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Last modified: 2026-09-24

# Scholarships in Germany 2026/27: DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium and Foundations

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International students in Germany are funded mainly from four sources: the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), which pays master's students $1,132 (€992) a month and doctoral candidates $1,598 (€1,400); the Deutschlandstipendium, worth $342 (€300) a month and awarded by universities; 13 state-funded foundations for gifted students; and the universities themselves. For a fully funded master's starting in October 2027, the DAAD's main deadline for applicants from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is 2 November 2026; other countries have their own dates in the DAAD database. Russian citizens face a different situation: since 10 February 2026 the DAAD has been on Russia's list of "undesirable organisations" and has stopped selecting candidates in Russia.

This guide covers what each programme pays and whether it meets the visa requirement, who can apply and when, and what remains for applicants who cannot use the DAAD. Amounts and deadlines were checked against the DAAD scholarship database, the Deutschlandstipendium and Studienstiftung websites and the federal BAföG portal on 23 September 2026.

Main building of the University of Rostock on Universitätsplatz, Rostock, Germany. Photo: Dietmar Rabich / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rostock,_Universität,_Hauptgebäude_--_2024_--_5310.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

## Which scholarship fits your situation? {#section-1}

| Your situation | Where it makes sense to apply | What not to expect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| School leaver or bachelor's student planning a bachelor's degree in Germany | Deutschlandstipendium after admission; university scholarships and fee waivers | Full DAAD funding for a bachelor's degree: for undergraduates the DAAD database mainly lists summer courses and IAESTE internships |
| Bachelor's graduate planning a master's | DAAD master's scholarship; EPOS if you have two years of work experience; Helmut Schmidt Programme; your home country's government scholarship; Erasmus Mundus | Coverage of tuition fees where a university charges them |
| Prospective doctoral candidate | DAAD research grant, foundations, funded positions in doctoral schools | Funding without an agreed supervisor in Germany |
| Russian citizen | Deutschlandstipendium, university scholarships, foundations not on Russia's undesirable list | DAAD programmes and listed foundations |
| Already studying in Germany | Deutschlandstipendium, foundations for gifted students, completion grants from the university | BAföG, which is generally unavailable to students on a study residence permit |

## How much each programme pays, and whether it covers the visa requirement {#section-2}

A German student visa requires proof of $1,132 (€992) a month. A scholarship counts if it reaches that amount; if it pays less, you top up the difference with a blocked account or a formal declaration of commitment.

| Programme | For | Monthly amount | Meets the visa threshold? | Deadline for 2027/28 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| DAAD Study Scholarships – Master Studies | Bachelor's graduates | $1,132 (€992) plus insurance, travel allowance and an annual study allowance | Yes | Country-specific; 2 November 2026 for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan |
| DAAD Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes | Master's graduates, doctoral candidates | $1,598 (€1,400) | Yes | 16 November 2026 for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan |
| DAAD EPOS | Professionals with at least two years' experience | $1,132 (€992) for master's, $1,598 (€1,400) for doctoral | Yes | Set by each course |
| Deutschlandstipendium | Students and incoming students at participating universities | $342 (€300) | No, only combined with a blocked account | University's own schedule |
| Foundations for gifted students | Students with strong grades and social engagement | Based on BAföG rates plus $342 (€300) for study costs | Yes, if the award is at least $1,130 (€992) | Foundation's own schedule |
| University scholarships | Set by the university | From one-off payments to tuition waivers | Usually not | University's own schedule |

Even a full DAAD scholarship does not pay tuition fees; the DAAD says so in its programme terms. Most public universities charge none, but Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students $1,712 (€1,500) per semester and TUM's master's fees start at $4,564 (€4,000) per semester. See our guide to [tuition-free study in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-free-university-education-germany).

## DAAD master's and doctoral scholarships {#section-3}

The DAAD awards scholarships mainly from federal ministry budgets; the master's programme is financed by the Federal Foreign Office. Each country sees its own programmes and deadlines in the DAAD scholarship database: choose your country of citizenship and your current status and the database filters what you can apply for. Applicants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are served by the DAAD Regional Office in Bishkek.

### What the master's scholarship includes

- $1,132 (€992) a month for the standard length of the programme, between 10 and 24 months;
- health, accident and personal liability insurance contributions;
- a travel allowance on application;
- $525 (€460) a year for study costs;
- on application, a rent subsidy and an allowance for accompanying family members;
- an online German course after the award, and if needed a 2-, 4- or 6-month course in Germany before the programme (compulsory for German-taught programmes); the TestDaF or DSH fee is reimbursed.

Apply for the full length of your programme from the start. After the first year the DAAD reviews your results and continues payments if you are on track.

