Suppose you are interested in securing a Scholarship In Germany to study the desired course; this post is specifically for you.
In this post, I will address the available scholarships in Germany, detailing their pros and cons.
Scholarships! are among the best things that could ever happen to students, helping those who can’t afford an education and giving them an opportunity in life.
It is essential to state that, though many scholarships are awarded to students worldwide by institutions/ Organisations such as Governmental and Non-Governmental Institutions, there are just so many applicants. As a result, very few candidates get to secure scholarships/grants.
Scholarships are a tremendous help to students and parents. Unlike loans, Scholarships are awarded to students to help them with tuition and accommodation; they give students opportunities to access education.
Interested candidates are always advised to ensure they meet the requirements to avoid disqualification/disappointment.
Proceed to the post to find out more information about scholarships in Germany.
Table of Contents
Job Description
Scholarships in Germany requirements aren’t too difficult to meet. Germany is an ideal destination for international students, and it is one of the best places to acquire an education; It offers some of the best conditions to pursue a degree and enjoy an authentic German experience.
There are many reasons why Germany is a go-to destination for international students, starting with the fact that it is affordable for most people. Compared to other study destinations outside of Europe, living in Germany as a student comes at a lower cost.
And it has been estimated that the living costs in Germany are around €853 per month. Since this can be a challenge for some students, some programs offer students the opportunity to apply for financial support through a scholarship.
A scholarship allows the student to consider a more selective program, reduces the risk of dropping out, and often offers opportunities to expand their academic experience through internships or study abroad programs.
Unlike student loans, scholarships do not have to be repaid. Hundreds of thousands of scholarships and fellowships from several thousand sponsors are awarded yearly. Generally, scholarships and fellowships are reserved for students with special qualifications, such as academic, athletic, or artistic talent.
Available Scholarships In Germany
Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdoctoral and experienced researchers
The Humboldt Research Fellowship for researchers of all nationalities and research areas: We support you – postdoctoral and professional researchers – with your research in Germany.
Through the Humboldt Research Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe.
As a fellow, you will benefit from individual support from the Humboldt Foundation and our diverse sponsorship portfolio. Looking ahead to the upcoming meetings of the selection committee, we expect that 20 – 25% of the applications received will be approved.
- Programme information for postdocs (PDF, 131 KB)
- Program information for experienced researchers (PDF, 122 KB)
- Information for hosts
- Information for expert reviewers
- Information for independent peer reviewers
- Recently selected fellows
Scholarship Offer
The Humboldt Research Fellowship enables you to conduct your research at various stages of your career in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of your choice. Hosts may apply for a subsidy towards research costs.
- Information on sponsorship during the research stay
- Information on support for alums abroad
Postdocs
Benefit from research sponsorship in Germany at the beginning of your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers enables you to conduct research in Germany. The monthly fellowship amount is €2,670. Fellowships may last from 6 to 24 months.
Experienced researchers
You can still apply for research sponsorship in Germany even if you are already well advanced in your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers enables you to conduct research in Germany.
The fellowship amount is €3,170. Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into three stays within three years.
General conditions
In addition to the fellowship amount, you will also receive personal support throughout your sponsorship. You are flexible in determining when you would like to start your fellowship. Before your research fellowship, you and your marital partner can attend an intensive language course.
Further financial support is also available, including family benefits for children and married partners, subsidies for private full health insurance, and allowances for travel expenses.
Alumni programs
We stay in contact even after your research stay has come to an end. Our alum sponsorship measures flexibly support every Humboldtian’s life journey in their careers and future research collaborations. A return fellowship or later visits to Germany are also possible.
It would help if you met the following criteria.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship addresses postdoctoral researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe – regardless of their field.
Postdocs
Did you complete your doctorate – or equivalent academic qualification – during the last four years? Or are you within six months of completing your doctorate and can already provide a written summary of your findings?
Have you been published in academic journals and by publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards? If so, and if you fulfil the criteria under the “What is required of you” section, apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers.
Experienced researchers
Did you complete your doctorate – or equivalent academic qualification – during the last twelve years? Is your academic profile substantiated by an extensive list of publications in academic journals and by publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards?
If so, and if you fulfil the criteria under the “What is required of you” section, apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers. Suppose a doctorate in your field or country of origin is not possible or uncommon.
In that case, you can still apply up to 16 years after completing your master’s or other postgraduate degree provided that you have a publication record commensurate with your career level.
What is required of you?
You must meet the following criteria to apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship successfully.
- Nationality
- Stay
- Confirmation that research facilities are available/host’s statement
- Expert reviews
- Language skills
Is the Humboldt Research Fellowship not the most suitable fellowship for you? It will help if you abode by the rules of good scientific practice (PDF) and the principles of scientific ethics. You may not apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship if you have already received sponsorship from the Humboldt Foundation. In such cases, our alum programs are open to you. Use our Programme Search to find the support that fits your career, or contact us for individual advice.
- Program Search
- Individual advice
Required Documents
Note that you may only submit your application once you have uploaded the following documents in the application form:
- Curriculum vitae (two pages max)
- Research outline ( five pages max)
- Complete list of your publications (cf. sample list, PDF)
- List of selected vital publications (cf. sample list, PDF)
- Key publications
- Doctoral certificate or proof that your doctorate has been completed successfully, or confirmation that this will be the case within the next six months
- German language certificate, if required.
- If required: publisher’s acceptance notifications and acknowledgement of receipt and summaries/translations of critical publications unavailable in German or English.
- In addition: the host’s statement, confirmation that research facilities are available, and two expert reviews. Please note that these documents can only be uploaded personally in a protected area by the host(s) and expert reviewers. You can only submit your application once these documents have been uploaded. Further information and explanations can be found on the application form.
Once we have received your online application, we will send you written confirmation by email. After reviewing your documents, we will notify you of the expected selection date.
Deadlines
The Selection Committee responsible for reviewing applications to this program meets every March, July, and November. Please send your completed application form before the desired selection date, including any additional documents required.
Applications are usually processed within four to eight months. Incomplete or inaccurate applications take longer to process and often have to be postponed to a later Selection Committee meeting. For More Information, Click Here
How to apply
If yPleasemit the necessary documents to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation online.