Deutschlandstipendium

Overview

The Deutschlandstipendium is Germany's national merit scholarship for students at participating German universities. It runs on a matching model: a private sponsor (a company, foundation, alumnus or private individual) contributes 150 euros a month, and the German federal government matches that with another 150 euros. You receive 300 euros a month in total, and the money is yours to use however you need.

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) administers the programme, but the day-to-day selection happens at each university. Universities decide who gets the award based on academic results combined with social commitment and personal achievements, such as volunteering, overcoming difficult circumstances, or balancing study with family or work. Your income, and your parents' income, plays no part in the decision.

What makes the Deutschlandstipendium worth knowing about is its reach and its rules. It is open to students of all nationalities, undergraduate and Master's, in almost any subject. In 2022, around 30,500 students held the award. Because the payment is income-independent, it does not count against your BAfoeG state support, so you can hold both at the same time.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need to be enrolled at, or admitted to, a German public or state-recognised university that takes part in the programme. Strong academic results are the starting point for selection, but grades are not the whole story. Universities also weigh social commitment and personal achievements, so a good record outside the classroom can lift your application.

Nationality Requirements

The award is open to students of all nationalities. You do not need to be German or an EU citizen.

Degree Level and Stage

Both first-semester and higher-semester students can apply, at Bachelor's and Master's level. New entrants who have an admission offer can be considered alongside students already partway through a programme.

Income

Selection is made irrespective of your own or your parents' income. There is no financial-need test.

What the Scholarship Covers

• 300 euros per month paid directly to you, with no restriction on how you spend it
• Funding for at least two semesters, normally extendable up to the standard period of study, with a review every two semesters
• No social insurance contributions due on the payment
• Income-independent, so it does not reduce or count against BAfoeG state support
• Many universities add non-financial extras such as mentoring, networking events, company contacts and internship opportunities

How to Apply

1. Check your university takes part. Not every German institution runs the Deutschlandstipendium. Look on your university's scholarship or funding pages, or search the official programme site, to confirm.
2. Read your university's specific rules. Each institution sets its own application window, required documents and selection criteria within the national framework. Note the exact deadline for your intake.
3. Prepare your evidence. Gather transcripts, proof of enrolment or admission, and documentation of any volunteering, work or personal circumstances you want considered.
4. Submit directly to the university. You apply to your university, not to the federal government or a central portal. Follow the format they request, whether that is an online form or an email submission.
5. Wait for the selection decision. A university committee reviews applications and matches successful students with sponsors. If selected, you sign an agreement and payments begin.
6. Reapply or renew as required. Because eligibility is reviewed each year, follow your university's process to continue the award into later semesters.

Required Documents

• Completed application form from your university
• Proof of enrolment or a letter of admission
• Academic transcripts or your most recent grade record
• A CV, often in tabular form
• Evidence of social commitment, volunteering or relevant personal achievements
• Any subject-specific or university-specific documents listed in the local call

Key Dates & Deadlines

There is no single national deadline. Each participating university sets its own timetable, usually tied to the start of the academic year. Many open applications in the summer for the winter semester, but dates vary widely. Check your university's scholarship page early and mark the exact closing date for your intake, since late applications are not normally accepted.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Show consistent academic results and explain any context behind them
• Give concrete examples of social or civic commitment, with dates and your actual role
• Mention personal achievements or hurdles you have managed, such as working while studying or family responsibilities
• Follow your university's format and document checklist exactly
• Apply as early as you can within the window

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming there is one central application; you must apply through your own university
• Missing the local deadline because you waited for a national one
• Listing activities without showing what you did or what changed
• Leaving out requested documents, which can disqualify an otherwise strong file
• Treating it as need-based; it is a merit award, so lead with achievement

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Deutschlandstipendium pay?

It pays 300 euros per month, made up of 150 euros from a private sponsor and 150 euros matched by the federal government.

Is the Deutschlandstipendium fully funded?

No. It is a monthly merit grant of 300 euros, not a full-cost package. It does not cover tuition or all living costs, but you can combine it with BAfoeG and other support.

What is the deadline for the Deutschlandstipendium?

There is no single deadline. Each participating university sets its own application window, so you need to check the dates published by your institution.

Can international students apply for the Deutschlandstipendium?

Yes. It is open to students of all nationalities enrolled at or admitted to a participating German university.

Does the Deutschlandstipendium depend on my income?

No. The award is decided irrespective of your own or your parents' income. There is no means test.

Will the Deutschlandstipendium affect my BAfoeG?

No. The payment is income-independent and does not count against BAfoeG, so you can receive both at the same time.

How long does the Deutschlandstipendium last?

It is granted for at least two semesters and can usually continue up to the standard period of your study, subject to a review every two semesters.

Who can I apply to for the Deutschlandstipendium?

You apply directly to your university, not to the federal ministry. Use the process your institution publishes.

What degree levels does the Deutschlandstipendium cover?

Bachelor's and Master's students can apply, including both first-semester and higher-semester students.

What does the Deutschlandstipendium selection look at?

Selection is based on academic achievement together with social commitment and personal achievements such as volunteering or managing difficult circumstances.