Finding Scholarships: Routes Beyond the Big Databases

If you are looking for a scholarship (Stipendium) in Germany, online databases are the usual starting point. They do not list every programme, and some funding only fits if you know who is responsible for it. This guide shows the main funders, their maximum rates and routes that go beyond databases.

The most important points

• The scholarship foundations are the largest funders. Each one has its own selection criteria, deadlines and application routes.
• During your studies the maximum rate is 855 euros per month, which depends on your income. The study cost allowance is 300 euros (source: foundation overview, last updated October 2026).
• Universities award their own scholarships and the Deutschlandstipendium. They decide on selection and amount, so read your university’s current call.
• Foundations of professional associations, chambers and companies often support their own future professionals.
• Databases help you compare. The binding conditions are always on the funder’s own website.

Scholarship foundations: where the largest sums are

Germany has several scholarship foundations for gifted students that are funded with federal money. Their scholarships are usually linked to income. The figures below apply to scholarships funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and come from the overview of scholarship rates from October 2026.

These are maximum rates. Whether you receive them depends on your income, your progress in your studies and the rules of the foundation. The overview is published by the Heinrich Böll Foundation (PDF, October 2026).

A step-by-step search

1. Define your profile: note your subject, stage of study, grades, commitment and the topics you care about. Many calls ask for exactly this.
2. Contact your university: ask the student office or scholarship office which programmes your university offers and when the deadlines are.
3. Check the foundations: compare them by focus, selection process and deadlines. Membership of a party, church or trade union can matter for some foundations, and each foundation explains this on its website.
4. Look for foundations in your environment: professional associations, chambers, specialist societies and companies with programmes for young people often fund their own future professionals directly.
5. Note the deadlines: write down every application deadline with the documents you need.

Four routes beyond the big databases

Databases tend to show the best-known programmes. These four routes often lead to funding that is advertised less widely.

• University scholarships: faculties, departments and university societies award their own prizes and grants. They are often listed only on university websites.
• Deutschlandstipendium: universities run this programme together with private funders. The universities decide on selection and amount, so read the current call for your university carefully.
• Foundations of associations and companies: professional associations, chambers and companies with young talent programmes often support students in their field or region.
• Regional foundations: state and city foundations support students who live or study in the region. Their application routes are usually on their websites.

What a good application contains

Most foundations ask for similar documents, although they weigh them differently. Prepare the parts early so that you are not under time pressure before a deadline. Typically the following is requested:

• A tabular CV with school, studies, internships, volunteering and languages
• A letter of motivation that explains why this funder and this programme fit you
• Certificates and a current proof of enrolment
• Where applicable, letters of recommendation from lecturers, trainers or employers
• Proof of commitment, such as a certificate for volunteering or a relevant job

Read the requirements of each call carefully. Some funders ask for proof of income or an interview, others want an essay or a presentation. One template for every application only works if you adapt it for each funder.

Common mistakes that sink applications

Applications often fail on formalities or on generic texts rather than on qualifications. These mistakes are avoidable:

• Missing the deadline: many funders only consider complete applications that arrive on time. Plan at least one week of buffer.
• A generic letter of motivation: if you do not name the funder or know the programme, you sound interchangeable.
• Incomplete documents: missing certificates or a gap in your CV delay the review.
• No preparation for the selection interview: some foundations invite candidates to interviews or selection days. Knowing the funder well makes you more confident.

How to narrow your search

A broad search costs time and often leads to programmes that do not fit. A simple narrowing in three steps helps. First, decide whether you are looking for funding for your studies, for a PhD or for a semester abroad. Then decide whether the funder’s orientation matters to you, for example political, religious or subject-specific. Finally, check which deadlines fit your timetable.

Once you have answered these three questions, you can filter database results in a targeted way. A scholarship that does not fit your profile is not worth applying for, even if it pays well.

Frequently asked questions

Is a scholarship counted towards BAföG?

That depends on the scholarship and your BAföG entitlement. Report every grant to the BAföG office so that any offset is checked correctly. Only the office itself can give a binding answer.

Can I apply to several foundations at the same time?

Generally yes, but check the conditions of each funder. Some exclude other funding or ask you to declare existing scholarships.

Do I need very good grades?

Many funders look at achievement, others at commitment or personal circumstances. The criteria are in every call. Read them carefully before you apply.

What should I do after a rejection?

A rejection does not necessarily say anything about your profile, because competition is strong. Ask for feedback if the foundation offers it, and apply again in the next round.

What to do next

1. List three options by the end of the month: your university, one scholarship foundation and one foundation from your environment.
2. Read the calls and mark deadlines, documents and age limits.
3. Prepare a CV and a motivation letter that you can adapt for each funder.
4. Apply first to the funders with the nearest deadlines.

Related guides

• Scholarships for students: Types, providers, requirements
• Is a Scholarship Taxable? Tax and Social Insurance
• Stipendium im Studium finden (in German)
• Wohngeld 2027: Was Studierende jetzt tun sollten

Sources: Scholarship foundations, rates of scholarships (PDF) (last updated October 2026); Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) (last updated October 2026).

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.