Finding PhD Scholarships In Germany (2024)- All You Need to Know
When I started my Phd in Germany in 2018, there was so much I didn’t know about studying abroad successfully. From expectations of researcher/supervisor relationships to grading scales, there was a large learning curve (pardon the pun) when it came to just about every academic standard. However, the biggest hurdle I faced as an international student was finding PhD scholarships in Germany.
After many hours spent researching scholarship institutions, writing letters of motivation and tailoring my project proposal to the exact specifications of each funding institution, the results paid off, quite literally. To help in your search, I’ve compiled everything I’ve learned into a comprehensive page. Check out my tips and tricks for how to find PhD scholarships in Germany.
Continue learning about PhD Scholarships in Germany here!
Still curious on how to get a German student visa and resident permit? Check out our comprehensive guide.
Understanding Academic Funding in Germany
There are a variety of ways to fund your Phd pursuits. Here’s a quick round up of the most common types of funding strategies.
Working at a Germany University
For starters, many doctoral candidates work as research associates or “Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter”. These positions are often part-time and usually within a fixed-term contract with the affiliated University or non-university research institute.
However, these positions can be difficult to come by for international applicants. I have found that many of my German doctoral colleagues pursued their undergraduate degrees at the same University and then stayed on to complete their Phd (something that is somewhat frowned upon in the United States).
Because these students have existing academic relationships with their professors, it is easier to secure research associate positions before starting their doctorate.
Paid Phd Positions at a Non-University Research Institute
Alternatively, you can also pursue a Phd through a non-university research institute. While this may seem very foreign to Anglo-Saxon applicants, in Germany you will find numerous programs and organizations which support research outside of higher education.
For example, institutions such as the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Helmholtz Association, Leibniz Association and Max Planck Gesellschaft (Max Planck Research Society), while they do not have the right to award doctorates themselves, they collaborate with universities for that exact purpose.
In this scenario, they offer doctoral candidates scholarships and/or (usually fixed-term) contracts of employment – or a combination of the two. Doctoral candidates here are normally tied into structured, interdisciplinary research training programs and research training groups.
Interested in finding a non-University research institute position? Many research institutes publish their job vacancies in online job portals and on their websites.
Phd Positions in Industry
Another unique avenue to pursue is to find a doctoral position in industry. These positions offer students fixed-term contracts of employment on a part-time basis.
However, these are typically going to be aimed specifically at an industry-related, and application-oriented, research interests which are favorable to potential prospects once they graduate.
Similarly to the prior section, these industry leaders partner with local universities in order to award their doctoral degree. In addition, positions such as these are typically published as job vacancies in online job portals or on the company’s website.
Scholarship Funded Phd
If you plan to study for a doctorate individually without a research position, you will need to support yourself through either a scholarship “stipendium” or part-time employment.
This was the route that I took as part of my Phd and the route that thousands pursue each year.
Stipendiums may be awarded from religious, political, private, and public institutions. Each of these organizations have their own funding criteria and may award funding only to projects that align with their mission statement and research interests.
Importantly, each of these institutions will have their own application criteria, deadlines and requirements - so make sure to read through each award notification thoroughly.
Typically, you receive a stipend of approximately 1,000-1,500 euros per month. Some institutions will also offer up additional boosts funds for children, spouses, and academic travel expenses (such as conferences).
Depending on the awarding institution, they may also support you with other non-monetary perks such as networking, german-language courses, healthcare and travel insurance.
Unlike the United States, you will not be automatically considered for scholarships when you are accepted to a University. The vast majority of scholarships occur outside of the university system through third party organizations listed above.
The following sections outline the important items to consider in order to find PhD scholarships in Germany, along with tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way to help your application.
Finding PhD Scholarships In Germany
There are numerous ways you can find scholarship funding opportunities in Germany.
From international to local organizations, thankfully there is a large pool of stipendiums to choose from. Here is a roundup of the most common places to start your search.
The Best German Scholarship Database
The best, most helpful resource for students of any academic level interested in studying in Germany is the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).
Their comprehensive site includes information on local, international and regional scholarships, as well as information about immigration and starting your studies. When beginning your search for german scholarships, I always recommend this as the best place to start.
In addition, the DAAD also offers their own scholarships, funding approximately 5,000 students each year. Their scholarship database allows you to refine your options by home country, research interest, and academic level.
Party-Related Foundations
The parties represented in the Bundestag mostly include foundations that promote highly motivated, socially committed and high-performing students.
Although it might sound a bit odd to international students to accept funds from political parties, know that there are no expectations that you fulfill partisan, non-objective research interests.
Applicants are not expected to be a member of the respective party. However, it is commonly understood that an applicant should support their content and goals.
