Free University of Berlin Scholarships for International Students

Freedom, Truth, Justice – the combination of these three ideals has propelled the Free University of Berlin to great heights. As the name suggests, the university holds in high regard its radical identity as a tuition-free institution since its inception in 1948. The freedom to access education is a right, they believe, and providing this for all will result in more learned citizens who would, in turn, usher in socio-economic growth and development.

Along with freedom, the Free University of Berlin continues to pursue the ideal of truth – from its participation in key revolts to drive social reform, to its growing emphasis on research. In line with this thrust, the Dahlem Research School (DRS) was created in the university’s desire to build a center of excellence for scientists.

Lastly, the university upholds justice to ground its expertise in the social context. Diversity, sustainability, and responsible leadership are some of the key themes students can expect to take on during their interdisciplinary courses. It is not enough to build students with head knowledge; they must also have a heart for society.

It is a common assumption that nothing good ever comes free – but the Free University of Berlin is far from it. In fact, the university is one of the eleven universities in Germany’s Excellence Initiative, an honor bestowed by the German federal government. QS World University ranks the university as one of the five best universities in the country, while the 2015 Times Higher Education World University Rankings ranks the university at 72nd place out of more than 26,000 universities in the world.

The Free University of Berlin does what many deem impossible – providing quality education and all its ideals, without the price tag. Experience this and more with their generous scholarships:

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Free University of Berlin Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships at Free University of Berlin

1. Free Tuition

  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition waiver
  • Eligibility Criteria: Admission to any bachelor’s program
  • Scholarship Link

As mandated by German state law, tuition for public universities is free for all undergraduate students. This concession is also extended to international students to attract top talent in the country.

The only remaining fees and contributions charged to students would be for administrative costs of the school such as enrollment, student support, and transportation fees, as well as living expenses of around 600-700 EUR.

2. Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: 300 EUR per month, for at least 2 semesters until degree completion
  • Eligibility Criteria: enrollment in any course in Free University of Berlin
  • Scholarship Link

The Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship is a subsidy to cover students’ additional expenses in university for them to focus on studying full-time. Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship is available for international students at the Free University of Berlin. It is a subsidy of 300 EUR per semester, funded 50/50 by the federal government and private donors. Grantees are also given a support program and networking opportunities.

To apply, one must fill up the online form and upload documents for academic performance, work/volunteer experience, and social background if applicable. The full list of requirements can be found here.

Allocations for this scholarship vary per year based on funding availability, though these are split between subject-specific and non-subject-specific grants. Students must be valid for subsidy for at least two semesters until degree completion to apply.

3. Life ASAPA Undergraduate Scholarship Program

  • Scholarship Amount: up to 100% full tuition waiver
  • Eligibility Criteria: Students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the USA and Canada; accepted in a technical undergraduate program for the next school year with no prior undergraduate admissions; a grade of 4 A marks in GCE A-Levels, 98% in an approved Foundation program, or a 44 mark in an International Baccalaureate (IB) program
  • Scholarship Link

An organization borne out of collaboration among world scientists and researchers, Life ASAPA aims to develop modern technologies in the realm of artificial intelligence to improve one’s quality of life. In line with this goal, the organization sponsors 5 students each year under their comprehensive technical scholarship program. Recipients of this scholarship fall under three types: an initial subsidy of 10,000 USD for the first year, with succeeding monthly subsidies of 2,000 USD; a 50% tuition waiver; or a 100% tuition waiver for a three-year bachelor degree course

One must fill up a Europass CV and application form online to apply. These are followed by 3 letters of recommendation, a 1,000-word motivation letter, a letter written by a reputable, native English speaker certifying the applicant’s English proficiency, transcript of records, and GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS results. Send the following requirements to their official email address, scholarship@lifeasapa.com.

Applications will be ranked based on academic performance to determine the recipients and the type of scholarship to be received.

Postgraduate scholarships are also available for Master’s and Ph.D. students as follows:

Postgraduate Scholarships at Free University of Berlin

1. Free Tuition

  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition waiver
  • Eligibility Criteria: Admission to a Master’s program (exceptions apply)
  • Degree Offered: Master’s
  • Scholarship Link

Similar to undergraduate courses, Master’s and Ph.D. courses in Germany are tuition-free for all students. However, some exceptions apply for postgraduate courses.

2. DAAD Study Scholarships – Master Studies for All-Academic Disciplines

  • Scholarship Amount: 861 EUR monthly for up to 24 months, plus insurance, travel, and study allowances. Additional benefits apply.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor’s degree graduates at the time of Master’s admission in Germany.
  • Degree Offered: Master’s
  • Scholarship Link

The DAAD, or the German Academic Exchange Service, is in charge of bringing German culture and education to the international stage. One of their main scholarships is the Master Studies scholarship, which can be applied to all Master’s degrees courses in a state or state-recognized universities in Germany. All Bachelor’s degree holders applying for Master’s courses in Germany are eligible to apply.

This scholarship, available at Free University of Berlin, can fund as much as a full two-year Master’s course and covers part of tuition fees, as well as insurance, travel, and study costs. The DAAD even offers scholarship fees or reimbursements for German language courses to ease scholars into German as a medium of instruction.

Application forms are submitted online, alongside a list of additional requirements such as curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, reference letters, certificate of language proficiency, and information about the university and the Master’s program.

These will be screened to assess academic excellence, motivations for choosing Germany and the Master’s program, quality of the study, and impact on one’s career and level of commitment.

3. Friedrich Ebert Foundation: Scholarship for International Students

  • Scholarship Amount: 850 EUR monthly, plus health insurance
  • Eligibility Criteria: Master’s degree applicants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe accepted into a state or state-recognized university in Germany
  • Degree Offered: Master’s
  • Scholarship Link

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation offers a total of 40 scholarships each year to deserving students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. This scholarship available at the Free University of Berlin is a monthly payout of 850 EUR for Master’s degree students, with the guidance of a comprehensive seminar and one-on-one mentorship.

Potential scholars must be accepted into a state or state-recognized university in Germany before application, and prove sufficient knowledge of the German language. Application forms are submitted online, with additional documents as necessary. If shortlisted, two interviews would be conducted – one with a representative faculty member, and another with a selection committee panel member. Students will be chosen based on their academic standing and commitment to the German values of social democracy.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page.