Partially or Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany International Students

Scholarships in Germany for International Students

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for higher education. Known for its top ranking universities, tuition free public institutions, and strong focus on research and innovation, Germany attracts thousands of students from around the world every year. For international students, including Pakistani students, there are multiple options for fully funded and partially funded scholarships in Germany at the undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels.

This guide covers:

• DAAD scholarships and Erasmus scholarships
• Foundation based scholarships
• Degree based scholarships (Bachelor, Master’s, PhD, Postdoc)
• Subject specific scholarships (Engineering, Medicine, Business, IT, Arts, etc.)
• Sports scholarships in Germany
• University specific scholarships
• Eligibility criteria and required documents
• FAQs

DAAD Scholarships in Germany

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the largest scholarship provider in Germany for international students. It funds thousands of students every year in all major fields of study.

• Covers tuition fees, partial or full living stipends, travel allowance, and health insurance.
• Open to undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral students.
• Master’s programs are funded in engineering, finance, economics, IT, and environmental sciences.
• PhD and postdoctoral scholarships cover cutting edge research in natural sciences, computer science, law, and management.
• Deadlines vary by program and university.
• Stipend Range: 80,000 – 200,000 PKR/month

Erasmus Mundus & EU Scholarships in Germany

The Erasmus Mundus program is a European Union initiative that allows students to study in multiple countries, including Germany, under one scholarship.

• Available mainly for master’s and PhD programs.
• Students may study at two or more European universities during the program.
• Popular fields include linguistics, biotechnology, computer science, tourism, and social sciences.
• Scholarships usually cover tuition, travel costs, and partial living allowances.
• Stipend Range: 100,000 – 220,000 PKR/month

Foundation Based Scholarships in Germany

Germany has many foundations that sponsor international students through merit based and need based scholarships. These scholarships are highly respected and often target specific areas of study, leadership, or social responsibility.

Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships

• Focused on social sciences, political science, journalism, and humanities.
• Encourages students with a strong interest in social justice and leadership.
• Provides monthly stipends, health insurance, and study allowances.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

• Supports students in environmental studies, law, human rights, and media studies.
• Encourages students with strong academic records and social engagement.
• Includes tuition support, monthly stipends, and travel allowances.

Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarships

• Designed for international students with leadership potential in politics, law, and governance.
• Covers tuition fees, monthly living costs, and research expenses.
• Especially relevant for postgraduate students in public policy and administration.

KAAD Scholarships

The Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD) offers scholarships for students from developing countries, including Pakistan.

• Focuses on theology, social sciences, and development related fields.
• Provides tuition support, accommodation, and stipends.
• Stipend Range for Foundation Scholarships: 70,000 – 150,000 PKR/month

Degree Based Scholarships in Germany

Germany provides scholarships at all levels of higher education, making it possible for students to find funding no matter their stage of study. Stipend Range for degree based Scholarships: 70,000 – 230,000 PKR/month

Undergraduate Scholarships

• Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees.
• Fully funded and partially funded undergraduate scholarships are available for international students.
• Scholarships cover tuition waivers, semester contributions, and in some cases, living allowances.
• Popular fields: business, engineering, MBBS, and social sciences.

Masters Scholarships

• Strong focus on applied sciences, engineering, IT, economics, and design.
• DAAD, Erasmus, and foundation scholarships are the most common options.
• Some universities offer partial scholarships to cover semester contributions.
• Duration: 1–2 years with additional research opportunities.

MPhil Scholarships

• Available in social sciences, psychology, and education.
• Funded mainly by DAAD, HEC, and foundations like Heinrich Böll.
• Includes living allowances, research grants, and travel support.

PhD Scholarships

• Germany is one of the most popular destinations for doctoral research.
• Programs are available in computer science, medicine, natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
• Scholarships cover tuition, research expenses, and monthly stipends.
• Institutions like the Max Planck Institute and Helmholtz Association provide additional funding opportunities.

Postdoctoral Scholarships

• Offered by DAAD, Max Planck Institute, and German universities.
• Funding for advanced research, often provided with salaries similar to junior faculty positions.
• Covers living, research costs, and accommodation.

