What scholarships other than DAAD can I apply for to fund a master's in Germany or Ireland?
Yes, 4 main routes exist beyond DAAD: Erasmus Mundus joint master's, scholarships from German party-related foundations, the university-awarded Deutschlandstipendium, and merit awards at individual universities. Each scheme sets its own eligibility and language rules, so confirm details on the official scheme page before applying.
Yes, you have several funding routes beyond DAAD for a master's in Germany or Ireland, but they work very differently from each other. Some are EU-wide, some are run by single universities, and some expect German language skills. Match each scheme to your profile before you spend time on an application.
Scholarship routes for Germany and Ireland compared
| Route | Country | Who it suits | Main catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Several European countries, often including Germany | Applicants who want a joint degree from a consortium of at least three institutions in three countries | Competitive; you apply directly to the programme you choose, and each programme site sets its own steps |
| German political foundation scholarships | Germany | Strong academics; check each foundation's own criteria | Eligibility, language and enrolment rules differ by foundation, so read each foundation's own site |
| Deutschlandstipendium | Germany | Talented, high-achieving students of any nationality at German universities | Awarded by individual universities, so you apply directly to your university |
| University merit awards | Germany and Ireland | Applicants applying to a specific university | Rules and amounts are set by each university, so check its scholarship page |
Do not treat the list above as complete. Your subject and university often matter more than the scheme name.
How to find and apply for the right one
- Start with the DAAD scholarship pages, which point to funding from party-related foundations.
- For Ireland, open each university scholarship page, to see whether each award needs a separate application or essay.
- Check the Erasmus Mundus programme pages early, because applications usually open between October and January for the next academic year.
- Note the language requirement for any German foundation, then compare it with the level you can reach in time.
- Write down which scholarships need an offer first and which need a separate application.
My Advice
Pick two Germany routes and two Ireland routes that match your language level and subject, then build a calendar of their cycles. Ask each university scholarship office what proportion of international students receive awards, and confirm every amount on the official page.
This information is available on: daad.de, erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu, deutschlandstipendium.de
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