Study Scholarships in Germany for Citizens of Arab Countries and the “Third World”: Programmes, Providers, Requirements and Fields of Study
Germany is one of the world’s leading study destinations, known for its high-quality education system, wide range of academic programmes and numerous scholarships available to international students. This article focuses on the scholarships offered in or via Germany – through public institutions and private organisations – for applicants from Arab countries and other developing or so-called “Third World” countries. We outline the main funding bodies, general admission requirements and typical fields of study, and address questions on who pays for travel, whether scholarships must be repaid and whether there is any obligation to work in Germany after graduation.
1. How available are scholarships in Germany for students from Arab countries and the “Third World”?
Public and non-governmental providers
Germany offers a wide range of scholarship schemes for international students through government bodies and charitable organisations, many of which explicitly include developing countries and Arab states.
Variety of funding tracks
Scholarships range from full funding for entire degree programmes (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) to research grants, cultural exchange schemes and partial support for certain rare or high-priority disciplines.
Academic openness
German universities and universities of applied sciences (Universitäten, Fachhochschulen/Hochschulen) actively seek to attract talented international students. This is reflected in a growing number of scholarship schemes targeting applicants from developing regions.
2. Which public bodies and organisations award these scholarships?
2.1 German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) is Germany’s main organisation for funding international students.
It offers a broad spectrum of funding options, including – in limited cases – grants for Bachelor’s programmes, but mainly for Master’s and PhD studies as well as short-term research stays.
DAAD is particularly known for supporting students from developing countries in fields such as sustainable development, engineering, business administration, social sciences and more.
2.2 Other governmental institutions
Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
The BMBF may launch specific projects and scholarships for certain countries or within the framework of bilateral cooperation.
Scholarships from federal states (Länder)
Some German states and cities have their own, often small-scale scholarship schemes, sometimes in cooperation with international partners.
2.3 Political foundations and charitable organisations
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Awards scholarships to high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds and/or with strong socio-political engagement, including candidates from developing countries.
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Focuses on students in areas such as democracy, ecology, sustainable development and human rights.
Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
Supports students in social sciences and politically oriented disciplines.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
A Christian-democratic foundation that funds students from a variety of fields, with an emphasis on future leaders.
2.4 Universities with their own funding schemes
Some universities – both public and private – offer institutional scholarships, for example:
merit-based excellence scholarships (e.g. Hamburg Merit Scholarships),
special funding at technical universities (e.g. TU9) particularly for engineering fields.
3. Which fields and levels of study are covered – Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD?
Bachelor’s programmes
Most scholarship schemes target Master’s and PhD students. However, some organisations (including DAAD in limited schemes and certain universities) also offer support for Bachelor’s degrees, especially in engineering and natural sciences.
Master’s programmes
Master’s scholarships account for a large share of all funding schemes. Many providers prioritise this level as it allows for targeted professional qualification and capacity building.
Doctoral studies (PhD)
PhD candidates often find excellent opportunities, particularly in the natural and technical sciences (chemistry, physics, biology, engineering) as well as in economics and social sciences.
Short courses and vocational training (Ausbildung)
Germany’s dual vocational training system (Ausbildung) is largely German-speaking and usually funded by employers or trainees themselves.
Dedicated full scholarships for international applicants in this area are rare.
Partial support may exist within specific projects, but such cases are exceptions.
4. What are the general requirements for obtaining a scholarship?
Academic performance
Most scholarships require good to excellent grades and a minimum GPA or equivalent level in previous studies or school-leaving qualifications.
Language proficiency
For programmes taught in German, proof of language skills (e.g. TestDaF, DSH) is typically mandatory.
For English-taught programmes, tests such as IELTS or TOEFL are usually required.
Previous experience and engagement
Scholarship providers often look favourably on candidates with:
relevant professional experience,
voluntary or community work,
internships or
publications (especially at Master’s and PhD level).
