What you need to know about scholarships

Scholarships and grants are not as common as they are in other countries. But some financial support is available. Here is a guide to scholarships for international students.

If you are planning to study in Baden-Württemberg, you may be surprised that scholarship money is not as easily available as it is in some other countries, especially in the U.S. and Great Britain. But studying is generally more affordable.

Scholarships for international students

However, there are some scholarships for international students. A good place to look is the DAAD database where you can search for scholarships based on your degree or exchange program, your country of origin, and your intended length of stay.
The DAAD also offers scholarships for highly qualified undergraduate students in their final year. The scholarship will support the students during their master’s program in Germany.

A popular but also highly competitive scholarship is the Deutschland Stipendium for German and international students. Excellent students who are awarded the scholarship receive a monthly stipend that is paid in part by the federal state and in part by participating businesses and institutions.

Especially interesting for international students who plan to study in Baden-Württemberg as exchange students is the Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM, a program of the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung. Founded in 2001, it supports the international exchange of students and young vocationally qualified people.

The scholarship includes a stipend for up to 11 months as well as lifelong networking opportunities in an active alumni community. The Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for university students is awarded solely in the context of cooperations between universities in Baden-Württemberg and their international partner universities. If you plan an exchange period in Baden-Württemberg and would like to apply for the scholarship, please contact the international office or your university.

Scholarships for EU students and non-monetary scholarships

Students from EU countries who plan a short-term stay of one to two semesters can apply for financial support through the Erasmus program at the Erasmus office of their home university. The grants usually help with living expenses. Students in Erasmus programs typically don’t have to pay tuition that exceeds what they would be charged in their home country but check with your Erasmus office for details.

Not all scholarships are monetary. Some give you access to conferences, seminars and workshops in your field and help establish a network of alumni and scholars as well as in-depth knowledge of the conference’s topic.

As new scholarship money becomes available and grants are being established, check with the international office of your chosen university. Also, inquire in your home country whether scholarship money for your studies in Baden-Württemberg is available.

Not all scholarships are monetary. Some give you access to conferences, seminars and workshops.