The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a fully funded PhD scholarship worth €1,200 per month to international students, including migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, who wish to pursue their PhD studies at top universities in Germany.
Who Qualifies
To qualify for fully funded PhD programs in Germany, applicants must hold a master's degree in a relevant field and meet the required language proficiency. Visa categories include student visas, job seeker visas, and family reunification visas. International students, including migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, are eligible to apply.
Scholarships
DAAD Scholarship
* Amount: €1,200 per month
* Eligibility: International students with a master's degree
* Deadline: varies
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
* Amount: €1,200 per month
* Eligibility: International students with a master's degree
* Deadline: July 15th
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
* Amount: €1,200 per month
* Eligibility: International students with a master's degree
* Deadline: September 1st
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship
* Amount: €1,200 per month
* Eligibility: International students with a master's degree
* Deadline: November 30th
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) Helmut-Schmidt-Programme
* Amount: €1,200 per month
* Eligibility: International students with a master's degree
* Deadline: July 31st
Application Steps
- Choose a PhD program at a top university in Germany
- Check the eligibility criteria and required documents
- Submit an online application
- Take language proficiency tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL
- Get a letter of acceptance from a German university
- Apply for a student visa
- Fill out the scholarship application form
- Submit all required documents before the deadline
Documents Checklist
* Master's degree certificate
* Transcript of records
* Language proficiency certificate
* Letter of motivation
* Letter of recommendation
* Proof of financial resources
* Health insurance certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the language of instruction in German universities?
- Can I work part-time while studying in Germany?
- Do I need to take a language proficiency test?
- How can I apply for a student visa?
- What is the cost of living in Germany?
- Can I bring my family to Germany?
- How long does it take to process a student visa?
- What kind of health insurance do I need?
External Authority Links
* German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
* Federal Ministry of Education and Research
For more information on fully funded scholarships, PhD scholarships, scholarships for refugees, and DAAD scholarships, visit our website. You can also check scholarship deadlines and Canada scholarships for more opportunities. Check our blog for more information on Germany scholarships.
Related Guides
* How to Apply for a Student Visa in Germany
* Top Universities in Germany for International Students
* Fully Funded Master's Programs in Germany
* Scholarships for Migrants and Refugees at https://migrantscholar.com/blog
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Last Reviewed: 26 July 2026