Scholarships vs Financial Aid in Germany: What’s Best for International Students?
If you’re dreaming of studying in Germany, one of the first things you need to think about is financial aid for international students and what options are available to you. Luckily, you’re in the best place to find out everything you need to know about tuition costs and fees when it comes to studying abroad in Germany.
While Germany is renowned for its high-quality and low-cost education, living expenses, travel, and other costs can still be significant. Scholarships and financial aid are the two primary routes to securing the funding you need.
But which is best for international students? Let’s dive deep into the world of financial aid vs scholarships in Germany and help you decide which option suits you best.
What is a Scholarship for International Students in Germany?
Scholarships for international students in Germany are a financial award granted to students based on academic merit, talent, or sometimes need. Unlike loans, scholarships do not have to be repaid.
In Germany, most public universities charge little or no tuition, so scholarships are typically used to cover living expenses, study materials, and sometimes travel costs.
Scholarships in Germany are often funded by government bodies, private foundations, political or religious organisations, and sometimes by the universities themselves. They have usually been designed to attract talented students from around the world and support them in their academic journey.
So, as an international student, it’s in your best interest to do some research into financial aid and scholarships before applying to your desired institution!
What are the eligibility and requirements for a scholarship?
Eligibility criteria for scholarships in Germany can vary widely depending on the provider. However, some common requirements include:
- Academic excellence: Most scholarships require strong academic records.
- Motivation letter or essay: Applicants often need to demonstrate their motivation and goals.
- Letters of recommendation: Academic or professional references are commonly required.
- Language proficiency: Proof of German or English language skills, depending on the programme.
- Specific background: Some scholarships target students from certain countries, fields of study, or underrepresented groups.
Some scholarships also consider financial need, community involvement, or research proposals, especially for postgraduate and research-based awards.
What student scholarship options are available?
There are a few scholarship options available to you, but they can be highly competitive; they offer substantial support, sometimes covering all living expenses and, in rare cases, tuition at private institutions.
Take a look at the table below to discover the range of scholarships for international students in Germany.
| Scholarship/Fellowship | Description |
| DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) | The largest provider, supporting over 60,000 international students annually with full or partial funding. |
| Deutschlandstipendium | Merit-based, €300/month, funded jointly by the government and private sponsors. |
| Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes | Prestigious foundation for academically outstanding students, including some international applicants. |
| Erasmus+ | EU programme supporting exchange students with monthly stipends. |
| Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships | For postdoctoral researchers from developing countries, funded by the European Commission. |
| Kurt Hansen Science Scholarships | For science students and future educators, funded by the Bayer Foundation. |
| Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship | For postdocs in Berlin, funded by the Einstein Foundation. |
| Heinrich Böll Scholarships | For students of all levels and nationalities, supporting around 1,500 students each year. |
| Humboldt Research Fellowships | For postdoctoral researchers of any nationality and discipline. |
What is financial aid for international students in Germany?
Another option, separate from a scholarship, is seeking financial aid. Financial aid in Germany consists of a broader set of funding options, including loans, grants, and sometimes emergency funds.
Unlike scholarships, financial aid is often based on financial need rather than academic merit, and some forms, like loans, must be repaid.
Financial aid is a suitable option if you are unable to qualify for a scholarship or need additional support to cover the full cost of living in Germany.
What are the eligibility and requirements for financial aid in Germany?
Financial aid for students comes with some requirements that you must meet. Eligibility for financial aid depends on several types of support, including:
- Need-based criteria: Many forms of aid assess your or your family’s financial situation.
- Academic progress: You may need to show satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving aid.
- Residency status: Some aid options, like BAföG, are mainly for EU/EEA students, but exceptions exist.
- Proof of admission: You must be enrolled or accepted at a recognised German institution.
- Different programmes have different requirements when it comes to financial aid eligibility. For instance, some loans and grants are only available to certain nationalities or under specific conditions. Make sure to double-check before you apply!
What student financing options are available?
Most financial aid in Germany requires repayment after graduation, but sometimes the terms can be favourable for students.
Germany provides a variety of financial aid and loan options for international students. Take a look at the table below to get a clearer idea of each one.
| Financing Option | Description |
| BAföG | Federal student grant/loan, mainly for EU/EEA students, but some non-EU students may qualify. |
| Education Loan (Federal Office of Administration) | Low-interest loans for students in advanced stages of their studies. |
| KfW Student Loan | Widely available to international students, flexible repayment, up to €650/month. |
| Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Sparkasse Herford | Major banks offer student loans and blocked accounts for visa purposes. |
| E.W. Kuhlmann Foundation | Offers grants and loans to students in need. |
| Blocked Accounts | Required for visa applications, proving you have enough funds to cover living expenses for one year. |
Pros and Cons of scholarships vs financing options in Germany for international students
Let’s examine the main pros and cons of financing options vs scholarships for international students studying in Germany.
| Aspect | Scholarships | Financial Aid (Loans/Other) |
| Repayment | No repayment required | Loans must be repaid, often with interest |
| Eligibility | Highly competitive, often merit-based | Broader eligibility, often need-based |
| Coverage | Can cover full living expenses, sometimes tuition | Amount may be limited, may not cover all expenses |
| Application | Requires strong academic/professional profile, essays, recommendations | Requires proof of need, sometimes less emphasis on academic achievements |
| Flexibility | Often restricted to certain fields or levels of study | Loans can be used for a wider range of programmes |
| Impact on Visa | Full scholarships can be proof of financial means for visa | Blocked accounts and loans also accepted for visa purposes |
| Pressure | No repayment stress, but high academic expectations | Repayment obligations after graduation |
Who should choose what?
So now that you’ve got all the information you need regarding financial aid and scholarships, which is the best option for you?
- Choose scholarships if: You have a strong academic record, clear career goals, and are willing to put effort into competitive applications. Scholarships are ideal for those who want to avoid debt and focus fully on their studies.
- Choose financial aid if: You need immediate funding, don’t meet the strict criteria for scholarships, or need additional support beyond what scholarships provide. Loans and grants can bridge the gap and offer flexible solutions, especially for those who may not qualify for merit-based awards.
- Combine both: Many students use a mix of scholarships and financial aid to fully fund their studies. This approach maximises your chances of covering all expenses.
Scholarships offered at BSBI
The Berlin School of Business and Innovation offer two scholarships to help ambitious students access high-quality education in Berlin. These awards recognise academic excellence, leadership potential and personal drive while easing the financial burden of tuition and living costs.
Scholarship opportunities include merit-based awards and specialised options, such as the Women in Tech Scholarship for the MSc in Data Analytics, MSc in Artificial Intelligence, MSc in Information Technology Management, MSc in Engineering Management and MSc in Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management. BSBI also offers the Sherryl Kintu Scholarship which is designed to support ambitious individuals in fields that Sherryl championed — entrepreneurship among Black women and the creative arts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right funding path is a crucial decision, especially when it comes to as big a decision as studying abroad. Luckily, Germany offers numerous options for its international students, giving you the option to focus fully on your studies worry-free. With the right preparation and research, you can find the support you need to make your study abroad dream a reality.
Discover the latest scholarships for international students at the Berlin School of Business and Innovation and learn how they can support your ambitions.