Scholarships for medical students in Germany come from merit-based foundations (in German: Begabtenförderungswerke), private foundations, universities and the Deutschlandstipendium. Medicine is a demanding course of study, and a scholarship can ease the financial pressure, but it does not replace checking the other funding routes. This guide explains the main types, the current rates and how to apply.
Short answer: Scholarships for medical students mainly come from merit-based foundations, private foundations, your own university and the Deutschlandstipendium. According to the Heinrich Böll Foundation (as of October 2026), the maximum rate for studies at the merit-based foundations is 855 euros per month, plus a 300 euro study cost allowance. Which offers you receive depends on performance, commitment and each funder’s rules.
The Most Important Points in Brief
- Scholarships for medical students come from merit-based foundations, private foundations, universities and the Deutschlandstipendium.
- As of October 2026, the maximum rate for studies at the merit-based foundations is 855 euros per month, based on income under BAföG rules.
- According to the same source, the 300 euro monthly study cost allowance does not depend on income.
- A scholarship and BAföG are offset differently by each funder. Clarify this before you accept an offer.
- Selection depends on performance, commitment and motivation, and each funder weighs them differently.
Which Scholarships Exist for Medical Students?
The landscape is varied. The table shows the main groups without rating individual providers.
| Type | Who awards it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-based foundations | Several foundations with their own political, religious or academic profile | Funding conditions, selection process and deadlines for each foundation |
| Deutschlandstipendium | Your university, funded by the federal government and private donors | Apply directly to your university; outstanding performance is a criterion |
| Private foundations | Various foundations, often linked to a field or region | Statutes, target group and exclusion criteria |
| University scholarships | Your university or faculty | Calls on the student portal and faculty websites |
What Are the Rates at the Merit-Based Foundations?
The merit-based foundations that receive federal research ministry funds publish their rates in a uniform way. According to the Heinrich Böll Foundation, the following values apply to studies (as of October 2026):
| Item | Amount per month | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum rate for studies | 855 euros | depends on income under BAföG rules |
| Study cost allowance | 300 euros | does not depend on income |
Other foundations use the same federal rates. Still, check with the specific foundation whether it applies them. The maximum rate is an upper limit, not a guaranteed amount.
Assumption: you receive the 300 euro study cost allowance every month. That makes 3,600 euros per year. Your foundation confirms in writing whether and how much it pays.
How Do a Scholarship and BAföG Fit Together?
Many medical students check BAföG first. A scholarship can change the income that goes into the calculation, so plan both together. You can read about the entitlement, amount and repayment in our guide on BAföG rates 2026/27. Then proceed in this order:
- Check your BAföG entitlement against the rules in the law and keep your income documents ready.
- Ask during the application how the scholarship affects your BAföG, and note the answer.
- If you receive an offer, ask in writing whether and how the scholarship is offset.
- Report changes to the funder and the BAföG office as soon as your circumstances change.
How Large Is Your Financing Gap Really?
Before you compare scholarships, calculate your monthly needs. They include rent, living costs, health insurance, study materials and travel. A scholarship usually covers only part of this, so a calculation with fixed costs and all income sources helps.
Assumption: your monthly needs come to 1,100 euros. Of this, 400 euros come from BAföG, 300 euros from a study cost allowance and 150 euros from a part-time job. That leaves a gap of 250 euros per month. This gap shows how much weight a scholarship should carry in your decision.
Use the actual amounts of your situation, not average figures from brochures. A part-time job is often hard to combine with medicine, so only plan one if it realistically fits your timetable.
What Do Selection Committees Look At in Medicine?
Selection committees look at the course of study, motivation and commitment, usually in combination. A good grade helps, but it is rarely the only factor. A clear CV with volunteering, internships or care experience can strengthen your application if it fits your study goal. Read the funding conditions carefully, because each foundation sets different priorities.
How Do You Apply Correctly?
- Choose two or three funders whose profile fits your studies and your background.
- Enter all deadlines in a calendar and plan the documents at least four weeks ahead.
- Write a motivation letter that explains concretely why you study medicine and what you plan to do with it.
- Submit complete documents, including references if the funder asks for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there scholarships only for students with top A-level grades?
No. Most funders consider grades but also ask for commitment or motivation. The criteria are stated in each call. If you are unsure, ask the funder directly.
Can I combine a scholarship with BAföG?
Often yes, but the offset depends on the funder and on your income. Ask the foundation and your student services before you submit the BAföG application. Only the responsible office can give a binding answer.
Does the scholarship also cover the practical year?
Whether a programme covers mandatory phases such as the practical year is set out in its funding conditions. Ask before you base your financial plan on it. The same applies to elective periods and placements abroad.
How long is a scholarship paid?
The duration is set out in the funding conditions and differs between foundations. Some programmes are tied to the standard period of study, others allow an extension only on application. Ask how long you will be funded and which proof you need.
Can I apply during my studies?
Yes. Many funders accept applications in the first and later semesters. According to the official Deutschlandstipendium page, it is open to students in the first and in higher semesters, so a later start is often possible if you meet the conditions.
Do I have to pay tax on a scholarship?
That depends on the type and amount. Our guide on whether a scholarship is taxable explains the basics. Your tax office gives the binding answer.
What happens if I change subject or drop out?
The funding conditions set this out. Many foundations require notice of changes to your course of study. If questions remain, discuss them early with the funder so that no repayment is demanded later.
What to Do Next
- Make a list of three funders that fit your place of study and your profile.
- Work out your monthly financial gap with an honest budget before you apply.
- Check deadline, documents and conditions for each offer before you start.
- Clarify open questions about offsetting with your student services or BAföG office.
Related Guides
- Scholarships for students: types, providers and requirements
- Is a scholarship taxable? Tax and social insurance
- BAföG rates 2026/27: figures, allowances and limits
- Law student insurance: from studies to traineeship
- Medizinstudium finanzieren: Kosten, Förderung und Nebenjob (in German)
Sources: Heinrich Böll Foundation, scholarship rates (German PDF), as of October 2026; Deutschlandstipendium, home page (German), accessed October 2026; Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG), gesetze-im-internet.de (German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
