Frankfurt Universities Offering Scholarships in 2027 in Germany (Fully Funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships here. Frankfurt is home to three very different types of higher education institutions, each with its own scholarship approach. Together, they cover public research universities, applied sciences, and private business education.
This guide compares Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, and the private Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, so you can see exactly what’s realistically available for the 2027 intake.
Frankfurt itself is worth factoring into this decision beyond just the universities. As Germany’s financial capital and home to the European Central Bank, it offers a genuinely different career and networking environment than smaller German university towns.
Frankfurt Universities Offering Scholarships 2027 Details:
| University: | German Universities |
| Degree level: | Bachelors, Masters |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Germany |
| Last date: | Different |
Financial Benefits
Scholarship value varies enormously depending on which Frankfurt institution you’re targeting, since public and private universities operate completely different funding models.
| Institution | Scholarship | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Goethe University Frankfurt | GRADE Starting Scholarships (PhD) | €1,650/month for 3 months |
| Goethe University Frankfurt | GRADE Completion Scholarships (PhD) | Monthly stipend for final thesis stage; amount varies by award |
| Goethe University Frankfurt | Deutschlandstipendium | €300/month, merit- and social-engagement based |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | President’s Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | General FS Scholarship / Diversity Scholarship | 15%–50% tuition fee reduction |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | STIBET III (DAAD-funded) | €3,000 one-time award; 4 are available for international undergraduates |
Public universities like Goethe and Frankfurt UAS charge little to no tuition to begin with, so their scholarships mainly cover living costs. The Frankfurt School’s tuition-based scholarships matter more since its programmes charge real tuition fees.
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Available Study Programs
Comprehensive Research Programmes (Goethe University): Goethe spans nearly every discipline across five campuses, from mathematics and computer science to medicine, law, and social sciences, taught in both German and English tracks.
Applied & Practical Programmes (Frankfurt UAS): Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences focuses on hands-on fields like social work, health engineering, business, and design, aimed squarely at direct job-market readiness.
Finance & Business Programmes (Frankfurt School): A private institution specialising in finance, economics, and management, including a Master’s in Finance ranked among Europe’s strongest and an internationally accredited MBA.
Top Universities in Frankfurt
| University | City | World Ranking | Tuition Range | Scholarship Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe University Frankfurt | Frankfurt am Main | QS #376 (2027) | No tuition; ~€380/semester contribution | GRADE, Deutschlandstipendium, DAAD |
| Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences | Frankfurt am Main | Not separately QS-ranked | No tuition; ~€370–400/semester contribution | DAAD-supported scholarships |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | Frankfurt am Main | QS Europe #40 (Business Analytics Master’s: #51 in the world) | €15,000–€40,000+/year, depending on the programme | President’s, General FS, Diversity, STIBET III |
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies significantly by institution and scholarship type, so check the specific programme carefully rather than assuming one rule applies everywhere.
- Goethe University GRADE scholarships: Open to international doctoral candidates already enrolled at Goethe University, at either the starting or completion stage of their PhD
- Deutschlandstipendium (general): Based on academic achievement and social or civic engagement; specific nationality rules can vary by hosting institution, so confirm directly
- Frankfurt School merit scholarships: Open to international Bachelor’s and Master’s applicants with strong grades and a compelling application or motivation letter
- Frankfurt School Deutschlandstipendium: Restricted to German nationals, “Bildungsinländer” (international students who earned their university entrance qualification in Germany), or EU citizens with near-native German proficiency; not open to general international applicants
This last point trips up a lot of applicants who assume “Deutschlandstipendium” always means the same thing everywhere. At public universities like Goethe, the programme’s general eligibility criteria tend to be broader, but the exact rules are still set at the institutional level, so it’s worth confirming directly rather than assuming.
