By Zekeria Madadi | September 17, 2026 | 0 Comments

Undergraduate Scholarships in Germany

Germany is a popular study destination for international students because many public universities have low or no tuition fees. However, living costs can still be a challenge. Scholarships can help students pay for living costs, study expenses, health insurance, and other needs. Full scholarships for international bachelor students are not very common, so students should check university scholarships and foundation programs carefully. The scholarships below are some options for undergraduate students in Germany.

1. Deutschlandstipendium

The Deutschlandstipendium is one of the main scholarship options for students at German universities. It is available to students from different countries, including international students, depending on the university. At Freie Universität Berlin, for example, students from all nations can apply if they are enrolled or have an admission letter. The scholarship provides €300 per month and is normally given for at least two semesters.

Benefits

€300 per month
At least two semesters of support
Possible extension
Networking opportunities
Extra support programs at some universities

Eligibility

Be enrolled at a participating German university
Or have an admission letter, where the university allows new students to apply
Have good academic results
Meet the university’s application rules
Apply during the university’s application period

Official website: Deutschlandstipendium – Freie Universität Berlin

2. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) International Scholarship Program supports international students at German universities. International students can apply for a bachelor’s program from the second semester. The program is mainly for students from non-EU countries. Successful bachelor’s and master’s students can receive €992 per month, normally for up to two years.

Benefits

€992 per month
Usually up to two years of support
Possible additional allowances
Support for health and long-term care insurance in some cases
Academic and personal development opportunities

Eligibility

Be an international student
Study at a German university
For bachelor’s students, have completed at least the second semester
Have very good academic results
Have German language skills at about B2 level
Show social or community involvement
Meet the foundation’s other requirements

The regular application deadline for the domestic selection procedure is July 15 each year.

Official website: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung International Scholarship

3. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) offers scholarships for international students studying at German universities. Its international student program includes bachelor’s, master’s, diploma, and state examination programs. International bachelor’s students can apply after their first semester and before the final part of their degree.

Benefits

€992 financial support
Health insurance costs can be covered
Additional support for students with children
Seminars and workshops
Personal support and student network
Scholarship does not need to be repaid

Eligibility

Be an international student
Study at a German university
Have completed the first semester for a bachelor’s program
Have above-average grades
Have German language skills at B2 level
Show social or community engagement
Meet the foundation’s other requirements

Official website: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship

4. Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Scholarship

The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes supports talented and engaged students in Germany. Students in the first and second semester of a bachelor’s or other undergraduate degree can apply through its self-application selection test. The program is open to different fields of study.

Benefits

€300 per month for study costs
Possible additional living support
Possible health insurance support
Educational programs and workshops
Academic advice
Support for some study periods abroad
Scholarship does not need to be repaid

Eligibility

Be in the first or second semester of an undergraduate program for the self-application route
Study full-time
Have strong academic ability
Show personal potential and engagement
Meet the formal requirements of the foundation
Pass the required selection process

Official website: Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes

5. Deutschlandstipendium at the University of Hamburg

The University of Hamburg offers Deutschlandstipendium scholarships to talented and committed students in bachelor’s and master’s programs. The scholarship is €300 per month and is normally paid for one year, with the possibility of applying for an extension.

Benefits

€300 per month
€3,600 per year
One year of financial support
Possible yearly extension
Networking opportunities
Additional events and contact with sponsors

Eligibility

Be enrolled at the University of Hamburg
Study in a bachelor’s or master’s program
Have good academic performance
Show talent and commitment
Meet the university’s annual application rules

Official website: University of Hamburg – Deutschlandstipendium

6. University Scholarships for International Students

Many German universities offer their own scholarships or participate in the Deutschlandstipendium program. The rules can be different from one university to another. For example, Freie Universität Berlin offers Deutschlandstipendium funding to students of all nationalities, while some universities have special scholarships for international students who are already enrolled.

Benefits

Monthly financial support
Help with study costs
Possible support for living expenses
University networking
Some programs offer mentoring or other activities

Eligibility

Be admitted to or enrolled at the university
Meet the scholarship’s academic requirements
Meet any nationality or study-level rules
Submit the required documents
Apply before the university deadline

Official scholarship search: DAAD Scholarship Database

Important Note for International Bachelor Students

Students should check the eligibility rules carefully before applying. Some famous German foundations do not fund a new bachelor’s degree for international students. For example, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation currently states that its scholarship for non-EU foreign students does not fund bachelor’s programs. The Heinrich Böll Foundation also states that international students who completed their previous degree outside Germany generally apply for graduate or doctoral funding, rather than a new bachelor’s degree.

This is why international students looking for a bachelor’s scholarship in Germany should check university-based scholarships, the Deutschlandstipendium, and foundations that specifically accept international undergraduate students.