Subject Specific Scholarships in Germany

Germany offers specialized scholarships in almost every academic field, giving students the chance to secure funding based on their chosen discipline.

Engineering Scholarships in Germany

• Covers mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical, aeronautical, aerospace, and renewable energy engineering.
• Offered by DAAD, Erasmus, and universities like RWTH Aachen and the Technical University of Munich.
• Focus on innovation, sustainability, and applied research.
• Stipend: 80,000 – 200,000 PKR/month

Medical and Health Scholarships in Germany

• Available for MBBS, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, optometry, and public health.
• Includes specialized medical research scholarships in pharmacology, biotechnology, and clinical sciences.
• Universities like Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin are top providers.
• Stipend: 60,000 – 150,000 PKR/month

Computer Science and IT Scholarships in Germany

• Covers artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, and software engineering.
• DAAD and HEC scholarships are popular for Pakistani students.
• Universities like TU Munich and the University of Bonn provide merit based scholarships.
• Stipend: 70,000 – 160,000 PKR/month

Business, Economics, and Social Sciences Scholarships

• Scholarships for MBA, economics, management, finance, sociology, and communication.
• DAAD and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung support management and leadership studies.
• Universities in Mannheim and Frankfurt provide additional MBA scholarships.
• Stipend: 60,000 – 140,000 PKR/month

Arts, Humanities, and Design Scholarships

• Available in linguistics, literature, history, fashion design, interior design, architecture, and archaeology.
• Heinrich Böll Foundation and the DAAD support cultural and design studies.
• Programs include archaeology, journalism, and fine arts.
• Stipend: 50,000 – 120,000 PKR/month

Sports Scholarships in Germany

Germany supports talented athletes with sports scholarships, allowing them to pursue higher education while advancing their athletic careers.

• Scholarships are available in football, cricket, hockey, athletics, swimming, and sports science.
• Universities with strong physical education departments fund sports students.
• Fully funded sports scholarships also cover physical education and performance training.
• Stipend Range: 40,000 – 110,000 PKR/month

University Specific Scholarships in Germany

Many German universities offer scholarships directly to international students.

• Jacobs University: Merit based scholarships for undergraduate and master’s students.
• Hamburg University of Applied Sciences: Specializes in applied sciences, engineering, and business.
• Mannheim University: Scholarships for economics, business, and social sciences.
• Arden University: MBA and digital learning scholarships.
• Stipend Range: 60,000 – 140,000 PKR/month

Required Documents for Scholarships in Germany

• Valid passport and national ID
• Academic transcripts (matric, intermediate, bachelor’s, master’s)
• Degree certificates (attested by HEC for Pakistani students)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Europass format
• Letters of Recommendation (2–3 academic/professional)
• Proof of English or German proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF)
• Research proposal (for PhD/Postdoc applicants)
• Financial statements (for need-based scholarships)

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in Germany

• Academic excellence (minimum 70–80% for bachelors, 3.0–3.5 CGPA for masters/PhD)
• Admission or conditional admission from a German university
• Language proficiency: English (IELTS/TOEFL) or German (TestDaF, DSH)
• Work/research experience for postgraduate programs
• Age limit: usually under 30–35 for master’s and PhD, depending on scholarship type
• HEC attestation of documents for Pakistani students

FAQs About Scholarships in Germany

How can Pakistani students get scholarships in Germany?

• Pakistani students can apply through DAAD, HEC, Erasmus, foundations, and directly at German universities.

Are scholarships in Germany fully funded?

• Yes, programs like DAAD and Erasmus offer fully funded scholarships, while some universities provide partial funding.

Can I study in Germany without IELTS?

• Yes, some universities and scholarships allow students to apply without IELTS if they have studied in English previously.

Do German universities charge tuition fees?

• Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, only semester contributions.

What is the stipend for PhD scholarships in Germany?

• PhD stipends range between 120,000 – 250,000 PKR/month, depending on the university and scholarship provider.