How can I get a full free scholarship in Germany?

Thinking about studying in Germany but worried about the costs. You are not alone; tuition fees are low. Sometimes zero, even. But living costs, travel, & student accommodation in Germany still add up. That’s where fully funded scholarships in Germany come up.  

The trick is knowing where to look, what to prepare, & how early you should start. Once you understand the process, getting a full scholarship becomes way less intimidating than it sounds.   

What Are the Best Fully Funded Scholarships Available in Germany?  

Germany takes its education very seriously. And the number of funding options proves it. Some scholarships cover just tuition. But then there are fully funded ones, which go much further. You will have monthly stipends, health insurance, travel grants, & research support. Below are the scholarships in Germany that international students aim for:  

DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service)  

It is the first one that every international student hears. DAAD supports thousands of students every year. More than 100,000+ international scholars annually try to get access to all its programs. In this, you will get:  

• Monthly stipend starting at €934 for Master’s & €1,200 for PhD  

• Health, accident, & personal liability insurance  

• Travel allowance  

• Research support depending on your course  

You must show a bachelor’s degree with strong grades, relevant work experience for some master’s courses, & language proficiency. Most DAAD scholars say the monthly stipend covers a good chunk of their living costs.  

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship  

This one is perfect for you if you have both strong academic performance & commitment to social, environmental, or political causes. They fund roughly 1,200+ students every year. Here’s what you will get through this scholarship in Germany:  

• Monthly allowance around €934 for Master’s  

• Up to €1,350 + €100 research allowance for PhD  

• Health insurance contribution  

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship  

It is one of the most generous programs worldwide. In this, you will get full tuition fees, a monthly stipend between €1,000–€1,400, travel allowance + installation support & insurance.  

• All you need to show is a bachelor’s degree with good grades & English proficiency. Acceptance rates vary but usually hover around 5–10%.   

• This makes it competitive but totally worth trying. Students love this one because they get to study in 2–3 countries.   

Deutschlandstipendium  

This scholarship in Germany is not exactly fully funded. But it helps more students than most people realize. Around 28,000+ scholarships are awarded every year. To get this, you must show good academic performance, social commitment, & proof of special achievements. The following are the things that you get:  

• €300/- month (€150 from the government + €150 from private sponsors)  

• Awarded for at least one academic year  

Many students combine this with affordable student accommodation. It helps them bring down their total monthly spending quite a bit.  

Why These Scholarships in Germany Really Matter for Students?  

Most international students feel a real pinch when it comes to living expenses. Their monthly cost of living includes food, insurance, semester fees, & especially student accommodation in Germany.  And these fully funded scholarships don’t just pay your tuition. They give you enough monthly support to actually live comfortably and study without stressing over every euro.  

These courses award tens of thousands of scholarships every year. So, your chances aren’t as tiny as you might think. Applying early & matching the scholarship to your background makes all the difference.  

How Can International Students Qualify for Full Scholarships in Germany?  

When it comes to eligibility, scholarships in Germany look scary at first. But it’s usually straightforward once you break it down. Different scholarships see different things. Some of them care about grades, others about social engagement or leadership. Here’s what most fully funded scholarships look for:  

• Solid academic performance. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but consistent.  

• Eligibility is based on your nationality, study level, or field.  

• Statement of purpose that actually sounds like you. And not just copied templates.  

• Language proficiency: You can go for either English or German, depending on the course.  

• Commitment to your chosen field, especially if it is research or development-oriented courses.  

There are some scholarships, like DAAD, that require a completed bachelor’s degree. And sometimes relevant work experience for master’s applications. Whereas there are some foundations that can ask for proof of community involvement or environmental projects.  

How Do I Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for the First Time?  

If it is your first time applying for scholarships in Germany, it can feel like there are hundreds of steps you have to take. And once you list things out, it’s pretty doable. Especially if you get your documents ready early. Below are the steps students take to apply for scholarships:  

• Identify Scholarships: You can check for the scholarships on the websites of top universities in Germany. Or you can also check foundations like Heinrich Böll, Rosa Luxemburg, Friedrich Ebert, etc.  

• Meet Eligibility Requirements: Different scholarships have different criteria. Most of the fully funded programs expect at least a good GPA. This varies but think 65%+ or equivalent. There is strong motivation & basic language proficiency.  

• Prepare Your Application Package Properly: Most of the scholarship expect a clean & complete set of documents. Usually it includes things like:  

1. Transcripts & certificates  

2. Updated CV  

3. Motivation letter (super important)  

4. Proof of language skills (IELTS/TOEFL/TestDaF)  

5. Letters of recommendation  

6. Work experience documents  

• Apply for University Admission: If you are thinking about applying for scholarship while you are studying in Germany then you will need a university admission letter. Or proof that you have already applied for the university of your choice.    

• Submit Before Deadlines: Most of the scholarship’s deadline falls between August & October. Some foundations open up twice but most of them close early. Germany follows deadline strictly, no extensions, no exceptions.  

• Prepare for Interviews or Tests: Around 20–30% of shortlisted applicants face interviews, so be ready to talk about your goals honestly.  

Do German Scholarships Cover Living Costs and Student Housing?  

Many of the big fully funded programs do. DAAD and Erasmus Mundus provide stipends that help cover:  

• Rent  

• Groceries  

• Transport  

• Insurance  

But here’s the catch; scholarships rarely provide housing. You still have to find a place on your own. That’s why most scholarship students try finding out affordable housing in Germany. Predictably, utilities are included, & you don’t end up competing with hundreds of locals for apartments. Scholarships definitely lighten your financial load, but sorting Student accommodation separately keeps your monthly budget stable.  

Conclusion  

Getting a full scholarship in Germany is not some impossible dream. It is about knowing where to apply, preparing the right documents, & giving yourself enough time. Once you lock in your in your funding, everything else gets easier, visas, budgeting, & settling into life in Germany.  

And when you’re ready to find a place to live, University Living can help you compare & book safe, verified student accommodation across major German cities. No last-minute panic, no guessing games. Start exploring your options with University Living & make your Germany plan come together smoothly.

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