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Required Documents
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| University admission application/offer | All scholarships at all three institutions |
| Academic transcripts and degree certificates | All scholarships |
| Motivation letter | Frankfurt School Diversity and General FS Scholarships |
| Doctoral project proposal (max 2 pages) | Goethe GRADE Starting Scholarships |
| Supervisor confirmation letter | Goethe GRADE scholarships |
| Proof of social/civic engagement | Deutschlandstipendium applications |
| English or German proficiency certificate | All institutions, depending on programme language |
Application Process
Step 1: Decide which Frankfurt institution matches your academic goals and financial situation.
Step 2: For Goethe University, apply for admission by the 15 July 2026 master’s deadline.
Step 3: For Frankfurt School, check the specific scholarship application window for your programme, since these run separately from general admission.
Step 4: Prepare transcripts, degree certificates, and language proficiency proof well ahead of any deadline.
Step 5: For merit-based scholarships, draft a genuine, specific motivation letter rather than a generic one.
Step 6: PhD applicants targeting GRADE scholarships should confirm supervisor support before applying.
Step 7: Submit your scholarship application through each institution’s official portal, never through a third-party agent.
Step 8: Track your application status and respond quickly to any requests for additional documents.
Step 9: Once accepted and awarded, confirm exact payment and renewal terms directly with your institution’s financial aid office.
Step 10: Begin your German student visa application as soon as your offer and funding are confirmed.
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Student Visa Guide
Non-EU students need a German national (Type D) student visa, applied for through the German embassy or consulate in their home country before travel.
Financial proof is usually shown through a blocked account, and scholarship recipients should confirm with their institution whether their award reduces or replaces this requirement.
| Requirement | Current Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | National (Type D) student visa for non-EU applicants |
| Processing Time | Typically 6–12 weeks; apply as early as possible |
| Financial Proof (Blocked Account) | €11,904 per year, released at €992 per month |
| Biometrics | Fingerprints and photos were collected at the visa appointment |
| Core Documents | Passport, admission letter, blocked account confirmation, health insurance proof |
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for every student in Germany, and enrolment can’t be completed without proof of valid coverage, regardless of which Frankfurt institution you attend.
Most non-EU students under 30 join Germany’s statutory public health system, typically costing around €120–€140 per month in 2026. Students over 30 or in certain postgraduate categories sometimes need private insurance instead.
Accommodation & Living Costs
Frankfurt is one of Germany’s more expensive cities to live in, largely due to its status as a major banking and finance hub. Budgeting realistically matters more here than in smaller German university towns.
- University dormitory room: roughly €350–€550/month
- Shared apartment (WG): roughly €500–€750/month
- Solo private apartment: roughly €800–€1,200/month
- Monthly living expenses (food, transport, utilities): roughly €600–€850
Frankfurt School students, who typically pay real tuition, should factor these living costs in alongside programme fees when comparing overall affordability with public universities.
One practical upside: Frankfurt’s excellent public transport and compact city layout mean many students choose to live slightly outside the priciest central districts and still commute easily, which can meaningfully reduce monthly housing costs.
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Post-Study Work Opportunities
Frankfurt’s identity as Germany’s financial capital, home to the European Central Bank and numerous major banks, gives graduates from all three institutions a genuinely strong local job market, especially in finance, consulting, and business services.
Non-EU graduates of German universities can apply for an 18-month residence permit to search for qualified work, one of the longest such windows in Europe. Frankfurt School graduates in particular report strong placement into firms like Deutsche Bank, McKinsey, PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG.
Once employed in a qualifying role, graduates typically move to a standard work visa or the EU Blue Card, which carries a lower minimum salary threshold for shortage occupations like finance analytics, engineering, and IT.
Frankfurt’s compact size relative to its economic weight also means networking opportunities are concentrated rather than spread thin, something students report as a real advantage over larger, more diffuse job markets like Berlin or Munich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Frankfurt university is best for a free or nearly free degree?
Goethe University Frankfurt and Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, since both are public institutions charging only a modest semester contribution rather than full tuition.
Is the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management free for international students?
No. It’s a private institution with real tuition fees, though it offers scholarships that can reduce fees by 15% up to 100% for qualifying applicants.
Can international students get the Deutschlandstipendium?
