The University of Cologne (Universität zu Köln) is one of Germany’s oldest public research universities. Founded in 1388 and re-established in 1919, it is located in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The university offers a wide range of Master’s programmes and welcomes international students from around the world.
For students planning to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany, the University of Cologne offers scholarships as well as opportunities through external organisations. Its university scholarship programme specifically includes Master’s students.
1. Deutschlandstipendium
The Deutschlandstipendium is the main merit-based scholarship offered by the University of Cologne. It is available to qualified Master’s and Bachelor’s students.
Benefits
- €300 per month
- Awarded for at least two semesters
- Academic and extracurricular achievements are considered
- Opportunity to connect with scholarship sponsors
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled or planning to enrol at the University of Cologne in a Master’s programme
- Excellent academic performance
- Outstanding achievements, awards or other accomplishments can strengthen the application.
- Voluntary and social engagement may be considered.
- Personal or family circumstances can also form part of the selection process.
How to Apply
Students apply online through the University of Cologne scholarship portal during the annual application period.
2. Social Scholarship
The Social Scholarship (Sozialstipendium) is designed for talented students who require financial support. It is also available to Master’s students.
Benefits
- €300 per month
- Funding for at least two semesters
- Financial support provided by private sponsors
Eligibility
- Enrolled or prospective Master’s student at the University of Cologne
- Demonstrated financial need
- Good or very good academic performance
- Social or voluntary engagement can strengthen the application
- Personal and family circumstances may also be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants submit their applications through the University of Cologne’s scholarship portal and provide academic, personal, and financial documentation as required.
3. Inclusion Scholarship
The Inclusion Scholarship (Inklusionsstipendium) supports students whose studies are made more difficult because of a disability or chronic illness.
Benefits
- €300 per month
- Awarded for at least two semesters
Eligibility
- Enrolled or prospective Master’s student at the University of Cologne
- Disability or chronic illness affecting the student’s studies
- Academic performance and individual circumstances are considered
- Relevant supporting documentation may be required.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants can apply through the university’s scholarship application portal during the announced application period.
Special Opportunity: Hilde Domin Programme
The Hilde Domin Program, a DAAD scholarship program, may also be available to international students who risk being denied educational or other privileges in their home country. The International Office of the University of Cologne may nominate candidates for Master’s degrees. To learn more about upcoming nomination processes, interested Master’s candidates can sign up for the university’s nomination list.
Candidates must fulfil the program’s specific eligibility and nomination requirements, as this award is not available to all overseas Master’s applicants.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes. International students can apply for scholarships at the University of Cologne. The university explicitly states that international students enrolled at the University of Cologne are eligible to apply.
For Master’s applicants, it is particularly important to remember that the university scholarships are connected to enrollment at the University of Cologne. Applicants can apply for a Master’s programme and a scholarship in accordance with the university’s application rules. The university also confirms that students completing a Bachelor’s degree at Cologne and starting a Master’s programme can apply for the Master’s scholarship process.
Documents Required
Applicants should generally prepare:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate or current academic record
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Proof of academic achievements
- Certificates for awards or extracurricular activities
- Evidence of voluntary/social engagement
- Financial documents where required
- Admission/enrollment documentation
The university’s scholarship application guidelines specify a maximum of a 2-page CV and a 1–2-page motivation letter.
How to Apply for the 2027 Scholarships
For the 2027 intake, applicants should:
- Select an eligible Master’s programme at the University of Cologne.
- Check the programme’s admission requirements.
- Apply for Master’s admission.
- Prepare your CV and scholarship motivation letter.
- Collect academic and supporting documents.
- Monitor the University of Cologne scholarship page for the 2027/28 application period.
- Submit the scholarship application through the university’s online portal.
- Wait for the scholarship selection decision.
The university currently holds its scholarship application round once a year for the winter semester. For the 2026/27 cycle, the application period was 3–28 August 2026. The 2027/28 dates should therefore be checked when officially announced.
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