Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship) 2026: Deadline, Eligibility, Benefits

The Deutschlandstipendium is Germany's national merit scholarship, funded jointly by the federal government and private sponsors such as companies, foundations and individual donors. It is open to students of all nationalities enrolled, or about to enrol, at a German public or state-recognised university. Selection is made by the university itself, not by the federal government, and looks at academic achievement together with factors such as social engagement, family circumstances, migration background or having overcome a difficult personal situation. The scholarship pays EUR 300 a month, made up of EUR 150 from the federal budget matched by EUR 150 from a private sponsor, for at least two semesters and often longer if performance stays strong and funding continues. It does not depend on parental income. Because each of the roughly 300 participating universities runs its own competition, application portals, required documents and deadlines differ from one institution to the next; most open their application window during the summer semester for a start in the following winter semester. Applicants should check their specific university's scholarship office page for the current dates before applying.