I’m international and thinking about studying in Germany. Are there any scholarships for non-German students? Who provides them, and how early should I start the application process?
Yes, there are several scholarship opportunities in Germany for international students. Here are a few examples:
1. DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has a broad range of research grants and scholarships for various level students from undergraduates to PhDs.
2. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships: This foundation grants scholarships to undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students of all subjects and nationalities who are pursuing their degree at German universities.
3. KAAD Scholarships: These are for international students from developing countries (in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America) who are already living in Germany.
When it comes to when you should start the application process, it often depends on the scholarship itself. However, it's a good rule of thumb to begin researching and applying for scholarships at least a year before you intend to start studying. This is because the application document preparation could be time-consuming and you want to have ample time to create the most persuasive application possible. Some of the scholarships have two application cycles per year so please be sure to check their respective deadlines on the official websites.
Additionally, many German universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, so it would be beneficial to research funding opportunities offered by the specific universities you are interested in. It's also worth noting that tuition fees in Germany are significantly lower than in many other countries which could make your studies more affordable.
I would suggest you to pay attention to the eligibility criteria and requirements (like German language proficiency, if required) for each scholarship. You should also keep your grades in good standing as many scholarships consider academic performance as a crucial factor. Good luck with your scholarship search and application process!
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