 100% scholarships for MS in Germany, including their providers, eligibility criteria, coverage, and application deadlines:
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Eligibility Criteria | Coverage | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarships | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) | Academic excellence, relevant work experience, and proficiency in English/German (IELTS/TOEFL/Goethe). Focus on development-related fields. | Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance. | 17 March 2025 |
| Erasmus+ Scholarships | European Union | Enrollment in Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree programs with strong academic performance and language skills. Competitive and open to all disciplines. | Full tuition, monthly allowance, travel costs, and installation costs. | 12 March 2025 |
| Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships | Heinrich Böll Foundation | Excellent academics with active social/political engagement and a commitment to environmental and social justice. Open to all disciplines. | Tuition fees (if applicable), monthly stipend, additional allowances. | 1 March 2025 / 1 September 2025 |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships | Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) | Outstanding academics, political interest, and community involvement. Ideal for students in political or social sciences. Proficiency in German is preferred. | Tuition fees, monthly stipend, research support. | 15 July 2025 |
| Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships | Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation | Academic excellence with demonstrated commitment to democratic values and social responsibility. Prioritizes financially disadvantaged students. | Full tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, travel costs. | 30 Nov 2024 (Closed) |
| Deutschlandstipendium | German Federal Ministry of Education | Academic merit with significant extracurricular involvement or social engagement. Offered through universities and can complement other scholarships. | €300/month (tuition is already free in public universities). | 5 May 2025 |
| Marie Curie Scholarships | European Commission | Strong academic and research profile with admission to research-focused MS programs. Suitable for those pursuing research-based careers. | Full tuition, living expenses, travel allowance, research support. | 11 Sept 2024(Closed) |
| Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships | Rosa Luxemburg Foundation | High academic achievement and active involvement in social justice or political activism. Focus on socially disadvantaged groups and women. | Full tuition, monthly stipend, additional allowances. | 1 October 2025 / 1 April 2025 |
Other Popular Scholarships for Masters in Germany
The table below highlights other popular scholarships for Master's in Germany, detailing their providers, eligibility criteria, coverage, and application deadlines:
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Eligibility Criteria | Coverage | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayer Foundation Fellowships | Bayer Foundation | For students in life sciences, agricultural sciences, healthcare, and related fields. Requires a strong academic profile and a well-defined project proposal. | Partial funding for tuition, research support, and travel costs. | April 11, 2025 |
| Hamburg Scholarship for International Students | Hamburg University | Outstanding academic performance and active participation in social or cultural activities. Open to all disciplines offered by Hamburg University. | Monthly stipend of €720. | 15 October, 2024 |
| Goethe Goes Global Scholarship | Goethe University Frankfurt | High academic achievements and interest in research-based master’s programs at Goethe University. | Monthly stipend of €1,000. | 31 May 2025 |
| RWTH Aachen University Scholarships | RWTH Aachen University | Excellent academic record with a preference for STEM disciplines. Open to RWTH’s master’s students only. | Partial tuition waiver and research funding. | 31 May 2025 |
| Hochschule Hof Scholarships | Hochschule Hof (University of Applied Sciences) | Financially needy international students with good academic performance. Must be enrolled at Hochschule Hof. | €100 to €659/month towards living expenses. | January 10, 2025. |
| KAAD Scholarships | Catholic Academic Exchange Service | For Catholic students with strong academics, community engagement, and interest in theological or related studies. | Partial funding for tuition, living costs, and travel expenses. | 15 Jan 2025 /30 June 2025 |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management Scholarships | Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | Merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students enrolled in master’s programs in business, finance, or management. | Partial tuition fee waiver (up to 50%). | 30 June 2025 |
| Humboldt University International Research Scholarships | Humboldt University | Open to master’s students involved in research-oriented programs. Requires academic excellence and a research proposal. | Partial funding and research allowances. | 30 May 2025/28 Nov 2025 |
| Furtwangen University Scholarships | Furtwangen University | Merit-based scholarships for international students enrolled in technology or management-related master’s programs. | Monthly stipend of €300-500. | 15 May 2025/15 Oct 2025 |
| EIT InnoEnergy Scholarships | European Institute of Innovation & Technology | For students in energy-related programs, focusing on sustainability and innovation. Excellent academic record required. | Partial tuition fee waiver, travel allowance, and career support. | 19 January 2025 |
Also Check: How to Study in Germany for Free
Need-Based and Merit-Based Scholarships for MS in Germany
Scholarships for MS in Germany, especially for international students, are an excellent way to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. But let’s be clear—securing one isn’t always easy. While there are numerous scholarships available, they are highly competitive, with only a fraction of applicants successfully receiving them. Your chances, however, depend heavily on your academic record and overall profile.
Scholarships for MS for international students are, broadly, of two types: merit-based and need-based.
- Merit-based scholarships, as the name implies, are awarded on the basis of your academic record, achievements and publications, artistic and athletic merit, and your application.
