Scholarships to study in Germany: DAAD and tuition-free study opportunities

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Germany is a rare destination where most public universities do not charge tuition fees for most programs, even for international students. Combined with a scholarship to study in Germany from DAAD - the German Academic Exchange Service - you can study at a leading European education system at a very competitive cost. This article explains DAAD programs, levels of support, and tuition exceptions you need to know.

Is studying abroad in Germany really free of tuition?

Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for consecutive bachelor's and master's programs. However there are a few important exceptions:

• Semester fee (Semesterbeitrag): payable by all students each semester, covers student services, student union and usually includes public transport tickets. Fees vary by school.
• State of Baden-Württemberg: tuition charges for non-EU students (according to current announcement, 1,500 euros/semester), with some exemptions.
• Some schools are allowed to charge tuition fees to non-EU students: for example, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) applies tuition fees to non-EU international students from the 2024/25 academic year.
• Non-consecutive master's and private schools: usually have tuition fees.

Therefore, “free tuition” is true for most but not all. Check the school's page and specific program. Learn the difference between free tuition and living allowance in the article stipend and free tuition.

What does the DAAD German study abroad scholarship include?

According to DAAD's official page, the main scholarship groups include:

• Research grants: for graduate students from most countries, short or long term.
• Full-course doctoral scholarships in Germany: mainly for candidates from developing and emerging countries.
• Master's scholarship: in which EPOS (postgraduate courses related to development) and STEM scholarships are aimed at candidates from developing and emerging countries.
• In-Country/In-Region program.

Specific benefits are listed in the recruitment announcement of each program on the DAAD scholarship database.

Conditions and how to submit DAAD application

1. Find the right program on the DAAD scholarship database, filtered by Vietnamese nationality and level of study.
2. Check deadlines: each program has its own deadline, many EPOS programs have deadlines around the fall of the following academic year.
3. Read the selection criteria carefully: an independent evaluates the capacity, project council quality and candidate potential.
4. Prepare documents: CV, motivational essay, letter of recommendation, diploma, language certificate (English or German depending on the program). EPOS usually requires relevant work experience.
5. APS certification: Vietnamese students often need certification from the Academic Testing Service (APS) in Hanoi when applying to school and applying for a visa.

See more articles write an academic CV and PhD research outline. If you are interested in learning a paid profession, check it out Vocational study abroad in Germany Ausbildung.

Living expenses and blocked accounts

Even though tuition is free, you still have to prove your ability to pay for living expenses when applying for a visa, most commonly through a blocked account (Sperrkonto). The requirement is periodically adjusted and has recently been around 1,000 euros per month; Check the latest numbers on the German Embassy in Vietnam page. DAAD scholarship recipients can use the scholarship award letter to prove their finances. Details at German student visa and blocked account.

Frequently asked questions

If I don't know German, can I get a DAAD scholarship?

Have. Many international master's programs teach in English, and many DAAD programs accept English. However, knowing German helps improve life and job opportunities.

Does DAAD have scholarships for undergraduates?

DAAD scholarships are mainly for postgraduate and research purposes. For bachelor's degrees, the biggest advantage in Germany is free tuition at most public schools.

Are DAAD scholarships refundable?

Are not. According to DAAD, scholarships do not have to be refunded.

Can tuition fees in Germany change?

Have. Tuition policies are determined by each state and are subject to change. Always check the school's official information before submitting your application.

Conclusion

The DAAD scholarship to study abroad in Germany combined with the tuition exemption policy at most public schools creates quality learning opportunities at a reasonable cost. Read the tuition exception carefully and prepare your APS and finances early. Once you have a visa, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918 for support with flights to Germany.

📚 Articles on the same topic

Documents & student visaGerman student visa: blocked account and documents13/04/23 · 6 phút đọcStudy abroad scholarshipWhat is the difference between a stipend and a tuition-free scholarship?19/11/20 · 7 phút đọcStudy abroad scholarshipReceive multiple scholarships at once: how to compare and choose the most beneficial offer09/01/21 · 6 phút đọcStudy abroad scholarshipWhat GPA does it take to have a chance to get a scholarship? Correct understanding of scores and records20/02/23 · 6 phút đọcStudy abroad scholarshipScholarships to study nursing and health in Australia: opportunities and requirements29/11/18 · 8 phút đọcStudy abroad scholarshipExtracurricular activities and personal projects: "weapons" that help differentiate scholarship applications14/11/21 · 6 phút đọc