Scholarships for law students in Germany come from the same sources as other scholarships, with some offers that focus on legal studies. Law is a long course with many lectures and exams, and funding has to fit a course that runs over many semesters. This guide sorts the routes, lists the confirmed rates and explains how to approach an application.
Short answer: Law students find scholarships through merit-based foundations (in German: Begabtenförderungswerke), private foundations, universities, the Deutschlandstipendium and, in some cases, law firms. According to the Heinrich Böll Foundation (as of October 2026), the merit-based foundations pay up to 855 euros per month for studies, based on income under BAföG rules, plus a 300 euro study cost allowance. Selection criteria differ for each funder.
The Most Important Points in Brief
- Law scholarships come through the same channels as other scholarships, but some foundations focus on a legal subject.
- For studies, the merit-based foundations set maximum rates of 855 euros per month (as of October 2026).
- The Deutschlandstipendium is awarded by your own university, not by a central office.
- Most funders ask for proof of progress, so a fixed semester plan helps.
- Check whether a funder takes placements, time abroad or your choice of specialisation into account.
- Plan life after university early, because the traineeship (Referendariat) follows its own rules.
Which Scholarships Suit Law Studies?
| Type | Approach | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-based foundations | Performance, commitment and social motivation, weighted differently by each foundation | Application with CV, certificates and motivation letter |
| Deutschlandstipendium | Your university selects; outstanding performance counts | Apply to your faculty or student office |
| Foundations with a legal focus | Often focused on law or legal careers | Check statutes and target group |
| University scholarships | Faculty or university | Call on the student portal |
| Law firm scholarships | Individual firms, sometimes linked to placements | Ask the firm directly for the conditions |
This overview does not replace your own research. Your student office can tell you which offers run at your university, and it can also point you to calls that are not widely advertised.
What Are the Rates for Law Students?
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): a maximum rate of 855 euros per month, based on income under BAföG rules, and a study cost allowance of 300 euros per month that does not depend on income. Other foundations use the same rates, but check the details with your foundation.
Assumption: you receive the maximum rate of 855 euros per month. That makes 10,260 euros per year. Whether you actually get the maximum depends on your income, which is checked under BAföG rules. The maximum is an upper limit, not the normal case.
How Do You Plan Semesters and Funding Together?
Law studies have fixed blocks of compulsory subjects, a specialisation and written exams. If you receive a scholarship, you have to show performance, so keep both in one plan. BAföG usually runs in parallel, and you can read more in our guide on BAföG rates 2026/27. Proceed in this order:
- Enter the standard period of study, compulsory placements and exam dates in a semester plan.
- Check which proof of progress your funder requires for each semester and note the deadlines.
- Plan your specialisation, time abroad and placements so that they fit the funding periods.
- Talk to the funder before you change subject or take a break.
What Counts in the Selection?
Selection committees look at grades, but also at commitment and the quality of your application. The motivation letter is the part you shape most yourself. Be concrete about which legal questions interest you, which experiences you have gathered and what you want to achieve with your degree. Generic sentences read weakly in any subject. A CV with volunteering, a part-time job in a law office or work in a student council can support your application if it fits your goal.
Read the call carefully and order your documents by the criteria it names. Applicants who skip the requirements often lose more points than a middling grade would cost them.
Which Documents Do Funders Usually Ask For?
The documents differ between funders, but many ask for the same building blocks. Start early, because enrolment certificates and transcripts often take several days at the student office.
- Enrolment certificate and a current transcript listing all completed work
- CV with your course of study, volunteering, placements and language skills
- Motivation letter that explains your focus in law
- Where required, a reference from lecturers or placement supervisors
- Proof of income and assets if the funder pays an income-dependent scholarship
Keep copies of everything so that you can answer follow-up questions quickly.
What Happens If Your Studies Take Longer?
A law degree can be extended by repeated exams, time abroad or a part-time job. Many funders allow an extension only with a reason. Report delays early, with the cause, the expected duration and your plan, and ask which proof the foundation needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there scholarships only for law students?
No, but some foundations and law firms target lawyers specifically. Most offers are open to all subjects, but they weigh your academic interests. Check whether your focus counts in the call.
How does the traineeship affect funding?
The traineeship is a separate training phase with its own rules on allowances and health aid. Whether a study scholarship continues there is set out in the funder’s conditions. For questions about the traineeship, the responsible higher regional court (Oberlandesgericht) is the right contact. For the basics on insurance during this transition, see our guide on law student insurance from studies to traineeship.
Do I have to coordinate time abroad with the funder?
Yes, raise it early. Many funders require notice and sometimes approval for time abroad. Our guide on time abroad lists the funding routes, including Erasmus+ and PROMOS.
Can I get a scholarship while working a part-time job?
Yes, a part-time job does not rule out a scholarship. However, it can increase your income and therefore affect your funding entitlement. Calculate the effect beforehand and clarify how it is offset.
Where can I find suitable calls?
Universities keep lists of calls, and the merit-based foundations publish their selection procedures on their own websites. Do not rely only on brokerage portals. Check the offer directly with the funder before you apply.
What to Do Next
- Make a list of three funders whose profile fits your place of study and your background.
- Check the deadline, documents and conditions for each offer before you start writing.
- Ask referees early if the foundation requires references from lecturers or employers.
- Clarify how the scholarship is offset against BAföG before you submit the application.
Related Guides
- Scholarships for students: types, providers and requirements
- Is a scholarship taxable? Tax and social insurance
- Law student insurance: from studies to traineeship
- Studying without Abitur: routes, rules and funding
- BAföG rates 2026/27: figures, allowances and limits
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.
