Scholarships in Germany for International Students - DAAD, Requirements, Internships and Work Study Program

Germany is recognized worldwide for its practically oriented degrees, top-notch infrastructure, quality of education, and tuition-free study programs.  Affordability coupled with an almost-negligible tuition fee attracts more than 350,000 international students to study in Germany every year. Undergraduate studies follow a tuition-free education system but Masters and Ph.D. studies are fee-based. Living expenses in Germany are slightly above average in Europe and lie around 800 Euros per month. Covering these costs constitutes a major challenge for many students.

However, there are plenty of financial aids for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Germany.? Every year, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports well over 100,000 German and international students and researchers around the globe – making it the world's largest funding organization of its kind.

Government Scholarships in Germany for International Students

There are different types of merit-based scholarships and need-based grants available to students in Germany. Most of the scholarships for international students at applying for German universities are offered by the government and private organizations.

The amount of a grant is often decided through an evaluation of the student’s needs and the family's financial situation. It usually ranges from 147 Euros to 807 Euros/month for 12 months.

• DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides numerous scholarships to foreign students to study in Germany at various degree levels. A stipend of 850 EUR is offered to postrgraduate students and 1,200 to doctoral students. 
• Erasmus+: Led by the European Commission, Erasmus+ is the largest provider of scholarships in the EU. It funds international students to study in Europe. The average monthly grant offered to a student in Germany is 270 Euros.

Non-Government Scholarships in Germany for International Students

Top Grants and Scholarships in Germany

Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme (Germany Scholarship Program) 

• Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme provides financial aid to meritorious and dedicated students across the globe.
• Supports more than 22,500 students.
• Not dependent on personal or parent income and nationality.
• Granted for at least two semesters.
• Can also be extended to cover the standard period of study.
• Valid in all participating universities in Germany.
• Value: Approximately EUR 300 per month
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2024

DAAD Scholarship Programs 

• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers 215 scholarships and funding opportunities to international students to study in Germany at various degree levels.
• Aids more than 100,000 German and international students as well as researchers.
• Awarded to those seeking financial assistance for their studies, research work, or teaching assignments in Germany.
• Its database lists all the scholarships granted.
• DAAD Scholarships for Development-related Postgraduate Courses - Most sought-after scholarship program among students from developing countries.
• DAAD Scholarships in Public Policy and Good Governance are also popular.

Research Scholarships in Germany

• Many German political and religious foundations grant scholarships to international students from diverse backgrounds and qualifications. 
• Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships - Offered by a German political foundation
• Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships and KAAD Scholarships - Offered by a German religious foundation.

Also Check Exams for Studying in Germany

Application Requirements for Scholarships in Germany

• No fixed age limit.
• Can apply in your last academic year if you have not completed your university degree at the time of application deadlines for Germany Universities.
• In some cases, applicants with foreign citizenship can also be considered for funding programs made for Germans.
• For full-time students only.
• May require language certificates when you apply for a scholarship.

Germany Scholarship Application Process

• Start the application procedure a year prior to the intake.
• For government-funded scholarships, apply on the DAAD official website, for Germany Scholarship Program at deutschlandstipendium.de, and for Germany Foundations’ Scholarship Programs at kaad.de or at kas.de.
• Go through the details of the scholarships. Scholarship deadlines vary among academic institutions.
• Attach a letter of motivation, a letter of recommendation from a university teacher and other necessary documents with the complete application.
• Submit your application either in German or English.

Note: Documents that are not in German or English must be translated into German or English.

Work While You Study Programs in Germany

• Part-time jobs in Germany are a good way to funding your day-to-day needs.
• Most universities allow students to work while studying.
• International students are allowed to work for 120 full days or 240 half days.
• A student can earn between EUR 5 to EUR 15 per hour and roughly around EUR 450 per month.
• Tax-free one-year earnings devoid of issuance of social security - EUR 8,354

Internships in Germany

• Most internships are paid in Germany.
• They are regarded as regular employment even when they are unpaid.
• If you have already completed 90 full days of work in one year and still want to do an internship, then you must apply at the Federal Employment Agency or Alien Registration Office.
• The 90-day rule does not apply if an internship is part of your curriculum.
• Compulsory internships do not require any permission.
• A student can make up to 856 Euros per month.
• You can find an internship at an institution or company.
• Internships are listed on the portals of the internship office of your university, International Office, and International Student Organisation

Major student organizations for finding internships

• AISEC - International Association of Students in Economic and Commercial Sciences
• European Law Students' Association (ELSA)
• International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)

Apart from them, students can also send an internship application to an institution or organization