### Who is eligible

- Your first degree is completed by the time funding starts, and your latest degree is no more than six years old at the application deadline.
- You have lived in Germany for no more than 15 months at the deadline.
- You hold proof of the language of instruction, no older than three years: for German, TestDaF, DSH, DSD, Goethe-Zertifikat, ÖSD, telc or onSET; for English, for example IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge, PTE Academic or the Duolingo English Test.
- The programme starts in a winter semester and you have not already begun it in Germany.

The DAAD does not handle your university admission. You apply to universities separately and on their deadlines; an admission letter that is not yet available at the time of your scholarship application must be submitted before funding begins.

### What to upload

- a tabular CV of up to three pages;
- a motivation letter of one to three pages explaining why these programmes and how they fit your career;
- the form "Information about your preferred master programmes";
- transcripts and degree certificate (or proof of enrolment if you are in your final year);
- your school-leaving certificate with grades and grading scale;
- a language certificate;
- one recommendation from a university teacher on the form generated by the portal;
- German or English translations of documents in your national language.

Applications go through the DAAD portal only, from 1 June until the deadline, which closes at midnight Central European time. Incomplete applications are not considered. An independent committee of academics assesses grades, the quality of your study plan and programme choice, motivation, career fit and extracurricular engagement. Decisions follow in February–March 2027, with funding from October 2027.

### Doctoral grants, EPOS and the Helmut Schmidt Programme

Doctoral research grants pay $1,598 (€1,400) a month for research in Germany. Your latest degree should be no more than six years old; the deadline for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is 16 November 2026. Secure contact with a supervisor before you apply.

EPOS funds development-related master's and doctoral courses. You need a degree in the top third of your cohort and at least two years of relevant work after your bachelor's. You apply directly to up to three courses, not to the DAAD, and each course sets its own deadline.

The Helmut Schmidt Programme funds master's degrees in public policy and related fields and is open to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, among others; the course list and deadline are in the DAAD database.

Economics and business graduates can also apply for the ERP study scholarship, with the same 2 November 2026 deadline for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Architecture and arts competitions close earlier: for 2027/28, architecture on 23 September 2026, music on 24 September, and fine art, design, film and performing arts on 15 October.

## Russian citizens: the DAAD and some foundations {#section-4}

On 10 February 2026 Russia's Ministry of Justice added the DAAD to its list of "undesirable organisations". The DAAD announced that it would close its Moscow office and the German Centre for Research and Innovation in Moscow and stop selection procedures in Russia; scholarships for Russians already in Germany continue. Russia no longer appears among the countries of origin in the DAAD scholarship database. The DAAD has stated that Russian citizens can still apply, for example from third countries; this does not remove the legal risk under Russian law described below, and StudyU does not advise Russian citizens to apply.

Under Russian law, taking part in the activities of an undesirable organisation can lead to administrative liability (Article 20.33 of the Code of Administrative Offences) and criminal liability (Article 284.1 of the Criminal Code). The same list already included several German political foundations that fund international students: the Heinrich Böll, Friedrich Ebert, Friedrich Naumann and Konrad Adenauer foundations. For Russian citizens we therefore do not prepare applications to listed organisations and work only with programmes that are lawful for them, and we recommend checking any organisation against the Russian Ministry of Justice list before applying.

Options that remain:

- Deutschlandstipendium, a federal programme run by universities; nationality plays no role in selection.
- University scholarships and fee waivers.
- Foundations that are not on the list, where their terms suit international students.
- Self-funding with a blocked account and part-time work under student rules (see our guides to the [blocked account](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-blocked-account-germany) and [working while studying](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-germany)).

## Deutschlandstipendium: $342 a month regardless of nationality and income {#section-5}

The Deutschlandstipendium pays $342 (€300) a month: half comes from companies, foundations or alumni, half from the federal government, and the university pays it out. Family income and nationality are not considered. Under the programme's law, universities look at grades and academic record, and also at social engagement, willingness to take responsibility and obstacles overcome, such as those linked to family background or migration.

1. Check whether your university takes part. Not all do, and the number of places depends on the private sponsors each university attracts.
2. Apply under your university's call. Incoming first-year students can apply if they meet the admission requirements and are about to start.
3. Funding lasts at least two semesters and at most the standard period of study; the university reviews eligibility every year.

The scholarship does not reduce BAföG or change statutory student health insurance contributions. It cannot be combined with another merit-based scholarship averaging $34 (€30) a month or more, including one from a foreign organisation. On its own it is not enough for a visa: $340 (€300) covers less than a third of the requirement.