- Need-based scholarships are to help students unable to afford higher education due to financial constraints.
Universities Offering Need-Based Scholarships
| University | Scholarship Name | Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| University of Hamburg | Hamburg Merit Scholarships | Financial need and academic promise |
| Freie Universität Berlin | DAAD Scholarships, Special Need-Based Funds | Financial need and academic excellence |
| Hochschule Hof | Hochschule Hof Scholarships for International Students | Financial need and good academic performance |
| University of Freiburg | Deutschlandstipendium | Financial need combined with academic merit |
| University of Stuttgart | Financial Aid for International Students | Financial challenges and satisfactory academics |
Universities Offering Merit-Based Scholarships
| University | Scholarship Name | Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | TUM Scholarship for International Students | Outstanding academics and extracurriculars |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) | LMU Academic Excellence Scholarships | High academic performance and research potential |
| RWTH Aachen University | RWTH Deutschlandstipendium | Academic excellence and community involvement |
| Heidelberg University | Rector's Scholarships | Exceptional academics and leadership qualities |
| Goethe University Frankfurt | Goethe Goes Global Scholarship | High academics and research-oriented interests |
Graduate Assistantship, Research Assistantship, And Teaching Assistantship
Students pursuing a Master’s degree in Germany can also explore opportunities as graduate, research, or teaching assistants. These roles not only help cover living expenses but also provide hands-on experience, enhance academic knowledge, and develop valuable professional skills. Here’s a concise table providing an overview of assistantship opportunities available for MS students in Germany:
| Type of Assistantship | Key Features | How to Apply | Universities Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Assistantship (GA) | Tasks include organizing materials, managing academic events, or supporting departmental activities. Typically requires 10–20 hours of work per week. Paid hourly or as a monthly stipend. Offers exposure to academic operations and networking opportunities. |
Check university websites or departmental noticeboards. Contact professors or department administrators directly. |
Technical University of Munich (TUM), RWTH Aachen, University of Stuttgart |
| Research Assistantship (RA) | Involves tasks like collecting data, performing experiments, writing reports, or literature reviews. Suitable for research-intensive fields like engineering, sciences, or technology. Pays hourly or monthly and may cover partial living expenses. Provides hands-on research experience to boost academic and career prospects. |
Reach out to professors or research groups in your area of interest. Look for openings on research portals or department websites. Requires a strong academic record and interest in research. |
Heidelberg University, LMU Munich, University of Freiburg, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) |
| Teaching Assistantship (TA) | Responsibilities include leading tutorials, grading assignments, and assisting with coursework. Ideal for students with strong subject knowledge and communication skills. Paid hourly or as a monthly stipend. Enhances teaching skills and faculty rapport. |
Monitor university job portals.- Inquire with course instructors directly. Strong academic performance in the subject is often required. |
Freie Universität Berlin, University of Hamburg, TU Dresden, Goethe University Frankfurt |
How to Secure Scholarships for MS in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you secure scholarships for your MS in Germany:
Step 1: Research Early - Start exploring scholarships like DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, and Erasmus+ on platforms like DAAD or university websites. Note deadlines and eligibility.
Step 2: Choose the Right Scholarship - Focus on scholarships that match your academic achievements, financial needs, or field of study.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents - Prepare transcripts, SOP, recommendation letters, CV, and proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/TestDaF).
Step 4: Write a Strong SOP - Explain your goals, achievements, and how the scholarship will help you. Keep it clear, concise, and authentic.
Step 5: Apply Early - Submit your applications well before deadlines, often between October and December for the next academic year.
Step 6: Seek Guidance - Contact scholarship offices or professors for advice and explore specific opportunities for your program.
Step 7: Prepare for Interviews - Be ready to discuss your background, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship in any required interviews.
Step 8: Explore Alternatives - If not selected, consider assistantships, part-time jobs, or student loans to support your studies.
Explore: Part-Time Jobs in Germany for International Students
Additionally, students are advised to begin researching scholarships early, as deadlines often close months before the program starts. Tailor your application to highlight your academic achievements and ensure all required documents, such as transcripts and SOPs, are well-prepared.
FAQs
Ques: Are scholarships in Germany available for non-STEM courses like arts or humanities?
Ans: Yes, scholarships like the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships and DAAD offer funding for non-STEM disciplines, including arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Ques: Can I combine multiple scholarships for my MS in Germany?
Ans: Generally, combining multiple scholarships is not allowed, especially if they are government-funded. However, small bursaries like Deutschlandstipendium can sometimes complement other scholarships.
Ques: Do I need to know German to apply for scholarships in Germany?
Ans: Proficiency in German is not always required, as many scholarships support English-taught programs. However, knowledge of German can improve your chances for some scholarships like those offered by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
Ques: Are scholarships available for part-time MS programs in Germany?
Ans: Scholarships are generally focused on full-time programs. Part-time students may need to explore alternative funding options like assistantships or external grants.
1720696657.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=40&w=40&mode=stretch){kind=small}
Comments