Maybe you’ve read our article on why you should learn in Germany and have thought to yourself, how can I study there instead?
Is it easy to find a scholarship in Germany? There are many opportunities, so don’t worry if you’re not qualified for some of the scholarships listed here.
Let’s learn where to find a scholarship to learn German in Germany.
Is it expensive to live in Germany?
The cost of living in Germany is estimated at 867 Euros but goes higher (up to 1000 Euros per month).
All the expenses you get are usually from the prices for food, accommodation, bills (electric, water, etc.) clothes, and ways to entertain yourself.
The good thing about learning German is that not only Germany is the only European country that can teach you Deutsche.
There are other native speakers with German as their official language in other neighboring European countries.
The prices are all on par with the European standard so you will have to research more on which German-speaking countries you may want to live in if you see Germany as a more expensive option.
Before applying for a scholarship take note of the following requirements:
- COVID-19 status requirement: After COVID 19, everyone is required to show their proof of vaccination and the latest RTC-PR test from their country of origin.
- Passport and visa (work or studying) for both EU and non-EU/EEA students
- University admission requirements
- Proof of acceptance from university
- Accomodation
- Financial statements
- Health insurance
- Other Documents for University Enrollment
You might have to prepare other documents too when you have a relative living in Germany or if you are married to a German or German-speaking citizen.
Where to find a scholarship to learn German in Germany
The best places to look for a scholarship in Germany are through the main cities.
You’ll find excellent choices in German cities like Berlin, Munich, Bonn, Frankfurt, Leipzig, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Aachen, Dresden, and Cologne.
However, the most popular choice for living costs (even if they are expensive at times) are Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Cologne.
University students are the most popular choice for scholarships in both German universities and German language schools.
Scholarships to learn German in Germany
Ready to improve your German skills? Tuition fee is not a problem if you want to achieve fluency in German.
You can discover many scholarships not listed here by inquiring at your local university or government for German language studies.
Let’s see some of the scholarships to learn German in Germany.
DAAD Scholarship
The DAAD Scholarship (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is the world’s largest organization for international students from developed countries and selected developing countries that want to study in Germany.
Getting a DAAD Scholarship means that anyone from all over the world is eligible to be granted a scholarship.
DAAD also has a postgraduate studies program for those who already had a degree in their home country but want to study in Germany for another course.
Sounds fun? You should check out these requirements when getting a DAAD scholarship.
English language courses: The language requirements vary based on the course for which you desire to apply.
Normally, an IELTS (band 6 out of 9) certificate or TOEFL (minimum score of 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, and 80 internet-based) certificate is required to apply for a DAAD scholarship.
German language courses: A DSH 2 or Test DaF 4 certificate is required for enrollment in German courses. A level B1 certificate is required at the time of application.
This means you have to prepare for the reading, listening, writing, and speaking exam for this scholarship.
Applicants must have obtained their Bachelor’s degree within the previous six years and have at least two years of verified job experience.
The DAAD grant provides a monthly stipend of 850€ for postgraduate students and 1,200€ for doctorate students.
Moreover, they provide health, accident, and personal liability insurances for their students.
Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Programme
The Deutschlandstipendium gives financial and non-material assistance to outstanding students from all around the world.
Businesses, charities, or private people fund young talent with a monthly pledge of 150 euros, following the idea of public-private collaboration.
The federal government will match this payment with an additional 150 euros.
The Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Programme provides financial assistance to outstanding students at all eligible to participate in German universities.
The scholarship is given without regard to personal or parental income, and one’s nationality has no bearing on the grant.
The scholarship funds are not eligible for grants under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG). There are no mandatory social insurance contributions.
Applicants must fulfill the standards of each school.
Aside from academic accomplishment, criteria for selecting scholarship candidates include social obligation and past achievements, such as overcoming hurdles or obstacles in one’s social or family background.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX) (high school)
This scholarship is perfect for English speakers that are still young but may have an interest in moving to Germany for their future careers.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program is a US-funded scholarship by the US Department of State meant for young learners.
This scholarship has the following requirements:
- American citizenship
- On the first of August of the program’s first year, you must be between the ages of 18 and 24.
- Must have defined professional objectives and appropriate experience in their field of employment. Experience can be gained through jobs, internships, or volunteering.
Annette Kade Scholarships
The Annete Kade Scholarship, offered by the study abroad membership group ISEP, assists in funding student exchange programs in French or German for undergraduate students at member universities.
The independent ISEP Scholarship Committee provides scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500 based on language study commitment, demonstrable financial need, and academic performance.
If you are a student at one of their U.S. member or associate universities and plan to study in French or German at a member institution in Austria, France, Germany, Reunion Island, or Switzerland, you are eligible for this scholarship.
Center for Study Abroad (CSA)
This Munich-based school accepts students from all around the world, has inexpensive program costs, and provides flexible approved German language lessons.
Center for Study Abroad (CSA) students will reside in student dorms, a nearby flat, or with a German host family in central Munich.
Students take 20 hours of German four days a week, with classes available at various competence levels.
The emphasis in class is on speaking, grammar, reading, and writing, as well as cultural activities.
You’ll also receive a cool CSA certificate of accomplishment once you finish your course.
The Middlebury School
With over 100 years of intense German studies in Germany, the Middlebury School has built a reputation for providing exceptional study abroad experiences all around the world.
As a student in Berlin, you will study German with a focus on assimilating into German society.
While studying, you will have the chance to volunteer, intern, or participate in extracurricular activities.
As a Middlebury student, you will also make a vow to devote yourself to language studies and cultural immersion.
You must have completed at least six semesters of college-level German courses to be eligible for this program.
University of Washington, Degree in Germanics
The German Express is a unique program at the University of Washington. Students in this curriculum can learn the German language in a year.
Students can study abroad in Germany during the summer semester. This accelerated course is only available to the brightest German students.
The top five students are granted $1,000 stipends at the completion of the autumn quarter. These stipends are used to cover the costs of studying abroad.
Check out other ways to learn German in Germany:
We’ve already discussed a few ways to learn German in Germany, some of them may not have scholarships but are still cheap or affordable.