Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany Public Universities 2026
Germany
Top Public Universities in Germany
Government
Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany Public Universities 2026 Intake is a useful guide for international students who want a respected degree with low tuition costs and strong scholarship support. Germany remains one of the most popular study destinations because many public universities do not charge regular tuition fees for most programmes.
For 2026, students usually combine the advantage of low-cost public education with scholarships that help cover living expenses, travel, insurance, and other study costs. The best-known option is the DAAD scholarship, while some universities also list internal or partner funding.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for 2026
- DAAD Scholarship: Germany’s best-known international scholarship route, with support for master’s, PhD, research, and selected development-related programmes.
- EPOS programmes: DAAD-supported development-related master’s options for eligible international applicants.
- University and project-based funding: some public universities and research units also list extra grants, merit support, or programme-specific funding.
DAAD Funding Coverage
- Monthly stipend, often around €934 for many master’s routes.
- Higher monthly support for many doctoral routes, often around €1,200 to €1,300+ depending on the programme year and call.
- Travel allowance in many cases.
- Health insurance support.
- Possible rent subsidy and family allowance in eligible cases.
The exact DAAD amount and deadline depend on the scholarship type, so students should always use the official DAAD scholarship database to confirm the current call before applying.
Top Public Universities in Germany
- Technical University of Munich (TUM): top public university with international study routes, application guidance, and funding information. Official site: tum.de.
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU): major public university with broad degree options and official admission guidance. Official site: lmu.de.
- Heidelberg University: Germany’s oldest university with strong research reputation and international application support. Official site: uni-heidelberg.de.
- Humboldt University of Berlin: public research university with international study guidance and student support resources. Official site: hu-berlin.de.
- University of Hamburg: public university with clear application periods and online application process. Official site: uni-hamburg.de.
- RWTH Aachen University: top engineering university with admission information, semester dates, and scholarship resources. Official site: rwth-aachen.de.
Cost of Studying in Germany
- Tuition fee: many public universities charge no regular tuition fee for most programmes, though some exceptions can exist by state or programme.
- Semester contribution: often around €150 to €350.
- Living cost: often around €850 to €1,200 per month depending on the city.
- Scholarship role: strong scholarships such as DAAD can help cover living costs and other major study expenses.
Eligibility
- You usually need a relevant bachelor’s degree if you are applying for a master’s programme.
- You should have a strong academic record.
- You may need English proof such as IELTS or TOEFL, or German language proof, depending on the course.
- Some DAAD programmes also ask for work experience or a clear professional profile.
- You must meet the university admission requirements and the scholarship-specific rules.
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- CV, often in a clear European-style format
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Language certificate
Germany 2026 Intake Timeline
- Winter 2026 intake: many applications run from about October 2025 to January 2026, with studies starting around September or October 2026.
- Summer 2026 intake: many applications run from about December 2025 to January 2026, with studies starting around April 2026.
- DAAD deadlines: many 2026 scholarship calls are often found between August and December 2025, but the exact timing depends on the programme.
How to Apply
How to Apply
- Choose your programme and public university in Germany.
- Check the official university admission page for deadlines, language rules, and required documents.
- Submit your university application through the official portal used by that institution.
- Search the official DAAD scholarship database for a matching scholarship and apply within the listed deadline.
- Upload all required documents carefully and make sure they match both admission and scholarship rules.
- If you receive admission and funding, continue early with your student visa process.
Why Many Students Choose Germany
- Low or no regular tuition at many public universities.
- Fully funded scholarship options through DAAD and selected research or university routes.
- Recognised degrees with strong academic reputation.
- Work and research opportunities during and after study.
- Access to Europe for academic and career growth.
FAQ
Is Germany free for international students? Many public universities in Germany do not charge regular tuition fees for most programmes, but students usually still pay a semester contribution and their living costs.
Which scholarship is best known in Germany? The DAAD scholarship is the best-known official funding route for many international students.
Can DAAD cover living costs? Yes. Many DAAD routes include a monthly stipend and may also include travel, insurance, and extra allowances depending on the programme.
Should students apply early? Yes. It is smart to prepare admission and scholarship documents early because universities and DAAD programmes do not all follow the same timeline.