## Foundations for gifted students {#section-6}

Thirteen foundations (Begabtenförderungswerke) receive federal funding from the research ministry to support students and doctoral candidates. Each has its own profile: politically neutral (Studienstiftung), business-oriented (sdw), trade-union (Hans-Böckler-Stiftung), church-affiliated (Cusanuswerk, Evangelisches Studienwerk), Jewish and Muslim (Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk, Avicenna-Studienwerk) and party-affiliated foundations.

Payments follow BAföG logic: the living-cost grant depends on family income, while every scholarship holder receives $342 (€300) a month for study costs. At the Studienstiftung, for example, that means up to $976 (€855) a month for living costs plus $340 (€300). Foundations also offer seminars, mentoring and a network.

For applicants from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan the DAAD database lists, among others, programmes for international students at the Studienstiftung, sdw, Cusanuswerk, Evangelisches Studienwerk and Avicenna, and doctoral scholarships at the Hanns Seidel Foundation, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation and the Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk. Terms differ: some accept only students already enrolled in Germany, others also incoming students; some need a professor's recommendation, others proof of civic engagement. Foundations select for shared values, so write each motivation letter for that foundation.

## University and state scholarships {#section-7}

Universities fund scholarships from their own budgets and sponsors. Examples in the DAAD database for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan include the University of Hamburg's merit scholarships for international students, the RWTH International Academy's Women in Engineering scholarship and the Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM. Where tuition is charged, waivers exist: TUM offers need-based and merit-based waivers, and Baden-Württemberg universities may exempt up to 5% of international students. See our profiles of [TUM](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-tum) and [RWTH Aachen](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-rwth-aachen-university).

Look for these in the university's funding section (Stipendien, Funding) or ask the international office. Some are only awarded after the first semester, once the university has your grades.

## Home-country government scholarships {#section-8}

- Bolashak (Kazakhstan). An international scholarship established in 1993 that funds study abroad by competition; recipients must work in Kazakhstan afterwards. Rules, eligible universities and dates are published by the Center for International Programs at bolashak.gov.kz.
- El-Yurt Umidi (Uzbekistan). A state foundation that funds master's and doctoral study abroad by competition; see eyuf.uz.

Unlike German programmes, these can cover tuition, but they bind you to obligations at home. Read the contract before applying.

## Erasmus Mundus joint master's degrees {#section-9}

Erasmus Mundus joint master's programmes are run by consortia of universities in several countries, often with a semester in Germany. Students from any country can apply; the consortium selects, and most programmes accept applications between October and January for the following academic year. The EU's education agency (EACEA) publishes the catalogue.

## BAföG is not available on a study visa {#section-10}

BAföG is Germany's state student support, half grant and half interest-free loan. Section 8 of the BAföG Act limits it for non-EU nationals to certain residence statuses or long-term residence in Germany. If you come on a student visa, do not plan with BAföG.

## How a scholarship interacts with your visa {#section-11}

- A DAAD or foundation scholarship of at least $1,130 (€992) a month replaces the blocked account; you submit the award letter showing amount and duration.
- If it is lower, you cover the difference with a blocked account or declaration of commitment for the same period.
- The German missions in Kazakhstan waive the visa fee for holders of scholarships from German public funds, and Berlin usually refunds the residence-permit fee for them.
- According to its checklist, the German Embassy in Moscow usually decides on applications from holders of German public scholarships within a few working days.

The full visa process is covered in our [German student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-germany).

## Timeline for a DAAD master's scholarship starting October 2027 {#section-12}

| When | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| June–July 2026 | Shortlist three master's programmes; check their language requirements and application deadlines |
| July–September 2026 | Take a language test if you have no certificate or yours is older than three years |
| September–October 2026 | Write the motivation letter, arrange the recommendation, translate documents |
| By 2 November 2026 | Upload the complete application to the DAAD portal (doctoral: by 16 November), or by your country's deadline |
| November 2026 – January 2027 | Apply to universities; for the winter semester many deadlines fall on 15 July, some earlier |
| February–March 2027 | DAAD decision |
| Spring–summer 2027 | Admission, visa, language course in Germany if required |
| October 2027 | Funding and studies begin |

How to apply to German universities and what uni-assist does is explained in our guide to [applying through uni-assist](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-german-universities-uni-assist).

## Common mistakes {#section-13}

- Waiting for admission before applying to the DAAD. The scholarship deadline is in autumn and universities answer in spring, so run both in parallel.
- Sending the same motivation letter to every foundation.
- Assuming a scholarship will pay tuition in Baden-Württemberg or at TUM.
- Treating the Deutschlandstipendium as a replacement for the blocked account.
- Submitting a language certificate older than three years, or none because the university does not require one; the DAAD asks for proof regardless.
- For Russian citizens: applying to listed organisations without considering the legal consequences at home.

