Scholarships for master’s students in Germany differ from bachelor scholarships in their conditions and rates. This guide explains the routes, the maximum rates of the merit-based foundations (in German: Begabtenförderungswerke) and the rules that BAföG sets for a master’s degree. A master’s is often a separate training phase, and this is where it becomes clear which funding is possible at all.
Short answer: Master’s students can apply for scholarships from merit-based foundations, private foundations, universities 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. Whether your master’s qualifies for funding is checked with the funder and the BAföG office.
The Most Important Points in Brief
- The merit-based foundations set maximum rates of 855 euros per month for studies, depending on income (as of October 2026).
- According to the same source, the rates for doctoral study are higher, with a basic scholarship of up to 1,750 euros per month.
- BAföG sets its own conditions for a master’s, for example regarding the degree you completed before.
- BAföG also has an age limit: funding is not granted if the training phase begins after your 45th birthday.
- The Deutschlandstipendium and university scholarships can also be available for a master’s, depending on the university.
- Application deadlines differ widely, so check them for each funder and university.
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, as of October 2026, the following maximum values apply. The study rates matter for a master’s, while the doctoral figures show the difference to the next phase.
| Phase | Item | Amount per month (maximum) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studies | Maximum rate | 855 euros | depends on income under BAföG rules |
| Studies | Study cost allowance | 300 euros | does not depend on income |
| Doctorate | Basic scholarship | 1,750 euros | maximum amount |
| Doctorate | Research cost allowance | 100 euros | flat rate |
| Doctorate | Family allowance | 155 euros | conditions set by the foundation |
Older figures (1,450, 1,550 or 1,650 euros for doctoral study) are outdated, so do not be misled by old articles. According to the same source, other foundations use the same federal rates, but check the details with your own foundation.
Assumption: during a doctorate you receive the basic scholarship of 1,750 euros and the research cost allowance of 100 euros. That makes 1,850 euros per month, or 22,200 euros per year, without the family allowance.
How Does BAföG Apply to a Master’s?
BAföG funds a master’s only under certain conditions. The rules are set out in the law, including § 7 BAföG. The age limit is set in § 10 para. 3 BAföG: no funding is granted if you have turned 45 when the training phase begins (as of October 2026). For a master’s, proceed in this order:
- Check whether your master’s programme counts as eligible training under BAföG. The office gives the binding answer.
- Clarify the degree on which the master builds, so that the conditions fit together.
- Calculate with your income and with the assets that are counted in the assessment.
- Before you enrol, clarify whether a scholarship is offset against your BAföG.
What Do Funders Look for in a Master’s Application?
Funders look at your course of study, the grade of your first degree, how well the master fits your previous path and your goals. Many ask for a CV with your academic record, a motivation letter and often a reference. A research or professional profile that matches the master’s topic strengthens an application, provided the call names such criteria.
How Do You Plan a Master With a Scholarship?
The length of a master’s depends on the programme and its standard period of study. As a working basis, this guide assumes two years, which you should check for your own course. Include tuition-related costs, living costs and the time needed for the application, because applications often close months before the start.
Assumption: you study for two years and receive the study cost allowance of 300 euros per month. That makes 7,200 euros over the whole period. Also check whether a scholarship continues beyond your first degree, because a new application needs lead time.
Which Documents Do You Need for a Master’s Scholarship?
- Certificate of your first degree with all individual grades and the final grade
- Proof of work experience or internships, if you have any
- Outline of your master’s topic or research interest, where the call asks for it
- A reference from lecturers, ideally from your previous studies
Write the motivation letter so that it explains the path from bachelor to master. A sentence about wanting to specialise is not enough. Name the topics, courses or projects that brought you there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a bachelor scholarship continue into the master?
Not automatically. Many funders award scholarships anew for each phase of study. Read the conditions to see whether an extension or a change is possible, and ask directly if something is unclear before you plan your finances around it.
Is a second master funded by BAföG?
Not always. BAföG rules for a second degree and for further education are narrow, and costs, child benefit and tax depend on the individual case. You can find the overview in our guide on second degrees and their costs.
Are the rates for a master the same as for a bachelor?
The study rates mentioned above come from federal research ministry funds. Whether a foundation recognises the master as studies and which rates it applies is set out in its funding conditions. Check this in writing before you decide.
Can I get a scholarship while working a part-time job during my master’s?
Yes, a part-time job does not rule out a scholarship. What matters is how much of your income is counted if the foundation pays an income-dependent scholarship, so calculate this in advance.
Which documents are typical?
Typical documents are certificates, a CV, a motivation letter and often a reference. The exact list is in the call. Plan enough time for references, because they usually take several weeks.
What to Do Next
- List the master’s programmes that come into question and check the funding options for each one.
- Clarify eligibility with the BAföG office before you enrol.
- Apply to two or three funders whose profile matches your master’s topic.
- Calculate your monthly financing gap and compare it with the rates of each offer.
Related Guides
- Second degree: costs, child benefit, BAföG and taxes
- Part-time master’s degree: tax, costs and health insurance
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
- Scholarships for students: types, providers and requirements
- 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), §§ 7 and 10, gesetze-im-internet.de (German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
