When I arrived in Germany in April 2016, I had already been admitted to a PhD program at the University of Cologne. However, I hadn’t yet secured a doctoral scholarship or a research position at the university. Back in Argentina, I had applied to three scholarships but wasn’t accepted by any of them. That’s why, shortly after arriving in Germany, I began researching new scholarship opportunities from within the country. I was successful: I applied again to three programs and was accepted by all of them (although I had to choose just one in the end).
In this brief article, I want to talk about the possibility of pursuing graduate studies in Germany—whether a Master’s or a PhD—funded by a scholarship.
Two Moments to Apply
The first thing to understand is that, as an international student, there are two main stages at which you can apply for a scholarship from a German institution:
- From your home country, before arriving in Germany.
- Once you are already in Germany.
Most students prefer the first option, for the obvious reason that it solves the problem of funding their stay and studies in advance. In many cases, it is also difficult—or simply impossible—to raise the funds required by the German government for opening a blocked account.
In both cases, however, the first step is the same: to carry out thorough research on the funding opportunities available for your academic field and level of study. Some scholarship programs don’t distinguish between academic disciplines, at least not in the application criteria. In other cases—such as with the DAAD—there are specific programs for certain fields. Religious or political affiliations may also open or limit opportunities, as many foundations have a defined ideological or confessional profile. The more complete and systematic your initial research, the better your decision-making will be.
The Application Process
The next steps are quite similar regardless of whether you are already in Germany or applying from abroad:
1) Document submission: Each institution has its own requirements, but they typically include a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, reference letters, and, for PhD candidates, a research proposal.
2) Interview: If you pass the first selection round, you will likely be invited to an in-person or online interview with a selection committee. This panel usually includes representatives from the institution and professors from the applicant’s field.
3) Notification: A few weeks later, candidates are informed whether they have been selected or not.
Key Factors to Consider
Deadlines
Calls for applications are usually opened once or twice a year. It’s essential to plan ahead and prepare your documents well in advance.
Types of institutions
There are three main types of organizations offering scholarships in Germany:
- Political foundations
- Religious foundations
- Public institutions such as the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), which is linked to the Federal Foreign Office
In recent years, some universities have also begun offering their own scholarship programs, especially within structured PhD programs. These programs usually last three years and include formal requirements such as seminars and regular university attendance—making them different from the traditional individual doctoral path in Germany.
It is not advisable to apply to multiple institutions at the same time, especially if they are political foundations with differing ideological backgrounds.
Academic discipline
As mentioned, some fields have dedicated funding lines. It’s important to check databases—such as the DAAD’s—that allow you to filter scholarships by discipline.
Research proposal (PhD)
Once the proposal is well written and refined, it usually doesn’t need to be rewritten entirely for each new application. Still, most institutions have specific guidelines regarding format, length, structure, or language, which may require formal adjustments.
Interview preparation
This is probably the most decisive stage of the selection process. Even with an outstanding academic record, final decisions are usually made during the interview. That’s why it’s vital to be well prepared: research the institution, practice answers, and—if possible—take part in mock interviews. Many organizations share information on their websites about the kinds of questions they ask and what they look for in candidates.
If you’re considering studying in Germany, getting a scholarship may seem like a challenge—but it is entirely possible. Being well-informed, starting early, and seeking academic or professional support can make a big difference.