## FAQ {#faq}

### Can I get a scholarship for a bachelor's degree in Germany?

Full funding for an international bachelor's degree is uncommon. Realistic options are the Deutschlandstipendium after admission, university scholarships and foundations that accept students already enrolled. Kazakh applicants may also use Bolashak if the programme and university fall within its rules.

### What GPA do I need for a DAAD scholarship?

The DAAD sets no official minimum. The committee weighs grades together with motivation, programme choice and experience. EPOS is more specific: a degree in the top third of your cohort.

### Can I combine the Deutschlandstipendium with other scholarships?

With BAföG, yes. With another merit-based scholarship, no: the law excludes students who already receive such support averaging $34 (€30) a month or more, including from a foreign organisation.

### Do I need German for a DAAD scholarship?

You need the language of your programme, German or English. For German-taught programmes the DAAD also pays for a compulsory pre-study language course. Even in English-taught programmes, German helps in daily life and in selection.

### Can I work while holding a DAAD scholarship?

Student jobs under the general rules are possible, but the DAAD expects you to finish on time; any scholarship-specific conditions are set out in your award documents. The general rules are in our guide to [working while studying in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-germany).

### When should I apply to start in autumn 2027?

DAAD: by 2 November 2026 for master's and 16 November for doctoral grants if you are from Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan; check your own country in the database. Deutschlandstipendium: under your university's call, usually after admission. Bolashak and El-Yurt Umidi: according to their own schedules.

### Does StudyU help with scholarships?

Under a service contract we shortlist programmes and universities, check your application and help with the motivation letter and CV. Scholarship decisions are made by the DAAD, foundations, universities and national programmes, and nobody can guarantee them. For an overview of studying in Germany see [our Germany page](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-germany); for scholarships in other countries, see [scholarships abroad](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-abroad-2026).

## Sources {#section-15}

- [DAAD scholarship database: Master Studies, terms and 2027/28 deadlines](https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=50026200) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [DAAD database: Doctoral Programmes](https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=57135739) and [EPOS](https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?detail=50076777) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [DAAD press release on ending its work in Russia (13 Feb 2026)](https://www.daad.de/de/pressemitteilungen/2026/nach-einstufung-als-unerwuenschte-organisation_daad-stellt-arbeit-in-russland-ein/) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [Russian Ministry of Justice: list of undesirable organisations](https://minjust.gov.ru/ru/pages/perechen-inostrannyh-i-mezhdunarodnyh-organizacij-deyatelnost-kotoryh-priznana-nezhelatelnoj-na-territorii-rossijskoj-federacii/)
- [Deutschlandstipendium FAQ](https://www.deutschlandstipendium.de/deutschlandstipendium/de/studierende/haeufig-gestellte-fragen/haeufig-gestellte-fragen_node.html) and [Scholarship Programme Act, Section 4](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stipg/__4.html) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [BAföG portal: foundations for gifted students](https://www.xn--bafg-7qa.de/bafoeg/de/weitere-foerdermoeglichkeiten/begabtenfoerderung/begabtenfoerderung_node.html) and [Studienstiftung: financial support](https://www.studienstiftung.de/infos-fuer-studierende-und-vorschlagende/finanzielle-foerderung) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [BAföG Act, Section 8](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/baf_g/__8.html) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [EACEA: Erasmus Mundus catalogue](https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [Bolashak](https://bolashak.gov.kz/ru) and [El-Yurt Umidi Foundation](https://eyuf.uz/) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [German Embassy Moscow: study visa checklist](https://germania.diplo.de/resource/blob/1611632/41c7219b0e955033b4b9132f6d53927b/studium-data.pdf), [German missions in Kazakhstan: visa fees](https://kasachstan.diplo.de/kz-ru/service/2723326-2723326), [Berlin: residence permit for study](https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/305244/) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- Currency conversion: ECB reference rate of 29 Sep 2026, €1 = $1.1355

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Free University Education in Germany for International Students: Where Tuition Is Zero and What You Still Pay](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-free-university-education-germany)
- [Blocked Account in Germany 2026: Amount, Opening Steps and Alternatives](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-blocked-account-germany)
- [Applying to German Universities: uni-assist, VPD and hochschulstart Step by Step](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-german-universities-uni-assist)
- [Working While Studying in Germany 2026: 140-Day Rule, Minijob, Werkstudent](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-germany)
- [Scholarships abroad 2026: where international students study for free](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-abroad-2026)
- [Studying in Germany for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-germany)

Updated: September 2026