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Scholarships for Masters Programs in Germany

ApAmarnath pratapwarOct 12, 2022

More than 40% of international students in Germany have enrolled in master’s programs in 2021. One of the many reasons for this high enrollment rate is Germany’s scholarship opportunities. The German government, as well as many universities, provide international students with scholarships based on academic merit and sometimes financial need. International students can also apply for scholarships from business-linked or religious organizations. This article exclusively covers scholarships for masters in Germany. Learn about the various private and state-funded scholarships for international students pursuing or planning to pursue a master’s degree in Germany.

Federal Ministry of Education and Research: Deutschlandstipendium

The Deutschlandstipendium aims to support students of excellent academic and professional merit. Candidates must have good grades and an excellent academic record. The scholarship is jointly financed by the Federal government and private donors. The scholarships are allocated per the decision of selection committees of universities. Applicants must meet the university entry criteria to be considered for this scholarship. 29,000 students were awarded the Deutschlandstipendium in 2021, a 3% increase from 2020.

Scholarship Duration: At least 2 semesters and at most until the end of the study period.

Scholarship Value: The funding of 300 EUR per month (irrespective of the student’s income)

The scholarship is awarded at the university. Many universities support Deutschlandstipendium awardees through mentoring programs, networking opportunities, and internships.

DAAD Scholarships

DAAD stands for Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst or the German Academic Exchange Service. It is a private, state-funded organization offering scholarships to German and international students. This organization’s roots date back to 1925. It is headquartered in Bonn, Germany.

Scholarships under DAAD are aimed primarily toward graduates and research students. Eligibility for each scholarship type varies. International students must take note of the eligibility requirements and deadlines before applying.

Postgraduate Studies in the Field of Architecture

This scholarship program offers the opportunity to study in the field of architecture

Students with a bachelor’s in any of the following fields are eligible.

  • Architecture, 
  • Interior Design, 
  • Monument Conservation and Building in Existing Contexts/Reconditioning of Old Buildings,
  • Urban Planning/Urban Development, 
  • Landscape Architecture, 
  • Landscape Planning

This scholarship cannot be used for programs without projects in the area of Design. Students must ensure that their chosen study program includes a project with the required number of credits. credits for projects must be in the following manner.

  • A 120-credit program must have at least a45-credit project
  • A 90-credit program must have at least a 34-credit project
  • A 60-credit program must have at least a 23-credit project

Scholarship Duration: 10-24 months, depending on the period of study or project

Scholarship Value:

  • Monthly payment of EUR 861
  • Travel allowance
  • One-time study allowance
  • Payments for accident, health, and personal liability insurance cover

Scholarship holders may also receive the following additional benefits, like a monthly rent subsidy.

Postgraduate Studies in the Fields of Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication, and Film

Students with bachelor’s in the fields of Fine Art, Design, Visual Communication, and Film are eligible to apply. This program funds projects in the creative areas.

Scholarship Duration: 10-24 months, depending on the period of study or project

Scholarship Value:

  • Monthly payment of EUR 861
  • Travel allowance
  • One-time study allowance
  • Payments for accident, health, and personal liability insurance cover

Scholarship holders may also receive the following additional benefits, like a monthly rent subsidy.

Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)

This scholarship aims to promote the training of specialists from newly industrialized countries. Foreign graduates with at least two years of work experience can apply for this scholarship or Master’s degree at a recognized German university. The DAAD database provides the list of eligible master’s programs under this scholarship. 

Scholarship Duration: 12-24 months, depending on the study program

Helmut-Schmidt-Program Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance

The Helmut Schmidt Program strives to promote good governance in developing countries. The scholarship program offers future leaders master’s courses in disciplines relevant to the social, political, and economic development of their regions of origin

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields and work experience can apply. 

Scholarship Value:

  • EUR 931 per month for master’s courses
  • Health insurance cover
  • Travel allowances
  • A study and research grant
  • Rent subsidies and family supplements if applicable

RWTH International Academy: Study in Germany Scholarship: Women in Engineering

The “Women in Engineering” Scholarship allows more female students from abroad to study Masters in engineering, The scholarship aims to promote gender equality among students of English-taught Master’s programs at RWTH International Academy.

The following programs of RWTH International Academy are included in the scholarship.

  • M. Sc. Computer-aided Conception and Production in Mechanical Engineering,
  • M. Sc. Management and Engineering in Computer-aided Mechanical Engineering,
  • M. Sc. Management and Engineering in Structural Engineering and Risk Management of Industrial Facilities,
  • M. Sc. Management and Engineering in Production Systems,
  • M. Sc. Networked Production Engineering,
  • M. Sc. Robotic Systems Engineering,
  • M. Sc. Textile Engineering.

