In Germany, there are numerous foundations that provide funding to foreigners for study and internships.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
This is the largest and most well-known organization that supports those wishing to study, intern, and conduct research in Germany. DAAD programs are designed for a wide range of candidates – bachelor's students, master's students, doctoral candidates, and young scientists. An important requirement for applicants is a good command of the German language.
As a rule, the scholarship amount for master's students is 861 euros (as of August 1, 2020), and for doctoral candidates and postdocs – 1,200 euros. University lecturers receive between 2,000 and 2,150 euros per month.
DAAD also provides a grant to cover travel costs to and from Germany. Many scholarship programs also include health insurance. If a scholarship holder comes to Germany for more than six months and is accompanied by their family, DAAD, under certain conditions, also pays a family allowance.
The coronavirus pandemic has had little impact on the implementation of DAAD programs. As Martin Krispin, head of the scholarship programs "Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Caucasus," told Deutsche Welle, distance learning has been organized for scholarship holders who were unable to come to Germany due to border closures and lockdowns. Moreover, their scholarships are still being paid. However, DAAD was forced to cancel summer internships this year. But summer language schools for international students are not closed: they are operating online.
Konrad Adenauer Foundation
The program of this organization, which is close to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is aimed at international students who want to study in Germany at the master's or doctoral level, or intend to conduct research at one of its universities for at least three semesters.
Master's students receive a scholarship of 861 euros per month for a maximum of two years. The monthly scholarship for doctoral candidates and scientists with at least two years of research experience is 1,200 euros and is paid for a maximum of three years. An additional 120 euros per month is allocated for insurance contributions.
Family members who stay with the scholarship holder in Germany for more than three months can also receive financial support: spouses receive 276 euros per month, children – 194 euros. The foundation constantly looks after its scholarship holders, provides support on various issues, and organizes seminars and training for them.
According to the organization's press service, since October 2017, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation has also been awarding scholarships under the international program for doctoral candidates and scientists "Security and Development in the 21st Century." The amount of such a scholarship is 1,350 euros per month, provided for up to three years. Financial support is also provided to the scholarship holder's family members. The target group is people actively involved in the public and/or political life of their country.
Motivation letters (accepted until January 15, 2021) in German (maximum one page) and a package of documents are uploaded on the foundation's website. Among other things, each candidate must demonstrate a very good command of the German language. Applicants who also have a very good command of English have a particular advantage. The deadline for submitting documents for the winter semester is July 15.
Friedrich Ebert Foundation
International students and doctoral candidates with high academic performance can apply for a scholarship from this organization, which is close to the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). Other prerequisites are a commitment to the values of social democracy and a very good command of the German language.
The deadline for submitting an online application to the Friedrich Ebert Foundation: for bachelor's programs – three semesters before graduation; for diploma, master's, and state examination programs – by the end of the sixth semester; for master's programs (4 semesters) – by May 31 or November 30.
The scholarship amount for international bachelor's students, as well as participants in diploma, master's, and state examination programs, is 830 euros per month. Master's students receive 850 euros per month.
In addition, health insurance costs are covered. Scholarship holders who come with children can receive an additional 276 euros.
Nicolaus Copernicus Scholarship Program
The Copernicus Scholarship is intended to support students from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. They are given the opportunity to study at one of two German universities – the University of Hamburg or Humboldt University of Berlin. The study lasts one semester. In Berlin, scholarship holders receive 220 euros per month, in Hamburg – 200 euros per month plus a one-time allowance of 100 euros for meals during the internship period.
In addition, the foundation covers accommodation, meals, health insurance, semester fees at the university, public transportation, as well as visa fees and travel to and from Germany. Key selection criteria for candidates are three completed semesters at a university in their home country and a very good command of the German language.
Applications are currently being accepted for the summer semester of 2021. The deadline for submission is September 1, 2020.
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the German Chancellor provide scholarships for aspiring managers with higher education and work experience – young professionals from a wide range of fields, be it politics, culture, business, administration, or journalism. One of the conditions is that the applicant received their first university degree no more than 12 years ago. The candidate must also present a concept for a self-developed project to be implemented in Germany.
The scholarship amount ranges from 2,170 to 2,770 euros per month. Benefits for accompanying family members, travel expenses, and health insurance are also provided. Each scholarship holder is assigned a tutor who assists with studies and project implementation together with the German side.
According to the foundation's press secretary, Alexandra Hostert, scholarship holders receive comprehensive support even during the pandemic. For those who were unable to travel to Germany for studies due to the lockdown, seminars and lectures are organized online via video conferences. They also continue to receive their scholarships.
Currently, a new round of candidate selection is underway. Applications are accepted until September 15, 2020.