Why go abroad?

Study abroad provides students the opportunity to become familiar with new approaches to teaching and research, gain intercultural competence, develop foreign language skills and build international networks. This experience fosters their personal development and increases career opportunities. Businesses and society also benefit from well-educated citizens who think global as they can strengthen civil society as well as the innovative strength and competitiveness of their country. What is more, gaining international experience can promote cultural diversity and understanding between different countries.

Studying and working without borders

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) supports the international exchange of students at German higher education institutions through a broad portfolio of scholarship programmes from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The following are eligible for funding:

• Study and research stays abroad
• Master's degree programmes abroad
• Language courses
• Summer schools

Funding for internships at foreign institutions are also one of the BMBF-funded opportunities offered by the DAAD. See the DAAD scholarship database for a complete overview. Useful tips on applying for a DAAD scholarship are provided in the brochure Mit Stipendium ins Ausland - Schritt für Schritt erklärt.

Can I participate in a programme when enrolled at a university of applied sciences?

Yes, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports students enrolled at universities of applied sciences in realizing a stay abroad as well as universities of applied sciences (HAW) themselves in engaging in collaborative projects with international partners. For more detailed information about the HAW.International programme see www.daad.de/HAW. The programme provides scholarships to students in bachelor’s, master’s and Diplom degree courses at German universities of applied sciences for a period abroad during their studies or when writing their final theses.

Are there programmes specifically aimed at students training to be teachers?

Yes, the DAAD programme lehramt.international is a special programme which addresses students training to be teachers. The programme supports these future teacher during periods abroad which develop both their professional and intercultural skills. More information and details about funding opportunities are available at www.daad.de/lehramt-international.

Are post-docs eligible for funding?

Yes, the DAAD’s PRIME (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) programme is designed especially for post-docs. This programme supports post-doctoral researchers in gaining international research experience by enabling a one-year research stay abroad followed by a six-month period in Germany to continue their work. For further information and details on scholarships see www.daad.de/prime.

International students in Germany

Many international students are interested in studying at a German higher education institution. Germany is among the most sought-after host countries for international students worldwide. Incoming international students enrich the academic discourse at Germany's higher education institutions. In addition, they receive training to become highly qualified professionals and are thus also attractive for the German labour market.

In 2024, the Federal Government and the Länder adopted the Strategy of the Federal and Länder Ministers of Science for the Internationalization of the Higher Education Institutions in Germany (2024-2034) to further improve the conditions for the recruitment and (long-term) stay of international students in Germany. The Strategy includes a bundle of measures which support international students to successfully complete their studies and facilitate their transition to the labour market.

Support for international students at German higher education institutions

The BMBF contributes to the implementation of the Federal Government-Länder Strategy for the Internationalization of the Higher Education Institutions in Germany through the DAAD’s Campus Initiative for International Talents. Since April 2024, the Campus Initiative has also funded the FIT programme for promoting international talents for integration into studies and the labour market. FIT supports higher education institutions in Germany in establishing targeted measures and programmes to support potential incoming students in their preparation and successful completion of studies and subsequent integration in the labour market. Funding is also provided for the expansion of support services for international students (international career services) and for cooperation networks involving players and partners from the private sector (businesses in particular), politics and society to create structures for the transition into the German labour market.

Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024