Fit with target discipline and organisation’s mission
Your chosen field of study should be aligned with the mission or thematic focus of the scholarship provider.
For example, some DAAD programmes expect students to return to their home country after graduation to contribute to national development.
5. Who pays for travel and flight costs? Are scholarships repayable after graduation?
Travel expenses
Rules vary from programme to programme:
Some scholarships cover round-trip flight tickets (at the beginning and end of studies).
Others offer a monthly allowance only, without travel support.
Many DAAD scholarships include a travel allowance on top of the monthly stipend.
Repayment obligations
In most cases, scholarships are grants, not loans. There is usually no requirement to repay the funding after graduation.
However, if a student seriously violates the terms of the scholarship (for instance by dropping out without valid reason), some providers may demand partial repayment.
Staying and working in Germany after graduation
Scholarship providers rarely require students to remain in Germany permanently. In fact, some programmes explicitly encourage or require graduates to return home and use their skills for local development.
Independently of the scholarship, German residence law generally allows non-EU graduates to extend their stay for around 18 months to look for qualified employment – this is a personal choice, not an obligation imposed by the funder.
6. How to apply for these scholarships
Search via official platforms
The DAAD website (www.daad.de) is the most prominent database for filtering scholarships by subject, degree level and country of origin.
University websites list institution-specific funding opportunities and support schemes.
Additional tools such as “My GUIDE” or the DAAD Scholarship Database help narrow down suitable options.
Collecting the required documents
Typical application documents include:
academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated and certified),
language certificates,
a CV (ideally in Europass format),
a motivation letter (statement of purpose),
academic or professional letters of recommendation where requested.
Submitting the application online or by post
Many providers have online application portals.
Pay close attention to deadlines: some scholarship programmes close many months before the academic year starts.
Preparing for interviews
Certain organisations conduct in-person or online interviews to assess motivation, academic potential and personal skills.
7. Frequently asked questions and additional information
Are programmes taught in English or German?
It depends on the discipline and institution:
The number of English-taught Master’s programmes is steadily increasing.
Many traditional programmes, especially at public universities and Fachhochschulen, are still taught mainly in German, and some scholarships require German language skills accordingly.
Are there scholarships for German language preparation in Germany?
Some DAAD and other schemes fund intensive German language courses for admitted scholarship holders to help them prepare linguistically for their degree.
How much is the monthly stipend?
Amounts differ between organisations and programmes:
DAAD Master’s scholarships often range between about €850 and €1,200 per month.
PhD candidates might receive between €1,200 and €1,400 per month.
Exact figures are subject to regular adjustments and can change from year to year.
What about health insurance?
Many German scholarships either include health insurance coverage or provide a specific allowance for it. The exact conditions are set out in the scholarship contract and must be read carefully.
8. Conclusion
Germany offers a wide range of scholarships for students from Arab countries and other developing regions through public institutions like DAAD as well as numerous foundations and universities. Funding is available for various levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) and a broad spectrum of disciplines (engineering, medicine, economics, social sciences, environmental studies and many others).
While admission criteria differ between providers, they usually focus on strong academic performance, sufficient language skills and a clear academic and professional motivation. Many scholarships cover living costs, often including health insurance and sometimes travel expenses – typically without any repayment requirement once studies are completed.
To start your search, you should first define your desired field and degree level, then consult official platforms such as the DAAD website and university pages to check up-to-date calls for applications and eligibility criteria. Preparing complete and accurate application documents and respecting deadlines are key. These scholarships represent an excellent opportunity to benefit from a high-quality academic environment in Germany, gain valuable professional experience and either build a career in Germany or return home to contribute to local development.
Note: Information and conditions may change over time. It is therefore essential to always check the latest details directly on official websites such as DAAD or the relevant funding bodies.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete information cannot be fully excluded. Please treat the content of this article as an initial guide and always consult official authorities or qualified experts for binding and up-to-date information.