It depends on the institution. At Frankfurt School specifically, it’s restricted to German nationals, “Bildungsinländer”, or near-native German-speaking EU citizens.
What’s the Goethe University master’s application deadline for 2027 entry?
15 July 2026, though this refers to admission, not a separate scholarship-specific deadline.
Do PhD scholarships at Goethe require a specific supervisor already?
Yes, GRADE scholarships generally require a supervisor confirmation letter as part of the application.
Is Frankfurt a good city for finance-related careers after graduation?
Yes, it’s Germany’s financial capital and home to the European Central Bank, making it particularly strong for finance, banking, and consulting graduates.
How long does a German student visa take to process?
Usually 6 to 12 weeks, though timing varies by embassy and season, so early application is strongly advised.
Can I work part-time while studying in Frankfurt?
Yes, international students in Germany can generally work part-time, typically up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year without special permission.
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Conclusion
Frankfurt offers a genuinely varied scholarship landscape, from Goethe University’s low-cost, research-driven public education to Frankfurt School’s high-value merit scholarships at a top-ranked private business school. Matching your goals to the right institution matters more here than in most German cities.
With Goethe’s Master’s deadline approaching on 15 July 2026, prospective applicants should confirm current deadlines directly on each institution’s official page and apply well before any stated cutoff.
Official Resources
| Website Type | Official Website | Latest Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe University – Scholarships (GRADE) | GRADE – Individual Support & Funding Options | Expected to Open (Next Intake) – Check Official Website | Expected Next Intake |
| Goethe University Admissions | Goethe University Frankfurt | 15 July 2026 (Master’s) | Applications Open |
| Frankfurt School – Scholarships & Financing | Frankfurt School – Financing & Scholarships | Varies by scholarship | Official |
| Student Visa (Germany) | German Missions Visa Portal | N/A | Official |
| Immigration & Post-Study Work | Make it in Germany | N/A | Official |
Note: Scholarship windows and exact deadlines vary by institution and programme. GRADE PhD scholarship rounds are typically annual; always confirm the current cycle directly on each university’s official page.
List of German Universities:
Frankfurt, Germany, is home to several universities and educational institutions known for their academic excellence. Some important names are given below:
1# Goethe University Frankfurt:
Goethe University is a renowned research university offering a scholarship for master’s students worldwide. The wide range of disciplines, including at Campus Bockenheim (mathematics, fine arts, computer science, etc.), Campus Westend (business administration, human geography, etc.), Campus Riedberg (pharmacy, geosciences, geography, etc.), and Campus Niederrad (dentistry, medical science, etc.). It is one of the largest universities in Germany and has a strong international reputation.
- To apply to this university Click this link: Goethe University Frankfurt
2# Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences:
The Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences offers a variety of practical-orientated degree programmes in fields such as social work, health engineering, business, social sciences, law, and design. It focuses on providing students with hands-on skills and preparing them for the job market. It offers bachelor’s and master’s programmes. The university is home to 15,000 students who come from more than 100 different nations. The DAAD is one of the several scholarship programmes that the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences supports. If you are awarded a scholarship, you can enrol in a fully funded DAAD programme and study in Germany.
- To apply to this university, click this link: Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
3# Frankfurt School of Finance & Management:
The Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is a leading business school specialising in finance, economics, management, and related fields. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programmes, as well as executive education courses. It offers scholarships to international candidates
- To apply to this university, click this link: Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
4# The Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts:
This university focuses on music, performing arts, and related disciplines. It offers degree programmes in music, opera, acting, dance, and music education, among others. To allow international applicants to focus on their education without having to worry about money, the institution helps them and awards them scholarships.
- To apply to this university, click this link. The Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts
5# Städelschule – Staatliche Hochschule für Bildende Künste:
Städelschule is a renowned art academy in Frankfurt, offering programmes in fine arts and contemporary art. It has a strong reputation for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to art education.
- To apply to this university, click this link: Städelschule – Staatliche Hochschule für Bildende Künste