Last Updated: December 15, 2025
The Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin), in collaboration with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), has announced a fully funded scholarship opportunity for international students in 2026. This program is designed to support students who face additional responsibilities or challenges, offering financial aid so they can focus on their studies without financial stress.
If you are an international student currently enrolled at FU Berlin, you could receive €250 per month for ten months (March–December 2026).
📌 Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) |
| Scholarship Name | DAAD Scholarship (STIBET I Program) |
| Funded By | DAAD, through the Federal Foreign Office (AA) |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s, State Exam, Master’s (PhD & exchange students not eligible) |
| Number of Awards | 10 scholarships |
| Scholarship Value | €250 per month |
| Duration | 10 months (1 March – 31 December 2026) |
| Eligible Nationality | All non-German students |
| Application Deadline | 11 January 2026 |
🎯 Who Can Apply?
This scholarship is not merit-based. It supports students with extra life challenges. Eligible categories include:
- Refugee background
- Parent with a child under 12 years old
- Caregiver for a family member
- Person with a chronic illness or disability (minimum 50% disability recognized in Germany)
Academic Requirements:
- Must be enrolled as a regular degree-seeking student (Bachelor, State Exam, Master).
- Must actively attend courses (at least 1 completed course per semester; first-semester students must attend at least 2).
- Must remain enrolled at FU Berlin for the entire funding period (March–December 2026).
- PhD and exchange students are not eligible.
💰 Financial Benefits
- Monthly stipend: €250
- Funding period: 10 months (total €2,500)
- Possible top-up: If you receive another public scholarship, DAAD may increase funding up to €861 per month.
- Income cap: Total monthly income (scholarship + part-time work) must not exceed €1,311.
Note: This scholarship supplements income, not full living costs.
📄 Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
- Online application form (via FU Berlin portal)
- Degree certificates (previous qualifications)
- Certificate of enrollment from FU Berlin
- Passport or national ID copy
- CV/Resume
- Additional documents proving eligibility (e.g., refugee status, medical certificate, child’s birth certificate)
📧 Submit documents to: international@studienberatung.fu-berlin.de
📅 Application Timeline
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Already Open |
| Application Deadline | 11 January 2026 |
| Interview Invitations | Early February 2026 |
| Interviews Conducted | February 2026 |
| Final Selection | Late February 2026 |
| Scholarship Period | 1 March – 31 December 2026 |
✅ How to Apply
- Fill out the online application form (FU Berlin scholarship portal).
- Email supporting documents to international@studienberatung.fu-berlin.de.
- Applications can be submitted in German or English.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview in February 2026.
Selection Committee Includes:
- International Student Support
- Academic Advising & Psychological Counseling
- Student Mobility Unit
- Counseling Service for Students with Chronic Illnesses/Disabilities
🏫 About Freie Universität Berlin
Founded in 1948, FU Berlin is one of Germany’s leading research universities. Rankings:
- 113th – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
- 88th – QS World University Rankings 2026
- 4th in Germany – QS 2024
FU Berlin is renowned for its research excellence, social sciences, and humanities, offering a vibrant international campus in Berlin.
🔗 Helpful Links & Contact
- FU Berlin International Student Support: Visit Here
- DAAD Official Website: www.daad.de
- Email Queries: international@studienberatung.fu-berlin.de
- STIBET Program Info: Available on FU Berlin’s scholarship pages
💡 Final Tips for Applicants
- ✅ Apply early to avoid technical issues
- ✅ Clearly show your eligibility category
- ✅ Submit documents in PDF format with clear file names
- ✅ Be prepared to discuss your personal situation and academic goals in the interview
- ✅ Keep proof of enrollment and course attendance ready
📢 This scholarship is a valuable opportunity for international students balancing studies with personal responsibilities. Apply before January 11, 2026, and share this with fellow FU Berlin students who may benefit!