Applicants must prove they are in the top 15% of their class. They must also possess basic German language skills up to level A1.

Scholarship Duration: 24 months

Scholarship Value: Full tuition fees for eligible master’s degrees at RWTH International Academy (with the exception of EUR 500 semester fees)

General Eligibility Requirements for applying to DAAD scholarships

  • DAAD application form
  • Letter of motivation
  • Copies of higher education degree certificates
  • Copy of transcript of records.
  • Written confirmation for any work experience, internship, or professional experience. (for scholarships requiring work experience)
  • Language certificates (for English and/or German)
  • Acceptance letter from the host university (if available)

Please note that these requirements may differ for each scholarship. Contact Gyanberry to know the details of studying in Germany on a scholarship and more.

University Scholarships for Masters in Germany

International students can avail of scholarships through universities as well. Several private universities in Germany offer scholarships to encourage academic talent.

Scholarship programs at some popular private universities in Germany are listed below.

SRH Berlin Scholarships for international students

Partially funded scholarships are available to international students at SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences. These scholarships are available to first-year students in Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at the university. The scholarship covers up to 50% of first-year tuition fees.

The following categories of scholarships are available with the university.

  • Performance Scholarship
  • Entrepreneurship Scholarship
  • Women for Leadership Scholarship
  • Talent Scholarship
  • Women in Sound Scholarship
  • Future of Tech Scholarship
  • Women in Tech Scholarship

The following documents are required to be eligible for the scholarship

  • Acceptance letter from SRH Berlin
  • Motivation letter
  • Record of previous work experience or portfolio that can differentiate an applicant’s profile from the rest.
  • English language proficiency level of IELTS 6.5 or 7 (applicable to only some scholarship categories)

ISM International School of Management Scholarships

ISM encourages academically committed students. The university offers a full scholarship for the 1st semester. Partial scholarships for up to one year are also given. ISM scholarships are evaluated based on merit and need. High-performing students at the university are eligible for a tuition-fee waiver of 50%.

ISM also participates in Deutschlandstipendium. Other private scholarships can also be utilized at the university.

Cologne Business School Scholarships

CBS offers scholarships to international students in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA programs. International applicants can receive a one-off € 3,000 (€ 1.500 for MBA Fast-Track) scholarship for the total tuition fee. A separate application for this scholarship is not required. Student’s eligibility will be checked during the application process if all required documents are submitted.

To be considered for the scholarship, the following documents will be submitted during the application.

  •  A full application for a CBS program
  • Excellent academic achievements, OR
  • Proof of extracurricular activities in a social and cultural field, OR
  • A Motivation letter  (1-2 pages) explaining why you want to study at CBS. 

(For Master and MBA applicants: one motivation letter is enough for the scholarship and the study program)

Arden University Berlin Regional Offer

Nationals of countries listed by Arden University Berlin are eligible for scholarships. These students with an offer to study MSc/MA or MBA programs at the university will receive a special tuition fee.

  • MSc/MA: 9,000 per level
  • MBA: 10,500 per level

University of Europe for Applied Sciences

The following scholarships are offered at UE

  • Digital Pioneers Scholarship: €2,000 (€1,000 for the first semester, €1,000 for the second semester)
  • Hamburg International Scholarship: €1,500 (€750,00 for the first semester, €750,00 for the second semester)
  • Young Entrepreneur’s Scholarship: €1,500 (€750,00 for the first semester, €750,00 for the second semester)
  • Creative Minds Scholarship: €1,500 (€750,00 for the first semester, €750,00 for the second semester)
  • Cultural Diversity Scholarship: 50% for the first year

To apply for scholarships, students must submit a motivation letter. Submission of a portfolio may also be required for some scholarships.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The German government’s scholarship program, known as Deutschlandstipendium, offers scholarships to students to study at recognized German universities. The scholarship includes an amount of EUR 300 per month for at least two semesters and at most the entire period of study.

Yes. DAAD offers scholarships to international students looking to study for master’s in Germany. DAAD scholarships are subject to certain conditions, such as the inclusion of a project in the chosen study program.

Many well-recognized German universities participate in Deutschlandstipendium. Additionally, universities also offer their own scholarship programs for international students. These programs are usually merit-based. Some popular universities include SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, ISM International School of Management, Arden University Berlin, Cologne Business School, etc.

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