Pursuing a Masters degree at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is a dream for many international students. However, financing your education can be a significant challenge.
Don’t worry—KIT provides various scholarships for international students to make your dream of studying in Germany a reality. Let’s explore some of the best funding opportunities available for Master’s students at KIT in 2025.
1. Michael Longmire Graduation Grant of IStO at KIT
Awarded by: International Students Office (IStO) at KIT, funded by the STIBET I Program of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Internationalization Funds Program of the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research, and the Arts (MWK).
Eligibility Criteria: If you are an international student enrolled at KIT and registered for your graduation thesis, and you are facing unforeseen, temporary financial distress, you may be eligible for assistance. To qualify, you must demonstrate good academic performance (at least a 2.5 GPA), have either a part-time job or provide an explanation for your inability to work, and be in the final stage of your studies.
Amount: At least €250 per month, for up to 6 months.
Application Deadline: February 1, April 1, June 1, September 1, and October 15 (2025).
Apply through: https://www.intl.kit.edu/istudies/12592.php https://www.intl.kit.edu/download/Antrag_auf_Abschlussbeihilfe_Ver-%2023.02.2021.pdf
2. KIT Scholarship Fund
Awarded by: KIT Fund
Eligibility Criteria: Talented health professionals from low-income countries; admitted to a Master’s programme at KIT.
Amount: Partial or full scholarships depending on available funding.
Application Deadline: Varies; Check the KIT Fund page for updates.
Apply through: https://www.kit.nl/fund/kit-scholarship-fund/scholarship-opportunities-from-kit-fund/
3. Deutschlandstipendium
Awarded by: The Deutschlandstipendium is funded half by private sponsors (companies, private individuals, foundations, and associations) and half by the German federal government.
Eligibility Criteria: You can apply for this scholarship if you’re a student of any nationality, whether you’re currently enrolled or a prospective student. The scholarship supports individuals with strong academic records who are likely to excel in their studies. Selection is based on academic achievements, social commitment (e.g., involvement in clubs, university politics, or social causes), care giving responsibilities, and overcoming personal challenges related to family or cultural background.
Amount: The scholarship provides €300 per month for one year.1 The scholarship is not means-tested or dependent on parental income. It also does not affect BAFöG entitlement.
Apply through: https://www.irm.kit.edu/deutschlandstipendium.php
4. Baden-Württemberg-Scholarship for Overseas-Incomings
Awarded by: KIT
Eligibility Criteria: Students from overseas partner universities; nominated by the home university’s International Office.
Application Deadline: Contact your home university for details.
Apply through: https://www.intl.kit.edu/istudies/8372.php
5. DAAD-Scholarship
Awarded by: DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
Eligibility Criteria: Exchange students from certain countries; Check the DAAD online database for eligibility.
Amount: Varies.
Application Deadline: Varies; Check the DAAD website and your home university
Apply through: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/de/21148-stipendiendatenbank/
Other Fundings!
6. Avicenna-Studienwerk
Offers funding for both students and those pursuing doctorates. The deadlines are 01.04 (for funding beginning in the following winter semester) and 01.10 (for funding beginning in the following summer semester).
Apply through: https://www.avicenna-studienwerk.de/bewerbungstraining-in-koeln/
7. Cusanuswerk- Bischöfliche Studienförderung
The deadline for self-applications and proposals is July 1st. The deadline for first-semester university applications is May.
Apply through: http://www.cusanuswerk.de/
8. Evangelische Studienwerk e.V
This foundation has two application periods. For admission in the following winter semester, the application period is 01.10-15.01. For the following summer semester, the application period is 01.04-15.07. Students can only apply up to the completion of their third subject-related semester.
Apply through: https://www.evstudienwerk.de/
9. Klaus Murmann Student Support Fund
The application deadline for student funding is 01.01, and the deadline for doctoral funding is 02.08.
Apply through: https://www.sdw.org/das-bieten-wir/studierende-berufstaetige/studienfoerderwerk-klaus-murmann/ueberblick.html
10. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
For basic funding for Germans and educational residents, students applying before or at the beginning of their first university semester should apply by 31.10 for the winter semester and 30.04 for the summer semester. There is no deadline for doctoral funding. Other deadlines may apply.
Apply through: http://www.fes.de/
11. Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung
The application deadlines are 30.04 and 31.10.
Apply through: http://www.freiheit.org/Stipendien/175c9/index.html
12. Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung
The deadline for students at universities and universities of applied sciences (HAW) is 31.05/30.11. The deadline for the Journalistic Support Programme for Scholarship Holders (JFS) for students at universities and colleges and doctoral students is 15.01/15.07.
Apply through: http://www.hss.de/stipendium.html
13. Hans-Böckler-Stiftung
The deadline for applications through the trade union procedure is 01.09 for the summer semester of the following year and 01.02 for the winter semester. The deadline for the Böckler Action Education is 30.04 for the coming winter semester and 31.10 for the coming summer semester. The deadlines for the supplementary selection procedure are 01.02 and 01.09.
Apply through: http://www.boeckler.de/
14. Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
The deadline for German applicants is 01.03-01.09, and the deadline for foreign applicants is 01.03.
Apply through: https://www.boell.de/de
15. Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung
The deadline is 15.01 for the summer semester and 15.07 for the winter semester.
Apply through: https://www.kas.de/wf/de/42.34/
16. Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
Awarded by: Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
Eligibility Criteria:
- International students with a focus on social justice and sustainability.
Amount: Fully funded scholarships.
For funding beginning 01.10 of the same year, the deadline is 01.04. For funding beginning 01.04 of the following year, the deadline is 01.10.
Apply through: http://www.rosalux.de/studienwerk/stipendienprogramm.html
Conclusion
Studying at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is within your reach, thanks to the numerous KIT scholarships for international students. Whether you’re applying for DAAD, Erasmus+, or foundation-based scholarships, there’s financial aid available to support your academic journey.
Explore your options, prepare your applications meticulously, and take the first step toward achieving your dreams.
Good luck with your scholarship applications!
