Country Guide
How to Get a Fully Funded Masters Degree in Germany (Step-by-Step Guide)
ScholarPath Team
June 21, 2026
12 min read
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# How to Get a Fully Funded Masters Degree in Germany (Step-by-Step Guide)
Germany is often called the "student paradise" of Europe — and for good reason. Public universities charge a nominal semester contribution (EUR 100-350) that covers public transport and student services, but no actual tuition fees. Combined with DAAD scholarships and other funding opportunities, a fully-funded Masters in Germany is very achievable for international students.
## Step 1: Choose Your Program
Germany has over 450 universities and more than 19,000 degree programs. Start at the DAAD database (daad.de) to find English-taught Master's programs in your field. Popular fields for international students include:
- Engineering (especially at TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, KIT)
- Computer Science (multiple universities, many in English)
- Economics and Business (Frankfurt School, WHU)
- Physics and Natural Sciences
## Step 2: Check Language Requirements
Most STEM Master's programs at German universities are offered in English. However, some programs require German (particularly in social sciences and arts). DAAD typically requires:
- TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ for English-taught programs
- TestDaF level 4 or DSH-2 for German-taught programs
## Step 3: Apply to DAAD Funding
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers several scholarships:
- **DAAD Scholarship for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses**: For students from developing countries, covering tuition, monthly stipend (EUR 861+), travel costs, and health insurance.
- **Helmut-Schmidt Programme**: For graduates with professional experience interested in public policy.
- **EPOS Program**: For professionals from partner countries.
Deadlines are typically August-October for the following academic year.
## Step 4: Gather Your Application Documents
Standard requirements for German universities:
- Bachelor's degree certificate (with English translation)
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter (1-2 pages, program-specific)
- CV (Europass format preferred)
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Language certificates (IELTS/TOEFL, German if required)
- GRE scores (some technical universities)
## Step 5: Apply to Universities
Use the **uni-assist** portal (uni-assist.de) for applications to most German universities. Some universities have their own portals. Apply to 4-6 universities to increase your chances.
## Timeline
- **September-November**: Research programs, contact professors
- **October-January**: Application deadlines for winter semester
- **January-April**: Receive decisions
- **April-June**: Apply for DAAD funding, visa
- **October**: Start program
Germany offers an unbeatable combination of world-class education, zero tuition, a thriving economy, and a central European location. Start planning your application today!
Germany is often called the "student paradise" of Europe — and for good reason. Public universities charge a nominal semester contribution (EUR 100-350) that covers public transport and student services, but no actual tuition fees. Combined with DAAD scholarships and other funding opportunities, a fully-funded Masters in Germany is very achievable for international students.
## Step 1: Choose Your Program
Germany has over 450 universities and more than 19,000 degree programs. Start at the DAAD database (daad.de) to find English-taught Master's programs in your field. Popular fields for international students include:
- Engineering (especially at TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, KIT)
- Computer Science (multiple universities, many in English)
- Economics and Business (Frankfurt School, WHU)
- Physics and Natural Sciences
## Step 2: Check Language Requirements
Most STEM Master's programs at German universities are offered in English. However, some programs require German (particularly in social sciences and arts). DAAD typically requires:
- TOEFL iBT 90+ or IELTS 6.5+ for English-taught programs
- TestDaF level 4 or DSH-2 for German-taught programs
## Step 3: Apply to DAAD Funding
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers several scholarships:
- **DAAD Scholarship for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses**: For students from developing countries, covering tuition, monthly stipend (EUR 861+), travel costs, and health insurance.
- **Helmut-Schmidt Programme**: For graduates with professional experience interested in public policy.
- **EPOS Program**: For professionals from partner countries.
Deadlines are typically August-October for the following academic year.
## Step 4: Gather Your Application Documents
Standard requirements for German universities:
- Bachelor's degree certificate (with English translation)
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter (1-2 pages, program-specific)
- CV (Europass format preferred)
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Language certificates (IELTS/TOEFL, German if required)
- GRE scores (some technical universities)
## Step 5: Apply to Universities
Use the **uni-assist** portal (uni-assist.de) for applications to most German universities. Some universities have their own portals. Apply to 4-6 universities to increase your chances.
## Timeline
- **September-November**: Research programs, contact professors
- **October-January**: Application deadlines for winter semester
- **January-April**: Receive decisions
- **April-June**: Apply for DAAD funding, visa
- **October**: Start program
Germany offers an unbeatable combination of world-class education, zero tuition, a thriving economy, and a central European location. Start planning your application today!