How to Fund your Study or Internship Program in Germany as an International Student

Studying abroad in Germany can be an incredible opportunity and doesn’t have to break the bank! With hundreds of English-taught programs, globally ranked universities, and often tuition-free education, studying in Germany offers world-class academics without the high cost. 

Whether you’re joining a short-term study abroad program or pursuing a full degree in Germany, this guide breaks down the various ways to fund your experience as an international student.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the most comprehensive scholarship organizations in the world. Each year, DAAD funds tens of thousands of students from around the globe, including many from the United States!

Whether you’re planning to embark on a spring academic semester, short-term research stint, internship, or a full degree in Germany, DAAD is the ultimate place to start your research.

DAAD scholarships can vary depending on the program, but most commonly include:

• Monthly stipend to help with living expenses 
• Reimbursements for air travel to and from Germany
• Study allowance to be used on tuition fees, materials, books, etc.

Some programs may also offer support for accompanying family members or additional funding for research costs.

DAAD scholarships are open to students from nearly all countries, including the United States. While eligibility varies by program, most DAAD funding will require a strong academic background and a clear study or research plan. German language skills aren’t always necessary, especially for English-taught programs.

Applying for DAAD funding is straightforward if you plan ahead! Here's a quick overview of the process:

1. Search the DAAD Scholarship Database: Browse opportunities by degree level, field, and program type.
2. Prepare your materials: You’ll likely need a motivation letter, transcripts, CV, proof of language skills (if the program is in German)
3. Stay on top of deadlines: Most DAAD applications open 6-12 months before the program starts.
4. Apply via the online portal: You’ll apply directly online through DAAD’s official portal.

Pro tip: DAAD is highly competitive, so start early, get strong letters of recommendation, and make sure your motivation letter clearly explains why you want to pursue your education in Germany specifically and why you should be selected.

Getting financial aid to study in Germany might already be right at your fingertips! 

Many U.S. students don’t realize they can use federal student aid for study abroad in eligible programs. If you’re attending a program approved by your home institution or a direct-enroll partner university in Germany, you may be able to apply your existing FAFSA package toward your international education.

FAFSA can help you access different types of federal aid, which may cover the following:

• Pell grants (if eligible)
• Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans ($5,500 to $20,500 USD)
• PLUS Loans for graduate students or parents
• Tuition, housing, books, travel, and other approved costs

You must be a US citizen or eligible noncitizen demonstrating financial need. You’ll also need to be enrolled in a program approved by your U.S. home institution. 

However, if you are seeking a full degree in Germany, you’ll need to confirm that the foreign university participates in the U.S. federal student loan program. 

To apply for federal student aid to study abroad, simply fill out the FAFSA form!

Dreaming of pursuing a fully funded study or research program in Germany? The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is one of the most prestigious and generous opportunities for Americans to live, learn, and make an impact abroad.

The Fulbright Program offers fully funded grants that typically include:

• Round-trip airfare
• Monthly living stipend (varies by country; in Germany, usually ~$1,200–$1,500 USD)
• Health insurance
• Tuition waiver or stipend
• Research or study project expenses
• Language training or enrichment activities

The Fullbright program is open to U.S. citizens with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent by the start of the grant. It’s for students who want to conduct independent research, pursue graduate study, or serve as an English teaching assistant.

Applying to Fulbright is competitive but rewarding — and planning ahead is essential. Here’s how to get started:

1. Explore Fulbright opportunities: Visit the Fulbright U.S. Student Program site to learn about open awards and eligibility.
2. Prepare your application materials: You’ll need a strong research or study proposal, personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a language evaluation (if required).
3. Follow the application timeline: Most Fulbright applications are due in early fall (typically September), nearly a year before departure.
4. Apply through your U.S. institution: Students currently enrolled in U.S. universities typically apply through their campus Fulbright Program Advisor.

The Gilman Scholarship, funded by the U.S. State Department, is designed to support underrepresented students with financial need who want to study or intern abroad.

The Gilman Scholarship provides flexible funding support, which may include:

• Awards up to $5,000
• An additional $3,000 for students studying a critical need language
• Coverage for tuition, room and board, flights, insurance, and passport and visa fees

Undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens and already receiving a Pell grant are eligible for the Gilman Scholarship.

Since Gilman is a very specific, competitive scholarship, it’s essential that you do your research before applying. Follow these steps to get started on your application:

1. Review the requirements: Visit the Gilman Scholarship website for eligibility criteria.
2. Submit your materials: You’ll need to submit three essays and proof of application or acceptance to a credit-bearing program.
3. Keep an eye on the application window: Deadlines are typically March and October. Make sure you apply during the window that correlates with your program or internship’s start date.

Did you know there’s a Gilman–DAAD Germany Scholarship that builds on the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship? 

This special partnership grants up to 40 additional awards annually to the U.S. Pell Grant–eligible undergraduate students for study or internship experiences in Germany, offering up to $5,000 in funding toward tuition, housing, travel, and related costs. 

If you’re studying or interning through a provider, chances are they have scholarships and financial aid too! 

Many third-party study abroad organizations offer their own scholarships, grants, and need-based aid. Some even automatically consider you for funding when you apply to a program.

Examples of providers offering scholarships for programs in Germany:

• CIEE: Millions in grants and scholarships are awarded to students annually.
• AIFS Abroad: Over 50% of students studying or interning with AIFS Abroad receive financial support.
• IES Abroad: Offers financial aid and custom scholarships (diversity, first-gen, etc.).

Try to apply early! Keep in mind, many of these programs operate on a rolling basis and funds are limited.

Read more: 50+ Scholarships & Grants for Study Abroad

While the scholarships and grants we covered are a good start, they aren’t the only ways to fund your study or research program in Germany! 

Here are a few more options to explore:

• Apply for tuition-free programs: Most German public universities charge no tuition — this is a form of financial aid in itself!
• Search for national or regional scholarships: Depending on your home country, there may be government or found-ation based grants available. 
• Look for university-specific scholarships: Some German universities offer merit scholarships for international students (e.g., Friedrich Schiller University, TU Munich).

Combine scholarships with part-time work: As an international student, you can legally work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Many students offset costs this way!
 

Many students fund their study abroad experience in Germany through a mix of scholarships, financial aid, and personal budgeting strategies. The key is to start your research early, ideally 6–12 months in advance, and apply to multiple sources.

Our pro tip? Explore DAAD, ask your university about financial aid eligibility, and look beyond big-name scholarships to find niche opportunities that suit your background and goals.

Read More:

• How to Study in Germany for Free as an International Student
• How to Study Abroad in Germany on a Budget