Students at German universities, including foreign ones, have the opportunity to receive financial support
Many (primarily, of course, German students) are helped by their parents. Others work part-time in their free time. But, as Deutsche Welle notes, there is still a possibility (even three possibilities) to attract funds from outside. Let's look at all the options in more detail.
Loan Scholarship
The first is the state scholarship-loan BAföG for students and those undergoing vocational training. The recipient is obliged to return only half of the amount provided to the state. The loan is interest-free, and 20 years are allotted for repayment. Since the winter semester 2019\/20, its maximum amount is 853 euros per month. But Bafög depends on the student's parents' income: the higher it is, the smaller the amount of this scholarship-loan.
In addition, this scholarship is mainly intended for those who have German citizenship. But a foreign student can also apply for it if they meet a number of criteria - for example, if they have a permanent residence permit. We have previously detailed other conditions for receiving a scholarship in Germany.
Sponsor Scholarship
To support talented youth, in 2011 the German government initiated the "Germany Scholarship" (Deutschlandstipendium) program. The state and private sponsors participate in the funding. Regardless of income, the scholarship amount is 300 euros per month. Half (150 euros) is provided by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, but on the condition that universities find companies, foundations, their own alumni, or other sponsors willing to cover the second half of the amount.
Today, universities in all 16 federal states participate in this program. An interactive online map shows which universities offer the scholarship.
In Berlin, for example, this opportunity exists at about two dozen universities. In Bavaria, almost four dozen universities participate in the program, in North Rhine-Westphalia about five dozen. By the way, there are other names for this scholarship, such as ProTalent at the University of Münster, but the essence does not change.
At the University of Bonn, recently included in the list of elite universities, 141 people received the "Germany Scholarship" last year, including 15 foreigners. At the same time, the flow of applications from those interested is many times greater. As DW was told at the university, the number of scholarships depends on the number of sponsors, and in Bonn, companies are not yet very eager to support students in this way.
After graduation, according to the terms of this scholarship program, the money does not have to be repaid. Students from universities participating in the program can apply – regardless of citizenship, specialty, or type of study. The scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis. Students with high academic performance have the best chances. The commission also takes into account the applicant's civic engagement, prizes at olympiads and competitions, work experience in the field, internships, and the applicant's personal life situation. The decision is made directly by the universities.
Scholarship Foundations
Some federal states have their own local scholarship support programs. Baden-Württemberg, in particular, offers foreigners within the framework of student exchange the opportunity to spend from 3 to 11 months at one of the universities in this federal state and pays monthly from 600 to 1400 euros. The scholarship, which is called Baden-Württemberg-Stipendium, is intended for students from foreign universities that have partner universities in Baden-Württemberg.
You can also apply for support from one of the scholarship foundations in Germany. The most famous of them is the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD. For example, on the website of this organization, the search engine returns various programs for young scientists, teachers, and students of any specialty.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung), which supports research work, is also widely known. Numerous public, religious organizations, and foundations close to political parties also help finance the education of students from different countries around the world.