Students training to become teachers (Lehramtsstudierende) often have different funding routes from students in other subjects, because the German states fund their future teachers in a targeted way. Such programmes usually come with a return obligation, typically a period of work at a school in the state. This guide explains how state programmes are structured, what to check before you apply and which examples exist.
Short answer: Scholarships for teacher training students mainly come from German states that want to recruit teachers for certain subjects or regions. One example is the Weltenretter scholarship in Saxony-Anhalt, which paid 600 euros a month for the standard period of study and required work at a school in the state. The 2025 call has closed. Last updated: October 2026.
The Essentials at a Glance
- State programmes for teacher training students differ from state to state and change regularly. Check each call separately.
- The Weltenretter scholarship in Saxony-Anhalt paid 600 euros a month for the standard period of study. It had 25 places, and applications closed on 30 August 2025.
- The return obligation is usually the counterpart: after your studies and the probationary period (Vorbereitungsdienst), you teach in a region with a shortage for at least as long as you were funded.
- A closed example is the Brandenburg scholarship for rural teachers. Its guideline ceased to apply in 2022, but scholarships already granted continue.
- The Deutschlandstipendium is also open to teacher training students, if their university offers it.
Which Teacher Training Scholarships Exist?
The offers fall roughly into three groups: state programmes with an obligation, the nationwide Deutschlandstipendium through the university, and foundation scholarships with their own guidelines. The table compares two state examples with the Deutschlandstipendium.
| Programme | State | Funding | Obligation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weltenretter scholarship | Saxony-Anhalt | 600 euros a month for the standard period of study | Teaching in a region with a shortage, for at least as long as funded | 2025 call, deadline 30 August 2025 |
| Brandenburg scholarship for rural teachers | Brandenburg | 600 euros a month, up to 36 months under the guideline | Teaching at a school with a shortage, for at least as long as funded | Guideline 2021, ceased 2022 |
| Deutschlandstipendium | nationwide, via the university | 300 euros a month, not means-tested | The Federal Funding Database names no service obligation | Accessed October 2026, no date on the page |
The table shows how much programmes differ. A state programme often asks for a counterpart, while the Deutschlandstipendium usually does not. Check both before you decide.
What Does the Obligation Mean for You?
An obligation means that after your studies and probationary period you must work at specific schools in a region where teachers are short. In the Weltenretter programme, this lasts at least as long as you received the scholarship. If you are funded for 24 months, plan for at least 24 months of teaching in a region of need after your probationary period.
Assumption for the calculation: 24 months at 600 euros makes 14,400 euros. This is the gross sum of the funding, not a net payment, and it is not offset against taxes or social contributions. What remains in the end depends on your situation.
The state decides what counts as a need and can change it. When you apply, read not only the guideline but also the current list of shortage areas.
Which Subjects and School Types Count?
According to the 2025 press release, the Weltenretter programme covered certain subjects with a special need for teachers. The list shows how different the need is by school type. It applies only to that call.
| School type | Subjects with need (press release 2025) |
|---|---|
| Secondary school | Mathematics, German, English, sport, ethics, technology, computer science, home economics, physics, geography, art, music |
| Primary school | Design, general science, sport |
| Grammar school | German, mathematics, English |
| Special needs school | all subjects |
The press release also states that other teacher training routes are possible if at least one subject with a special need is studied. The details refer to a single call and are not a permanent arrangement.
Why a Closed Programme Is Still Instructive
The Brandenburg guideline applied from 1 July 2021 and was initially limited until the end of June 2026. According to a note on the page, it ceased to apply on 31 July 2022 through a new administrative regulation. Scholarships already granted continue until the end of their funding period. The conditions of a programme therefore say little unless you check whether it still applies.
The example shows why you should look at the date for state programmes. A page with last year’s deadline is no proof that an offer is still running.
How Do You Find Current Programmes?
- Check the website of the responsible state ministry for education or culture. Teacher training programmes are often grouped there.
- Ask your university whether it offers scholarships for teacher training students and whether they are tied to regions of need.
- For each programme check deadline, regions of need, obligation, duration and offsetting against other funding.
- Pay attention to the call year. An old page is no proof of a current offer.
Deutschlandstipendium and Foundation Scholarships
Teacher training students can also apply for the Deutschlandstipendium if their university offers it. The Federal Funding Database names 300 euros a month, not means-tested, selected by the university. The German guide Deutschlandstipendium has the details.
Foundations for gifted students fund on performance and personality and have their own guidelines. For foundations financed by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the Heinrich Böll Foundation (status October 2026) names a maximum of 855 euros a month for studies, income-dependent under BAföG rules. Whether a foundation gives preference to teacher training students is set out in its guideline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there teacher training scholarships in every state?
No, offers differ from state to state. Check with the responsible ministry whether your state has a programme. Offers can also change from year to year.
What happens if I do not meet the obligation?
The guideline of the specific programme sets this out. Read this part carefully before you apply, because it determines the consequences of an unmet obligation.
Does a teacher training scholarship count as income for BAföG?
That depends on the funding and on the BAföG office. The German guide Stipendium und BAföG explains the offsetting rules.
Do these rules apply during the probationary period?
The probationary period is a separate topic with its own rules, for example on pay and insurance. Conditions from your studies do not automatically continue into it. Check the rules for the period after your studies separately.
What to Do Next
- Check which state programmes for your subject and federal state are currently advertised.
- Compare the amount, duration, obligation and regions of need before you apply.
- Clarify with your university whether the Deutschlandstipendium can run in parallel.
- If an obligation applies, plan the time after your studies early.
Related Guides
- Scholarships for students: Types, providers, requirements
- Trainee Teacher Salary in Germany by State
- Teacher training insurance: from studies to traineeship
- Studying Without BAföG: Your Funding Options
Sources: Saxony-Anhalt, Ministry of Education: press release on the Weltenretter scholarship, 5 June 2025, in German; Brandenburg: guideline on the scholarship for rural teachers, in German; Federal Funding Database: Deutschlandstipendium (accessed October 2026), in German; Heinrich Böll Foundation: scholarship rates, status October 2026, in German
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
