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Studying in Germany is one of the best choices for students who want quality education at an affordable cost. Undergraduate scholarships in Germany make this dream even easier by covering tuition, living costs, or both for international students. These scholarships are offered by the German government, top universities, and private foundations to support talented students from around the world. This blog covers the best scholarships, their benefits, and deadlines to help you apply with confidence.
This Blog Includes:
- Undergraduate Scholarships in Germany: Quick Highlights
- Why Study Undergraduate in Germany?
- Government-Funded Scholarships for UG International Students
- University-Specific Scholarships for UG Students
- University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships
- Berlin International University of Applied Sciences – Christian Wulff Scholarship
- Heidelberg University – HAUS Scholarship
- Lower Saxony Scholarship
- Degree Completion Grants for International Students at Universität Hamburg
- SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students
- Key Deadlines for Undergraduate Scholarship Applications
- Benefits of Undergraduate Scholarships in Germany
- FAQs
Undergraduate Scholarships in Germany: Quick Highlights
Let’s get a quick overview that shows the most popular options, what they cover, who can apply, and when to apply. This helps international students quickly compare and choose the best scholarship for their studies.
| Scholarship Name | Coverage | Who Can Apply |
| DAAD Scholarships (UG-eligible lines) | Monthly stipend, travel & health insurance | International students applying for UG/short programs |
| Deutschlandstipendium | 300 Euro per month for at least 2 semesters | High-achieving UG students at German universities |
| SBW Berlin Scholarship | Full tuition, housing & monthly stipend | International UG students with social impact focus |
| University of Hamburg Merit Scholarship | 850 Euro per month (up to 2 semesters) | International UG students with strong grades |
| Berlin Intl. Christian Wulff Scholarship | Partial tuition waiver | UG students at Berlin International University |
| Heidelberg University HAUS Scholarship | USD 3,000 (one-time) | UG students from the US admitted to Heidelberg |
| Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship | 750 Euro per month, health insurance & travel | International UG students with social engagement |
| Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship | Monthly grant & political education support | UG students with socio-political commitment |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship | 861 Euro per month & tuition reimbursement (up to 500 Euro) | UG students with leadership qualities |
| Baden-Württemberg Stiftung Scholarship | Stipend (varies by program) | International students in Baden-Württemberg universities |
Why Study Undergraduate in Germany?
Germany is one of the best places to study because most public universities have no tuition fees, even for international students. You only need to pay a small semester contribution for services like transport and student unions. Germany also offers world-class education, modern facilities, and globally recognized degrees. Students can explore different cultures, learn German, and enjoy affordable living compared to other countries like the USA or the UK. After graduation, you can also stay back and work with a post-study work visa.
Government-Funded Scholarships for UG International Students
Germany offers several government or foundation scholarships. These keep costs low and support students from all over the world who have good grades or a strong commitment. Here are some popular ones.
Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Program
Deutschlandstipendium is a scholarship that helps high-achieving undergraduates in Germany, no matter where they come from. You get the support outside of your family income. It gives you money every month and helps with networking too.
| Benefits | Monthly stipend plus mentoring, networking and non-material support |
| Coverage Amount | 300 Euro per month |
| How to Apply | Apply via your university when they open the call; upload required documents |
| Eligibility | All nationalities; undergraduates enrolled at public or state-recognised German university; good grades and social/personal achievements |
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Heinrich Böll Foundation gives scholarships to undergrads, grads, and doctoral students. They expect applicants to be active in social or environmental work, have good grades, and a connection to their values. But note that UG scholarship is not possible for new undergrads outside Germany. They only take undergrads already studying in Germany or advanced undergrad positions.
| Benefits | Monthly support, allowances & network and seminars |
| Coverage Amount | Varies; depends on income, performance, and residence in Germany |
| How to Apply | Apply online in rounds (March 1 and September 1) via Heinrich Böll portal |
| Eligibility | Students of all subjects and nationalities who are enrolled already in a German university; good academic record; German language proof required |
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships (KAS)
KAS offers scholarships for students who show leadership, good grades, and want to contribute to society. They support undergrad and grad students, including international ones. You need to show some German skills.
| Benefits | Monthly payment, seminars, mentoring & networking |
| Coverage Amount | Basic up to 850 Euro per month, plus a fixed allowance for study benefits (depending on situation) |
| How to Apply | Apply via KAS scholarship program online; must fill forms & proof of performance + social engagement |
| Eligibility | International students enrolled in German university (must have completed at least 2 semesters of bachelor’s) & German B2 level usually required |
Also Read: How to Shortlist Universities For MS in USA?
University-Specific Scholarships for UG Students
Many German universities have their own scholarships that support bright and motivated undergraduates. These usually reward good grades, social involvement, or special achievements. Here are some popular options.
