SponsorMoveFully funded scholarships in Germany 2026
DAAD's EPOS and Helmut Schmidt programmes, foundation grants — and why Germany's near-zero tuition changes the whole funding equation.
DAAD's EPOS and Helmut Schmidt programmes, foundation grants — and why Germany's near-zero tuition changes the whole funding equation.
Germany plays by different rules from almost every other study destination. Public universities in most German states charge no tuition for consecutive master's programs — only a small semester contribution — which means "fully funded" in Germany often means funding your living costs rather than fighting a $50,000 tuition bill. On top of that, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) runs some of the most generous postgraduate scholarships in the world, and Germany's political foundations fund international master's and PhD students with real monthly stipends.
This guide explains the three verified German programs in our directory — DAAD EPOS, the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme, and the Heinrich Böll Foundation Grants — plus how the low-tuition reality should shape your strategy. Compare all German awards on the scholarships directory.
The DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) program funds master's and PhD study for professionals from developing and emerging countries on a curated list of postgraduate courses at German universities. It is fully funded: monthly payments, travel allowance, health insurance, and study subsidies are part of the standard package.
Two things applicants get wrong: you do not apply to "DAAD EPOS" in the abstract — you apply directly to the German university offering your chosen EPOS course, from the official course list. And EPOS targets working professionals: you generally need a bachelor's degree plus at least two years of relevant professional experience. Your application should read like a development professional's career plan — the panel wants to see what you will do with the degree back home or in international development work.
Deadlines vary by course and are published in the official DAAD EPOS course list; most fall between August and October each year (for example, 15 October 2026 for 2027 intake). Pick your courses first, then build your calendar around the earliest deadline.
The DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance) funds master's degrees in public policy, governance, law, economics, and administration for graduates from developing and emerging countries aiming for leadership in politics, administration, or civil society. Like EPOS, it is fully funded, with monthly stipend, travel, and insurance support.
The window is fixed and predictable: 1 June to 31 July each year for study starting the following September or October. Applications go to the participating university, not to DAAD directly — a detail that trips up first-time applicants every year. Selectors look for demonstrated civic engagement: student government, NGO work, community organizing. If your CV shows you already act like a public leader, say so explicitly.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Grants support international master's and PhD students studying in Germany. One honest flag: this is partial funding, not fully funded — but combined with Germany's near-zero tuition it can cover most of a student's costs, which is why it belongs in any Germany funding plan.
The foundation is aligned with green political values, so your application should show genuine engagement with ecology, sustainability, democracy, or human rights — not just good grades. There are two rounds per year: the portal closes on 1 March (master's and PhD) and 1 September (PhD only), opening about six weeks before each deadline. Master's applicants effectively have one shot per year — start the application in January.
Here is the part that makes Germany unique. Public universities in most German states charge no tuition fees for consecutive master's programs — you pay only a semester contribution (usually a few hundred euros) that typically includes public transport. So a "partial" German scholarship plus a part-time student job can fund a degree that would cost six figures in the US or UK.
This changes your strategy. Even if you miss the DAAD deadlines, a German master's remains affordable to self-fund — you cover living costs of roughly €850–€1,000 per month, not tuition. And since the financial barrier is lower, competition is about academic fit, where a strong DAAD application doubles as a strong university application.
One caveat: a handful of states, some non-consecutive programs, and private universities do charge tuition. Check the specific program's fee page — "studying in Germany is free" is true often enough to be useful and false often enough to verify.
Because the three programs run on independent calendars, you can apply to all of them in one year. See our scholarship deadlines calendar and fully funded masters guide for every deadline side by side.
At public universities in most German states, consecutive master's programs charge no tuition — only a semester contribution of a few hundred euros. Some states, non-consecutive programs, and private universities do charge fees, so check the specific program. Fully funded scholarships like DAAD EPOS then cover your living costs on top.
There is no single EPOS deadline — each course in the official DAAD course list sets its own, most falling between August and October each year. You apply directly to the German university offering the course.
Not necessarily — many EPOS and Helmut Schmidt courses are taught entirely in English. That said, basic German massively improves daily life, part-time job options, and post-study prospects — start learning before you arrive.
Yes — they are independent, with separate applications and calendars. Be honest in each about other funding you hold or seek, and check each program's rules on combining awards if you win more than one.
Filter 70 verified scholarships by country, degree level and funding — every card links to the official page.