Scholarships in Germany for International Students (2027/28 Guide)

Yes, international students can get scholarships in Germany: the main ones are DAAD scholarships (€992 per month for master's students, €1,400 for doctoral candidates), the Deutschlandstipendium (€300 per month), and fee waivers or grants from individual universities. Most are for master's and PhD students, and most DAAD deadlines fall 10–12 months before the course starts.

Be realistic: Study in Germany warns that scholarships are generally not awarded to students who are just starting out, rarely fund an entire program, and there is no entitlement. Plan your finances as if you will not get one, then apply to as many as fit you.

DAAD Study Scholarships – Master Studies

This is the classic DAAD scholarship for graduates who want to complete a full master's degree in Germany, in all disciplines. Your first degree must be completed by the start of funding.

• Duration: 10–24 months.
• Benefits: €992 per month, health insurance, travel allowance, a €460 annual study allowance and a possible rent subsidy.
• Deadline: depends on your country. For applicants from Afghanistan the deadline was 31 August 2026 (selection February 2027, start winter semester 2027/28). That round is closed; deadlines are usually in the same period each year.

Search the DAAD scholarship database by your country of origin to see your exact deadline and documents.

DAAD Research Grants – Doctoral Programmes

For holders of a master's degree (exceptionally a bachelor's) who want to do a doctorate in Germany. Funding lasts up to four years and includes €1,400 per month, insurance, a travel allowance and a €460 annual research allowance. For applicants from Afghanistan the deadline was 31 August 2026 for funding starting in 2027, with selection in February 2027.

PhD funding beyond scholarships

Many doctoral candidates in Germany are not on a scholarship at all but on a paid research position. RWTH Aachen, for example, explains that there is no central PhD call: you either find a supervisor yourself, apply for a funded research-associate position on its jobs portal, or join a structured program such as a DFG Research Training Group or a Helmholtz or Max Planck school. TUM likewise asks you to find a supervisor first. Doctoral candidates are also exempt from the non-EU tuition at TUM and in Baden-Württemberg.

EPOS: development-related postgraduate courses

EPOS funds graduates from eligible developing countries (Afghanistan is an eligible origin in the DAAD database) for a list of postgraduate courses with a development focus, for 2027/2028.

• Requirement: at least two years of professional experience.
• Benefits: €992 per month for graduates, or €1,400 per month for doctoral candidates (from February 2026), plus insurance and travel allowance.
• How to apply: directly to the course, by the course's own deadline; you may apply to up to three courses.

Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance)

DAAD master's scholarships for future leaders from developing and emerging countries in political science, law, economics and administration. Afghanistan is an eligible origin in the DAAD scholarship database. The deadline was not shown in our last check, so read the program page for current dates.

Deutschlandstipendium

The Deutschlandstipendium supports talented and high-achieving students at public and state-recognised universities. It pays €300 per month, half from the federal government and half from private sponsors, and does not depend on income.

• Students of all nationalities can apply, in their first or a higher semester.
• You apply directly to your university, which runs its own selection.
• Funding lasts at least two semesters and at most until the end of the standard period of study.
• Many universities in our database offer it, including Rhine-Waal University, RWTH Aachen, TUM and Deggendorf.

Hilde Domin Programme: students at risk

The Federal Foreign Office and DAAD run the Hilde Domin Programme for students and doctoral candidates who are denied the right to education in their home country. Up to 50 new scholarship holders are funded each year until they complete their degree. You cannot apply yourself: a third party, such as a German university, nominates you. This is highly relevant for many students from Afghanistan.

University and state scholarships

Many universities offer their own support, especially those that charge non-EU tuition. Examples from official university pages:

Most university scholarships are only for enrolled students, so you can apply only after your first semester starts. Check your university's international office page for STIBET and other funds.

Other funders

Study in Germany notes that international students can also seek funding from political foundations, business-linked foundations and religious organisations. Each has its own criteria, often including social engagement. The DAAD scholarship database lists many of them in one place.

Which scholarship fits your profile?

Fee exemptions for refugees and residents

If you already live in Germany, check the exemption rules before you look for a scholarship. Universities that charge non-EU fees often exempt certain groups. TH Rosenheim, for example, lists exemptions for asylum seekers from countries with a protection quota of at least 50%, people under Section 24 protection from Ukraine, and people with five or more years of legal residence and employment in Germany. Deggendorf exempts recognised refugees resident in Germany, and TUM reviews cases for refugees and certain residence permits individually.

How to write a strong scholarship application

• Answer the funder's goal. EPOS and Helmut-Schmidt want future contributors to development and good governance at home; show that link with concrete plans.
• Be specific about the program. Name the courses, professors or research areas that fit your background.
• Show evidence. Grades, projects, work results and community engagement count more than adjectives.
• Get strong references. Ask referees who know your work well, and give them enough time.
• Follow the format. Use the required CV format, word limits and document order exactly as the call describes.

Is the Deutschlandstipendium worth applying for?

Yes, if you are already enrolled or about to enrol. At €300 per month it does not cover all living costs, but it is income-independent, open to all nationalities and paid for at least two semesters. Selection and deadlines are set by each university, so check your university's page as soon as you are admitted.

How to apply: a timeline for 2027/28

1. 1

   12–18 months before: search

   Search the DAAD database by country and subject. Note each deadline – many close in late summer or autumn of the year before the course.

2. 2

   Prepare strong documents

   Typical requirements: CV, motivation letter, recommendation letters, certificates with translations and a language certificate. Start recommendation letters early.

3. 3

   Apply to programs in parallel

   Some scholarships need an admission or application to the German program; EPOS needs you to apply to the course directly.

4. 4

   After enrolment: apply locally

   Apply for the Deutschlandstipendium and university funds at your university each year.

5. 5

   Plan without the scholarship

   Your visa still needs €11,904 proof of funds unless a recognised scholarship covers it.

Mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for admission before looking at scholarships – many DAAD deadlines are long before university deadlines.
• Paying anyone who promises to secure a scholarship for you. Official programs are listed in the DAAD database and on university websites, and selection is done by the funders themselves.
• Applying for programs you do not fit, such as EPOS without two years of work experience.
• Copy-paste motivation letters. Explain clearly why this program, why Germany and what you will do afterwards.

Combine funding with low costs: read cost of studying in Germany and track deadlines for free on FindUniPath. More guides on our Germany hub.