Not every international student can or wants to rely on DAAD. Germany offers other funding routes, including the federal Deutschlandstipendium, scholarships from universities, party-affiliated and other foundations, and support from your home country or employer. This guide explains which routes exist, who they usually target and how to find out whether one fits you in 2026.
Short answer: Besides DAAD, international students in Germany can apply for the federal Deutschlandstipendium, which is awarded by universities and pays 300 euros per month. Other options include university scholarships, foundation scholarships and support from your home country or employer. Each route has its own eligibility, and most require an enrolment or a clear study plan. Check the rules before you apply.
Key points at a glance
- The Deutschlandstipendium is awarded by universities, and the monthly amount is 300 euros (status to be checked on the official site).
- University scholarships are often advertised only on the university’s own pages, so check the international office and the faculty.
- Foundations support students with conditions such as German language skills, academic results or social commitment.
- Home-country governments and employers also fund study abroad, and many have their own deadlines.
- You can combine several sources only if the rules allow it, so ask each funder in writing.
What is the Deutschlandstipendium and can I apply as an international student?
The Deutschlandstipendium is a federal scholarship. It is funded jointly by the federal government and private donors, and each university selects its scholarship holders. It pays 300 euros per month for one year, and it is intended for students with good academic performance or social commitment. Eligibility, including nationality and residence rules, is set by each university.
| Item | Detail | Source and status |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly amount | 300 euros | Deutschlandstipendium programme, status to be checked on deutschlandstipendium.de |
| Duration | Usually one year, with possible renewal | University selection rules may differ |
| Who selects | The university | Application to the university’s own process |
Example (assumption): You receive the full amount for 12 months. 300 x 12 = 3,600 euros in total, before any tax or other deductions. Check your own situation with the tax office or an adviser, because the treatment depends on your circumstances.
Which university scholarships exist for international students?
Many universities run their own scholarship programmes, often for specific groups such as first-year students, students from partner countries or students in particular subjects. These calls are not always listed centrally, so check the international office and the faculty pages of your target university.
- Open the scholarship section of the university’s international office.
- Filter for your degree level and the list of eligible countries or partner universities.
- Note the application period, which is often tied to the start of the semester.
- Ask the faculty whether there are department-specific funds, such as travel or research grants.
What can foundations offer international students?
Several German foundations fund international students, including foundations linked to political parties and church or cultural foundations. They usually ask for an academic record, a clear study goal and often German language skills. Some also expect participation in seminars, mentoring or civic projects. Eligibility differs a great deal, so compare the criteria before you invest time in an application.
| Foundation type | Typical focus | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Party-affiliated foundations | Academic excellence and social commitment | Nationality rules, language requirement, interview |
| Church and cultural foundations | Specific faiths, regions or subjects | Membership or denomination conditions |
| Research and talent foundations | High academic performance | Minimum grades and the application stage |
Can my home country or employer fund my studies in Germany?
Many governments and employers fund study abroad for their citizens or staff, and some programmes require you to return to work afterwards. Ask your ministry of education, your employer’s human resources team or your embassy about the available schemes. Read the return obligations carefully, because they can bind you for years.
How do I combine a scholarship with a blocked account and a visa?
A scholarship can change the proof of finances you need for a German student visa, but this depends on the mission and on the award letter. If you still have to open a blocked account, a scholarship that covers your living costs may let you show less money or no money. Ask the German mission in writing before you change your plans. Our guide on studying in Germany from Morocco explains the visa steps in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a scholarship before I am enrolled?
Many funders require an enrolment, an admission or an offer from a German university. Some accept an application in the final stage before enrolment. Read the eligibility section of each scholarship to see which stage applies to you.
Do I need to speak German for these scholarships?
Some programmes require German, others accept English. Foundations often expect good German for their seminars and interviews, so plan a language course if you do not yet have a certificate.
Does a scholarship affect my health insurance?
The health insurance duties depend on your enrolment and your residence status, not usually on the scholarship alone. Check the rules in our guide for international students and ask your health fund or insurer directly.
Do scholarships have to be declared for other funding such as BAföG?
Yes, many funding routes ask you to declare other income or support, and some reduce the amount of another grant. Check the rules of each scholarship and of any other funding you receive before you accept a second offer.
Are scholarships taxable in Germany?
Some scholarships are tax-free and some are not, depending on their purpose and amount. Read our overview on whether a scholarship is taxable before you plan your budget.
What should I do next?
- List the scholarship sources that match your country, degree and subject.
- Check the university’s own calls, including the Deutschlandstipendium, in the autumn before your start.
- Research at least two foundations and read their eligibility and selection criteria.
- Ask your home country or employer whether they fund study abroad.
- Prepare one application file that you can adapt for each funder, with transcripts, a CV and a clear study goal.
Related reading
- Studying in Germany from Morocco: insurance, blocked account, visa
- DAAD scholarships 2026 for international students: overview
- Erasmus Mundus scholarship: how to apply from abroad
- Scholarships for students: types, providers and requirements
- Funding study abroad: BAföG, Erasmus and scholarships
If you want a personal assessment of your own situation, you can find out how we work at academycon.de. This page explains the process only and does not replace an individual consultation.
Sources:
- Deutschlandstipendium, official programme website, for the monthly amount and programme rules, status to be checked
- DAAD, German Academic Exchange Service, for the overview of funding routes, status October 2026
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