University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships
University of Hamburg offers merit scholarships to support outstanding international students. The focus is to let you fully concentrate on your studies instead of worrying about money.
| Benefits | Monthly financial support for study period |
| Coverage Amount | Up to EUR 850 per month for two semesters (can be extended) |
| How to Apply | Apply online through UHH portal; submit transcripts, proof of enrollment, and a letter of motivation |
| Eligibility | International students in any degree program (including UG) who have been enrolled at UHH for at least 2 semesters with good grades |
Berlin International University of Applied Sciences – Christian Wulff Scholarship
This scholarship supports international students with excellent grades and community engagement. It encourages diversity and social commitment.
| Benefits | Partial tuition fee coverage |
| Coverage Amount | Covers up to 50% of tuition fees for one academic year (berlin-international.de) |
| How to Apply | Apply via BIUAS scholarship form; include transcripts, motivation letter, and proof of voluntary work |
| Eligibility | Open to UG and PG students; must show academic excellence and extracurricular/community involvement |
Heidelberg University – HAUS Scholarship
HAUS Scholarship is designed for American students who want to study at Heidelberg University. It supports both semester and full-year studies.
| Benefits | One-time scholarship payment |
| Coverage Amount | Around EUR 3,000 per academic year (alumni.uni-heidelberg.de) |
| How to Apply | Apply online; submit transcripts, recommendation letters, motivation statement |
| Eligibility | UG students from the USA enrolling at Heidelberg University |
Lower Saxony Scholarship
This scholarship helps international students studying at universities in Lower Saxony to focus on their studies without financial stress.
| Benefits | One-time financial grant |
| Coverage Amount | Usually EUR 500 to EUR 1,500 per semester (uni-hannover.de) |
| How to Apply | Apply via your Lower Saxony university’s international office |
| Eligibility | UG students enrolled in a university in Lower Saxony with good grades and motivation letter |
Degree Completion Grants for International Students at Universität Hamburg
Universität Hamburg offers grants for international students who are in the final part of their bachelor’s degree. These help when students need support to finish their studies and have no other funding.
| Benefits | Helps with finances in last semester so students can focus on finishing their degree. |
| Coverage Amount | Between two hundred Euro and seven hundred twenty Euro per month, for up to six months (possible extension up to 12 months). |
| How to Apply | Apply to Universität Hamburg via their department “International Affairs” or the online grant form during deadline rounds (1 June and 1 December) |
| Eligibility | Must be international student (not German citizen), in final exam phase of bachelor’s, no BAföG funding, no financial support. |
SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students
SBW Berlin offers scholarships to international undergraduates and master students who show social commitment or have a social project. The aim is to help talented students from abroad who want to combine their studies with social work.
| Benefits | Financial help, mentorship, workshops, support for social project participation. |
| Coverage Amount | Amount depends on the program; there is a monthly stipend; in some cases, it may include room / travel support. |
| How to Apply | Apply online via SBW Berlin scholarship portal; show proof of social engagement, motivation, and academic performance. |
| Eligibility | International student, age between 18-30, not lived in Germany more than 18 months before applying, good grades, social or volunteer project work. |
Also Read: How To Study in Ireland for Free?
Key Deadlines for Undergraduate Scholarship Applications
These are important dates for undergraduates from abroad to apply for scholarships in Germany.
Benefits of Undergraduate Scholarships in Germany
Scholarships for undergraduates in Germany give much more than just money. They help students focus on studies, reduce financial pressure, and open new opportunities for growth. Here are the main benefits:
- A scholarship lowers your study costs so you can afford tuition, books, and living expenses without too much stress.
- Many scholarships include a monthly stipend that helps with rent, food, and transport while you study.
- Some scholarships offer mentorship and networking events where you meet professors, industry experts, and other top students.
- Winning a scholarship boosts your CV and shows future employers that you are a top performer.
- You get access to alumni networks and career events that can lead to internships or jobs after graduation.
- Scholarships allow you to focus more on academics instead of working part-time just to cover expenses.
Also Read: Dean’s Impact Scholarship 2025: Eligibility, Benefits & Deadlines
FAQs
Ans: You can get an undergraduate scholarship in Germany by applying directly through university portals or government scholarship websites like DAAD. Make sure you meet the academic and language requirements, prepare your documents early, and apply before the deadline. Strong grades, a good motivation letter, and recommendation letters increase your chances.
Ans: After completing 12th grade, you can apply for scholarships that support first-year international students. Choose a university in Germany, get admission, and then apply for scholarships such as DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, or university-specific merit awards. Many scholarships require proof of good grades and language skills such as IELTS or TestDaF.
Ans: Fully funded scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs. Examples include DAAD Scholarships, SBW Berlin Scholarship, and Erasmus+ for certain programs. These scholarships are competitive and usually require excellent grades and strong motivation letters.
Relatable Reads
That was everything you needed to know about Undergraduate Scholarships in Germany, including benefits, and important deadlines to boost your chances. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.
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