Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg Scholarships for International Students 2026

Most University of Freiburg funding is designed for degree-seeking study and on-site research (stipends, living support, or tuition support tied to enrolment).

Both exist, but it depends heavily on the degree programme. Many programmes (especially state-exam tracks like Medicine) are primarily in German, while some Master’s/continuing-education programmes are taught in English (and may still include some German components).

Examples from recipients: Md Sakib Hossain said he took IELTS and achieved “an overall band score of 8.5,” while Sofia Stefa noted she “held an English certificate” and “had already started German language courses” to support integration.

Usually there is no single, university-wide “age limit.” Many scholarships are defined by study level/status (Bachelor/Master/PhD/postdoc), enrolment, and performance rather than age.

It ranges from “any subject” scholarships (open across faculties) to field- or faculty-specific funding rules. A common example is the Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship), which is open across faculties but uses faculty-specific grade thresholds.

• Medicine: Scholarships can be available, but entry is highly competitive and the programme is typically German-taught; international applicants can apply, but places may be limited by quota in restricted-admission subjects.
• Engineering / STEM: Commonly funded via university-wide merit scholarships and external funders (DAAD, foundations, research projects). Recipient examples include engineering and sustainable systems work at Freiburg.
• Business / Economics: Typically eligible under broad merit scholarships (and some faculty- or foundation-based options), with selection often emphasizing grades plus leadership/engagement.
• Humanities: Often eligible under broad scholarships; selection may emphasize academic excellence plus motivation, project fit, and engagement.

Recipient examples: Oghenegare Emmanuel Eyankware pursued a PhD in Sustainable Systems Engineering at Freiburg; Sofia Stefa worked in inorganic/analytical chemistry research at Freiburg.

Many scholarships are open internationally. For example, the Deutschlandstipendium is open to students of all nationalities as long as they meet enrolment and selection criteria. Recipient examples at Freiburg include students and researchers from Greece (Sofia Stefa), Nigeria (Oghenegare Emmanuel Eyankware), and Bangladesh (Md Sakib Hossain).

Often yes, if your programme requires proof of German or English. The University of Freiburg publishes accepted certificates by level (for German and English), and each programme’s admission regulations determine what you must submit.

Recipient examples: Md Sakib Hossain reported taking IELTS and scoring “8.5,” and Sofia Stefa mentioned she “held an English certificate” and had started German courses.

It depends on the programme. Some degrees have open admission (meeting formal requirements is enough), while others are restricted admission (Numerus Clausus) and selection depends on demand and ranking criteria.

For example, some programmes publish recent selection outcomes (e.g., the Liberal Arts and Sciences selection notes combine school grades with an essay and/or interview outcomes), but the exact cutoffs can change each year.

From recipients: Md Sakib Hossain shared strong prior results (“CGPA of 3.63/4” and a Freiburg master’s grade of “1.6”), and Oghenegare Emmanuel Eyankware emphasized that “excellent grades are a critical criterion for most scholarship selections.”

Strong grades plus a clear academic narrative (fit with the programme, research direction, and impact) matter a lot, especially for merit scholarships and competitive external awards (DAAD, foundations, research projects).

Recipient examples: Oghenegare Emmanuel Eyankware advised maintaining “strong academic performance,” and Md Sakib Hossain described emphasizing academic results, research experience, and “strong recommendation letters,” plus tailoring each motivation letter.

It depends on your level and programme, but common requirements include: academic certificates/transcripts, language proof (German/English as required), a passport/ID, and any programme-specific items (e.g., aptitude assessments, essays, interviews, or subject prerequisites). Some applications also require proof that you completed a study orientation/self-assessment procedure.

For scholarship applications, the “document stack” is often more narrative: Sofia Stefa wrote, “I prepared a clear and focused CV and motivation letter,” and she also referenced writing a structured research proposal and securing recommendation letters. Oghenegare Emmanuel Eyankware highlighted the importance of “motivation essays” and backing claims with “verifiable evidence.”

For the application itself, a key “fee scenario” is if your application route uses uni-assist: uni-assist charges handling fees per application/semester. Always confirm your programme’s official application route and cost items for your intake.