- The University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) has analysed the funding opportunities for academics in Germany and for international students
- Most scholarships are available to engineering students
- Travel expenses and health insurance contributions are most frequently covered additionally
Berlin, 14 March 2025 – International students in Germany have access to a diverse range of scholarships, with the most extensive funding opportunities available in engineering. A recent study conducted by the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE) analyzed scholarship programs across different academic fields in Germany, emphasizing the importance of talent promotion and financial support for students. According to the findings, scholarships awarded in Germany provide 16 percent higher funding on average compared to those available to international students coming to study in the country.
Engineering offers the most scholarship opportunities
Engineering students benefit from the highest number of scholarships, making up 18.3 percent of the total offerings. Close behind are mathematics and natural sciences, which account for 18 percent of available scholarships. Law, business, and social sciences receive 17.1 percent, while language and cultural studies students are awarded 16.8 percent. Creative and athletic talents in arts, music, and sports benefit from 15.2 percent of scholarships, and medical students receive 14.7 percent of the total funding opportunities.
Up to 20,070 euros per year for arts, music, and sports students in Germany
On average, scholarship recipients receive 16,157 euros annually. Scholarships awarded within Germany provide higher financial support, averaging 18,037 euros per year, compared to international students studying in Germany, who receive an average of 15,504 euros.
The highest scholarship amounts are awarded in the fields of arts, music, and sports sciences, with German students receiving up to 20,070 euros per year. In contrast, international students receive the highest financial support in medicine, averaging 15,675 euros annually.
Travel costs and health insurance are most commonly covered
Many scholarships in Germany provide more than just tuition support. Additional financial assistance is often granted for travel expenses and health insurance. Over 50% of all scholarships cover travel costs, with international students benefiting the most (67.7%) compared to German students (25.4%). Health insurance costs are also frequently included, with 54.3% of scholarships covering this expense for international students, compared to 19.3% for German students.
Other costs such as housing allowances (20.3% of scholarships) and language courses (30.3%) are covered less frequently. However, international students benefit more from these offerings, particularly for language courses aimed at helping them integrate into the German academic environment.
“Scholarships are more than just financial aid – they are key to equal opportunities and diversity in higher education. The broad range of funding options highlights that talent transcends borders, coming in many forms and from all corners of the globe. Now is the time to place a greater emphasis on supporting not only academic excellence but also start investing in creativity, diversity and cross-cultural collaboration. At the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, we are committed to supporting students from every background, empowering them to unlock their full potential and contribute to a truly global academic community,” says Prof. Dr. Sascha Bosetzky, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences.
About the Study
The study analyzed 961 scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) scholarship database. To ensure comparability, scholarship amounts were calculated based on annual funding.