Study in Germany: scholarships, admission, visa and costs
Use one connected Germany plan for funding, university admission, deadlines, visa evidence and the first-year budget—then verify each decision with the current official source.
Compare the route, funding and practical next steps together.
The short answer
Germany study planning has five connected decisions: the funding route, university application owner, course deadline, visa evidence and realistic first-year budget.
Next step: Choose the task blocking you now, then follow that focused guide and save its official source for your degree and applicant category.
On this page: jump to your answer
Choose your Germany planning step
Start with the decision blocking your application. Each route below leads to a focused guide with official sources, practical checks and the next connected task.
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to compare all columns.
Germany study, funding and visa planning routes
Need
What the page helps you decide
Evidence to verify
Next step
Funding
Which DAAD, university, foundation or research route fits
1 official-source records match this topic. Check category and applicant conditions before applying.
Filter opportunities
1 match
Results show possible programme routes, not confirmed personal eligibility. Check nationality, subject, category and current intake on the official call. Status follows dated records; an undated call needs a fresh check.
ScholarshipCheck official site
DAAD
DAAD EPOS Scholarships 2027–2028
Development-related postgraduate funding for graduates from eligible countries, generally requiring at least two years of professional experience.
Destination
Germany
Deadline
Varies by selected postgraduate course
Fully fundedMaster's / PhD
Check category, nationality and programme eligibility. Funding labels do not confirm that every personal cost is covered.
Tuition-free is not cost-free
Many public institutions charge low or no tuition for selected programmes, yet students still need to plan for semester contributions, housing, insurance, travel and visa proof of funds. Some states or programmes charge tuition to non-EU students.
DAAD's database is the best starting point for its current programmes. EPOS is aimed at applicants from eligible countries and generally expects relevant professional experience.
Check the exact programme language
Use the official DAAD scholarship database
Confirm APS or document-verification rules where relevant
Compare city-level living costs
Review work-experience requirements carefully
How to research a German programme
Check the university's programme page for language, subject prerequisites, application route and semester dates. Some applications go directly to the university, while others use uni-assist or another stated process. Follow the exact programme instructions.
For DAAD EPOS, applicants normally apply to an eligible postgraduate course and must meet course-specific deadlines. The programme is aimed at applicants from eligible developing and newly industrialised countries and generally expects at least two years of relevant professional experience.
Plan documents and visa evidence
Allow time for certified copies, translations and any country-specific academic verification. A scholarship decision does not remove the need to meet university admission and German immigration requirements.
Build a Germany application sequence
First confirm that your previous degree meets the programme's academic prerequisites. Next identify whether admission uses the university, uni-assist or another route. Then check whether the scholarship application is combined or separate.
For research degrees, read the department and supervisor process before sending a proposal. Use official DAAD and university pages for the current intake rather than copying an older checklist.
Official sources and verification
Source records support the guide. Page update dates describe editorial changes; they do not mean every linked rule was checked again today. Reopen the current call for your programme and intake.
Is studying in Germany free for every international student?+
No. Tuition and fees depend on the state, institution and programme, and living costs still apply. Confirm the current fee schedule for the exact course.
Where do I apply for DAAD EPOS?+
Applications are normally submitted to the selected eligible postgraduate course according to its instructions, not through one universal DAAD application. Check the current DAAD listing and course deadline.
Is studying in Germany completely free for international students?+
Not always. Tuition policy varies by institution and programme, and students still need to plan semester contributions, insurance, housing, food, travel and other costs.
Does every DAAD scholarship require work experience?+
No. Requirements differ by programme. DAAD EPOS generally targets development-related postgraduate courses and relevant professional experience, but other awards use different rules.
