While most universities are public in Germany, meaning they don’t charge tuition fees, you will have to pay for rent, food, and insurance, which can quickly become expensive. However, many students struggle to afford these costs.
Some deadlines for DAAD scholarships for 2027 have already closed (30th October), while others are closing in mid-November. A few scholarships will only open in January.
Note: All dates in this article were checked in November 2026. Please double-check dates on official websites, as they can change.
What Is Covered by Fully Funded Scholarships?
- Monthly stipend for rent and food. Most scholarships offer between €934 and €1,400.
- Health insurance support.
- Travel stipend.
- Tuition fees – This varies depending on the course. Most public universities will not charge tuition fees. However, if studying in Baden-Württemberg, you will have to pay €1,500 per semester as a non-EU student. Some sources have mentioned that the Technical University of Munich also charges non-EU students. Make sure to check with your university.
- Extra support for families or research.
Most German scholarships offer a monthly amount. Make sure to check what you will have to pay.
Deadline Overview
- DAAD Study Scholarships for Masters – Varies depending on the country. For example, in the US, you have to apply by 30th October 2026. In another country, you have to apply by 16th November 2026.
- DAAD EPOS – One deadline for each course. One course closes on 30th October 2026. Some courses have already closed.
- Heinrich Böll Foundation – Application period from 15th January to 1st March 2027. On its website, it states deadlines of 1st March and 1st September.
- Konrad Adenauer Foundation – Closes on 15th July 2026 for current students in Germany. Some sources have mentioned 15th January and 1st March. Make sure to check the official website.
- Deutschlandstipendium – Varies depending on the university. Most have already closed for 2026/27.
Open or Soon to Be Open
1. DAAD Study Scholarships for Masters Students (All Subjects)
Graduates will receive funding from the Government of Germany to complete a full master’s degree at a German university. You can apply for this through your country’s DAAD call.
Deadline – Varies depending on your country. In the US, you have to apply by 30th October 2026. You will be selected in Spring 2027 and will receive funding from October 2027. Another country has a deadline of 16th November 2026. Go to the DAAD database and choose your country today.
Funding – Around €992 per month. Some offer health insurance and travel support. Make sure to check what you receive on the DAAD website.
Note – University deadlines may be earlier than the DAAD deadline. Apply early. If you are applying for Arts or Architecture, you will need to apply for specific schemes.
2. DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
For professionals from developing countries. This covers postgraduate courses such as master’s degrees.
Deadline – Varies depending on the course. One course closes on 30th October 2026 for October 2027. The course at Rhine-Waal University closes on 1st June 2026. Make sure to check your course’s website.
Funding – One course offers €1,300 per month for master’s students and €1,400 for doctoral students. Some sources mention that you will receive insurance and travel support. Make sure to check the DAAD website.
Note – You will need at least two years of work experience. You must be from an eligible country.
3. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
This scholarship provides funding for international graduates and PhD students. The foundation states on its website that this is for students from EU and DAC countries. You cannot apply for a bachelor’s degree.
Application Period – The next application period is from 15th January to 1st March 2027. The September 1st deadline has passed. You will usually receive results in June/July.
Funding – One source mentions that master’s students receive €934 per month and PhD students receive €1,400. This is a stipend, not funding for tuition fees. Make sure to check the foundation’s website.
Note – They prefer students who haven’t moved away from home. Make sure to check the criteria before spending time on your essay.
Closed for 2027 – Next Year
4. Konrad Adenauer Foundation International Scholarship
This scholarship provides funding for master’s and PhD students from outside the EU. Some sources mention that you can apply if you are a bachelor’s student currently in Germany.
Deadline – The 2026 deadline closed on 15th July at 12 p.m. (CET). Some sources mention that the usual dates are 15th January and 15th July. Another source mentions 1st March. Make sure to check the official website. The next round is unofficial.
Funding – One source mentions that master’s students receive around €992 and PhD students receive €1,400. Some offer help with insurance and family costs.
Note – This foundation is related to a political party. Make sure to check what it expects from scholars.
5. Deutschlandstipendium
This award is given to talented students in Germany. You will receive €300 per month. Half of this comes from the government and half from a private sponsor.
Deadline – Varies depending on the university. At FU Berlin, the deadline was from 16th July to 13th August 2026. At TU Darmstadt, the deadline was from 21st September to 18th October. Passau and Leipzig had earlier deadlines. The next round is unofficial.
Funding – You will receive €300 per month for at least 2 semesters. However, this is not fully funded.
Note – You will usually apply through your university or the one you plan to attend. Some universities only accept current students.
How to Choose Which Scholarship to Apply For
Choose Based on Your Profile
- If you want to do a master’s in any subject, then start with the DAAD Study Scholarships.
- If you work in a development field, then look at EPOS.
- If you care about social work or political engagement, then look at Böll and Konrad Adenauer.
Based on Country
- DAAD deadlines vary depending on your country. Start by going to its scholarship database.
- Böll gives priority to DAC countries.
- Konrad Adenauer focuses on non-EU students. Make sure to check the criteria for your country.
Don’t Get Overwhelmed With Deadlines
Many deadlines are within a few weeks of each other. Don’t plan to apply for 3 scholarships in the last week.
Start applying for slow documents now. Transcripts, translations, and language scores can take ages.
Add all dates to your phone and set reminders 2 weeks in advance.
Common Mistakes
Thinking Germany Is Free
While most states don’t charge tuition fees, Baden-Württemberg does charge €1,500 per semester. Remember to budget for rent and insurance.
Missing Country Deadlines
DAAD deadlines vary depending on your country. Choose your country in the database.
Ignoring University Deadlines
University deadlines may be earlier than DAAD deadlines. Apply early for both.
Conclusion
Depending on your country, you will have deadlines soon. In the US, the deadline has passed (30th October). In another country, the deadline is 16th November 2026. Some EPOS courses also close around October 30th. Böll’s next application period is from 15th January to 1st March 2027. The next Konrad Adenauer round is unofficial.
Go to the DAAD scholarships database tonight. Choose your country and note your deadline.