Denominational/Religious Scholarship Sponsors
Those who want to be sponsored by a denominational or religious sponsor must generally be a member of the corresponding religious community.
They promote technically gifted and socially committed students who stand up for their faith.
Business Foundations
Many private companies have foundations with their own scholarship programs. Naturally, such scholarships are often awarded to students and researchers who focus on areas that are important to the company.
European Union (Erasmus +)
The Erasmus + exchange scholarship is aimed at providing funding for students from EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey and North Macedonia.
Typically, academic stays of three to twelve months are supported by bilateral agreements between European universities. Erasmus students are exempt from tuition fees.
The best way to get more information about their scholarships and exchange program is through your home University.
Federal State Scholarships:
The individual federal states of Germany award grants and scholarships primarily from an economic point of view. There are a number of scholarship programs for different target groups.
The funding options are quite different in the individual federal states. It is particularly important to be able to show good academic performance.
Because scholarships are considered ‘local’ and are awarded through a committee at each University, I recommend getting in touch with your German university’s research services department for application materials and advice.
Scholarships include (but are no limited to):
Socially Oriented Organizations:
In addition, there are funding organizations that will award scholarships based on social, family and personal circumstances of the individual student.
Research Institutions
Scientific research institutions also award grants based on performance. For these institutions, outstanding young scientists are funded based on the aim for specific scientific careers.
German Scholarship Application Checklist
Step 1: Make sure that the scholarship’s provider and offer meets your personal and professional needs.
Scholarships are reciprocal in Germany. Think of them like a new job/work position, you want to make sure that they are a good fit for you, just as much as you want to be a good fit for them.
Therefore, the support given by the scholarship provider should always meet your personal and professional needs.
For example, if a scholarship prohibits you from pursuing employment and you have multiple children to support on your own, the 1,200 euros/month might not cut it and you should look elsewhere.
Step 2: Make sure that you meet all the formal requirements of the scholarship program.
It goes without saying, but you should always make sure that you meet the basic requirements of the scholarship in order to apply. What may be surprising, however, is the extensive list of requirements you will need to meet.
Commonly, you will be required to provide a CV which outlines your academic status, subject of research, age (yes, really), academic achievements, and social commitment.
In addition, many scholarships will have time restrictions on the funding applications. For example, DAAD scholarships do not allow you to reside in Germany for more than 1 year prior to your application being submitted.
Other scholarships may ask that no more than 4 years have passed since your last degree was completed.
Step 3: Make sure you have completed all of the necessary application documents by the end of the application period.
Frustratingly, there is no common submission deadline amongst the various scholarships or grants. Some are due in the fall, some in winter and some in the spring.
I highly recommend keeping a planner or online calendar with deadlines of all of the scholarships you plan on applying to.
Keep in mind, the majority of scholarships in Germany will begin October 1st to coincide with the beginning of the winter semester.
Step 4: Be prepared for the interview.
Many scholarship committees will narrow down their applications to a short list of finalists and invite them in for an in-person interview (in German).
You should be prepared to make yourself available during a predetermined time frame in case they would like to invite you in to speak one-on-one.
Do you know what you want to achieve with the scholarship?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions when at the interview and you should make sure to think this out thoroughly.
Your answer should go beyond the practical “I need money to survive”; but rather, link their support to your larger academic and professional motivations.
Again, many scholarships offer much more than just money - but networking and the opportunity to answer to a community-based calling whose impact is greater than yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What can I use German scholarship money for?
Generally speaking, nearly anything. This is the one difference between scholarships in the U.S. and in Germany.
Because you have little to no tuition to offset, it is generally understood that the funds are used to support you while you work on your research.
Use the money on your rent, utilities, food, etc. You do not need to supply receipts, banks statements or justification for purchases.
Will I be taxed on my German scholarship funds?
No. If you come to Germany on a research scholarship you will normally be exempt from tax.
However, you should still discuss this with your scholarship provider and your tax advisor in Germany and your home country.
In addition, make sure to check the fine print of your scholarship details before accepting any funds.
Am I allowed to work while funded by a German scholarship?
Depends. Some scholarships have work restrictions, some do not. The rationalization is that they are giving you money so that you can focus on your coursework - so why jeopardize your research by splitting your time with another job?
However, many scholarships that prohibit working will still allow you to work what is called a “mini-job”. These positions earn less than 450 euros per month and are not subject to tax.
Keep in mind, even if you do not have any work restrictions from the scholarship, you may still have additional work restrictions due to your visa.
For non-EU international students, it is completely legal to work in Germany with a student visa, but students are restricted to the number of days they can work. This is 120 full days each year or 240 half days.
