Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany 2026: DAAD and Beyond

Germany is a top destination for international students because public universities charge little or no tuition, and because its funding programmes are unusually generous. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) funds international students at every level, with scholarships that cover living costs and, where applicable, tuition.

For researchers, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowships fund postdocs and experienced researchers from every country. Many German universities also award their own scholarships for international students.

Because tuition at public universities is minimal, a DAAD award or a university stipend can cover most of the cost of studying in Germany. That is why the country shows up so often in searches for fully funded scholarships.

German scholarship deadlines are typically 6 to 12 months before the programme starts, and language requirements vary. Many programmes run in English and don't require German, while some waive English tests if you can prove proficiency another way. Check each listing's requirements before applying.