The Deutschlandstipendium is one of Germany’s best-known merit-based scholarships. It provides €300 per month for high-achieving students from all backgrounds. Half of the funding comes from the German government, and the other half from private sponsors such as companies, foundations, or alumni. This guide explains who is eligible, how the application process works, and how to prepare a strong, competitive application.
What Is the Deutschlandstipendium?
The scholarship supports talented students regardless of nationality, age, or financial background.
It is awarded for one academic year (two semesters) and can be renewed if academic performance remains strong.
You can receive it even if you don’t have financial need, as selection is primarily merit-based.
For Master Applicants
You typically need:
• a recognized Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• transcripts showing required modules
• minimum GPA (varies, commonly 2.5 German scale or better)
• proof that your previous degree matches entry requirements
Important:
Many German Master’s programs are strict about subject relevance.
If your major does not match, your application may be rejected even with good grades.
Who Is Eligible?
The scholarship is open to:
• Bachelor’s students
• Master’s students
• first-year and higher-semester students
• international students
Eligibility is based on:
• academic excellence
• motivation and commitment
• social or family circumstances (sometimes considered)
Universities manage their own applications, deadlines, and evaluation procedures.
What the Scholarship Provides
What the Scholarship Provides
• €300 per month, paid directly to your bank account
• awarded for 12 months (renewable)
• does not affect BAföG eligibility
• can be combined with many other funding sources
• access to networking events, mentoring, and company partnerships
Total funding: €3,600 per year
Application Requirements
Although each university has its own rules, most applications require:
• academic transcripts
• CV (Lebenslauf)
• motivation letter
• proof of achievements (certificates, awards, internships)
• extracurricular involvement
• voluntary or social service activities
Some universities may also ask for:
• recommendation letters
• language certificates
• personal statement on challenges or hardships
How Selection Committees Evaluate Candidates
Universities use a holistic process.
Selection is based on:
1) Academic Performance
• high grades
• consistent improvement
• strong subject knowledge
2) Motivation
• clear study goals
• interest in your field
• future career plans
3) Engagement & Responsibility
Committees highly value:
• volunteering
• social work
• leadership roles
• mentoring younger students
• participation in student organizations
4) Personal Circumstances (Optional Factor)
Some universities consider:
• being first-generation in higher education
• caring for family members
• health challenges
• financial difficulty
How to Prepare a Strong Application
1) Write a Powerful Motivation Letter
Your letter should:
• explain why you deserve the scholarship
• highlight academic achievements
• connect your experience to your study goals
• show motivation, discipline, and future potential
Keep it structured and personal, not generic.
2) Showcase Achievements Clearly
Provide certificates for:
• academic awards
• competition results
• publications
• internships
• language exams
3) Emphasize Engagement
Universities care about your contribution to society:
• volunteering
• community involvement
• tutoring/mentoring
• participation in clubs or cultural groups
4) Prepare a Professional CV
Include:
• education
• achievements
• extracurricular activities
• skills
• relevant projects
5) Respect Deadlines
Deadlines differ by university but usually fall between April and June.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• sending a generic motivation letter
• exaggerating achievements
• poor grammar or formatting
• missing documents
• ignoring extracurricular involvement
• applying without understanding the university’s criteria
• writing overly emotional personal stories
After You Apply: What Happens Next?
Typical process:
1. online application submission
2. document review
3. selection committee evaluation
4. acceptance or rejection notice
5. signing the scholarship agreement
6. attending the award ceremony (optional but recommended)
If selected, payments begin at the start of the academic year.
Summary
The Deutschlandstipendium offers €300 per month to support academically strong and motivated students. To maximize your chances:
• maintain excellent grades
• prepare a strong motivation letter
• highlight volunteer work and extracurricular involvement
• submit all documents correctly
• respect deadlines
With careful preparation, this scholarship can significantly support your studies and connect you with valuable professional networks.