Scholarships for Natural Scientists in Germany
Updated on May 12, 2025.
A scholarship offers you the opportunity to fully concentrate on your studies – without the constant worry of ending up with empty pockets at the end of the month. But a scholarship can be beneficial not only during your studies : support is also worthwhile for doctoral studies, which often includes not only financial support but also enables laboratory visits and personal mentoring.
By the way: Contrary to popular belief that you need a 1.0 grade point average to receive a scholarship, other factors are also crucial. These include, for example, social engagement, political interest, or regional origin. Letters of motivation and recommendation can also be crucial. Go for it and apply! Here are the top 10 scholarships for science programs.
Scholarships for Studies
Deutschlandstipendium
The Deutschlandstipendium is the German federal government's non-income scholarship. It particularly supports high-performing students, but marital status, caring for relatives, or a migration background can also be grounds for funding.
Financial support:
- 300€/month for 12 months
Application deadline: varies depending on the university
Info about Deutschlandstipendium
MTU Studien-Stiftung
The foundation supports women from all STEM subjects during their studies, assisting them in their personal development and building a network.
- Financial support: Funding upto 2 years; amount not known
- Mentoring, participation in foundation days
- Application deadline: April
More info about MTU Studien-Stiftung
FundaMINT
This project has ended and the scholarship is no longer functional. The ninth and final FundaMINT class commenced in October, 2021.
The Deutsche Telekom Foundation supports student teachers pursuing a STEM subject in their undergraduate or master's program. In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients can participate in workshops designed to develop important skills for working in schools. Students must have five more semesters remaining at the time of application.
- Financial support: 735€/month for 4 semesters, 130€/month material costs budget
- Workshops
Deutsche Universitätsstiftung
The focus of the German University Foundation's funding is on providing one-on-one support to scholarship recipients. The TANDEM program is aimed at first-generation students from families with little or no experience of higher education. Eligibility for funding requires a good high school diploma and volunteer work. The scholarship is paid for the entire duration of the undergraduate degree (standard period of study + two semesters).
- Financial support: 1,200€/year book allowance, 1,000€/year for the purchase of digital technology
- Workshops, individual coaching, participation in a summer school in the USA possible
- Application deadline: September 1, 2025
More info about Deutschen Universitätsstiftung
Scholarships for Studies and Doctoral Studies
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is closely aligned with the Alliance 90/The Greens party. Scholarship recipients should therefore align with the foundation's core values and be politically interested. Excellent academic performance and social commitment are also among the requirements for funding. Funding is dependent on parental income. Please note: Online applications only; written proof of German language proficiency (Minimum requirement: „Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang“ Level DSH 2 or „TestDaF“ Level B2) necessary.
- Study: max. 752€/month, additional study allowance and family allowance possible
- Doctorate: 1,350€/month, additional research allowance and family allowance possible
More info about Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
The foundation is closely aligned with the SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany) and advocates for equitable access to education. Therefore, it primarily supports students from families with a low university background and those with a migration background. Applicants should demonstrate social and political commitment and above-average academic achievement. The basic scholarship is dependent on parental support, while the doctoral scholarship is income-dependent. Very good German skills required.
- Study: max. 934€/month, additional study allowance and family allowance possible
- Doctorate: 1,200€/month, additional research allowance and family allowance possible (family allowance up to 276 euros)
More info about Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Scholarship for Master's Students & Doctoral Candidates
Evonik Stiftung
The Evonik Foundation selects a new funding priority each year. The research topic of the master's thesis or doctoral thesis must fit this priority. Excellent academic performance and social commitment are also required. Furthermore, the research must be conducted in a renowned, chemistry-oriented research group.
- Financial Support:
- Promotion: two years (option to extend for one year), 1,850 euros/month
- Diploma and Master's theses: six months, 250–600 euros/month
- Application deadline: 15 February
More info about Evonik Stiftung
Scholarships for Doctoral Studies
Boehringer Ingelheim Fund
The fund supports doctoral candidates in basic biomedical research. At the time of application, candidates should have been working on their doctorate for a maximum of six months. Furthermore, their first degree must have been obtained no more than four years ago.
- Financial support: approx. 1,650€/month for 2 years
- Laboratory stays, participation in further training courses
- Application deadline: Feb 1, June 1, October 1
More info about Boehringer Ingelheim Fund
Chemical Industry Fund
Doctoral candidates with outstanding academic achievements are eligible to apply for this scholarship. The prerequisite is that they must complete their degree within 10 semesters. Applications for funding must be submitted no later than four months after beginning their doctoral thesis.
- Financial support
- approx 1,850 euros/month for 2 years
- Material cost subsidy and relocation allowance possible
- Application deadline: 1 March, 1 July, 1 November
More about the Chemical Industry Fund
For Women in Science
The German Commission for UNESCO and the L'Oréal Group Germany support outstanding female doctoral and postdoctoral students with children. The support is not intended to cover living expenses, but rather to provide relief from household and childcare responsibilities.
Four selected candidates each receive an endowment of 25,000 euros. The application deadline is March 10.
More info about For Women in Science
Find something you like? No matter which scholarship you're interested in, it's best to start your search early. This way, you'll have enough time to prepare your application and avoid mistakes.
Good grades are important for a scholarship. Check out Studydrive.
Here you'll find plenty of free study materials, exercise sheets, past exam solutions, and the opportunity to exchange ideas with other students.