Goethe University Frankfurt (Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main) is a public research university in Frankfurt, Germany. It was established in 1914 and is named after the famous German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The university is ranked #=376 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Goethe University does not publish an official overall acceptance rate, as admission requirements and selectivity vary by program.
For international master’s students, Goethe University provides access to university scholarships and external funding opportunities. Two important options are the Deutschlandstipendium and the HessenFonds Scholarship for refugees and persecuted students. The university also recommends external organisations, such as the DAAD, for master’s funding.

1. Deutschlandstipendium
The Deutschlandstipendium is the main general merit-based scholarship available to students at Goethe University, including eligible master’s students. It supports students with excellent academic performance and strong social or extracurricular commitment. In 2025, 620 students at Goethe University received the scholarship.
Benefits
- €300 per month
- Financial support to help students concentrate on their studies
- Opportunity to participate in networking and development activities
- Support is available regardless of nationality, subject to the scholarship requirements
Eligibility
Applicants may generally be considered based on:
- Excellent academic achievement.
- Strong academic potential.
- Social or voluntary engagement.
- Extracurricular activities and commitment.
- Personal circumstances, where relevant.
- Enrollment or eligibility for enrollment at Goethe University.
Master’s students should check the current call for the exact eligibility conditions applicable to their program.
Required Documents
Applicants may need:
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Proof of admission or enrollment
- CV
- Motivation statement
- Evidence of social or voluntary engagement
- Additional supporting documents requested in the current call
The Deadline
The deadline is announced annually. For the 2026/27 funding round, Goethe University announced an application period of May 4–20, 2026. Students applying for the 2027 round should check the university’s latest announcement for the updated dates.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to an eligible master’s program at Goethe University.
- Check the latest Deutschlandstipendium announcement.
- Prepare your academic records and supporting documents.
- Complete the online scholarship application.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Wait for the university’s selection decision.
2. HessenFonds Scholarship
The HessenFonds Scholarship is designed specifically for refugee and persecuted students studying in Hesse. Goethe University provides information and support for eligible students through its Student Refugee Advisory Service. The scholarship provides €300 per month for one year.
This opportunity can be particularly relevant for international master’s students with a refugee- or persecution-related background.
Benefits
- €300 per month
- Funding period of one year
- Financial support during studies
- Guidance and application assistance through Goethe University’s refugee student services
Eligibility
Applicants may generally need to:
- Have a refugee or persecution-related background.
- Be enrolled in an eligible program at a university in Hesse, including Goethe University where applicable.
- Be in the early stages of their studies.
- Demonstrate eligibility under the HessenFonds requirements.
- Meet the academic and administrative conditions of the current scholarship call.
Required Documents
Applicants should generally prepare:
- Passport or identification documents
- Residence/status documents
- University admission or enrollment certificate
- Academic records
- CV
- Motivation statement
- Evidence of refugee or persecution-related status
- Other documents requested by the HessenFonds application procedure
The Deadline
The HessenFonds funding call determines the application deadline and may change each year. Students should check the latest announcement before applying.
How to Apply
- Confirm that you meet the HessenFonds eligibility requirements.
- Enrol in an eligible master’s program at Goethe University.
- Contact Goethe University’s Student Refugee Advisory Service for guidance.
- Prepare your academic and status-related documents.
- Complete the HessenFonds scholarship application.
- Submit the application by the current deadline and in accordance with the procedure.
- Wait for the funding decision.
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