Germany is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for nurses and other healthcare professionals who want to improve their qualifications, gain international experience, and build a long-term career in Europe. German universities offer a wide range of programs related to nursing, health sciences, public health, global health, healthcare management, and medical research. For international students, however, the cost of living, travel, health insurance, and other study expenses can make studying abroad difficult.
The good news is that several German and European scholarship programs can significantly reduce these costs. Some provide monthly financial support, health insurance, travel allowances, and study allowances, while others can cover a substantial portion of a student’s living expenses.
One important point should be clarified before looking at the list: there are not 12 major scholarships that are exclusively and automatically “fully funded nursing scholarships” in Germany. Instead, nurses can apply for broader scholarships that accept health sciences, nursing-related master’s programs, public health, global health, healthcare management, research, and other eligible disciplines. Funding conditions also differ from one program to another. The official scholarship pages should always be checked before applying.
For example, DAAD states that its scholarship programs commonly provide monthly payments, travel allowances, and insurance support, although the exact package depends on the individual program.
Below are 12 of the most useful scholarship opportunities for nurses and nursing graduates who want to study in Germany.
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DAAD Study Scholarship – for Nurses
The DAAD Study Scholarship for Master Studies is one of the most important funding opportunities for international graduates planning to complete a master’s degree in Germany. Because the program is not restricted to one academic subject, nursing graduates may be able to use it for an eligible master’s degree in nursing, health sciences, healthcare management, public health, or a related discipline.
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of Germany’s largest organizations supporting international academic exchange. Its scholarship database contains funding opportunities from DAAD and other organizations.
The current funding information for this scholarship includes a €992 monthly scholarship payment, health, accident and personal liability insurance, a travel allowance upon application, and an annual study allowance of €460. Additional benefits may be available in specific circumstances.
Who should consider it?
This scholarship can be particularly interesting for:
- Registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree
- Nursing graduates interested in master’s studies
- Healthcare professionals moving into research
- Applicants interested in public or global health
- Students interested in healthcare management
- International graduates from eligible countries
The key is finding a master’s program that matches the scholarship’s eligibility requirements.
Apply Link
DAAD Study Scholarships for Nurses https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database
2. DAAD EPOS Scholarships
The Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) program is another excellent option for experienced healthcare professionals from eligible developing and emerging countries.
EPOS is designed for graduates and professionals who want to study development-related postgraduate programs at selected German universities. The program is especially relevant to nurses who have professional experience and want to move into areas such as public health, global health, health systems, development, healthcare policy, or related fields.
DAAD explains that EPOS supports selected graduates from developing countries through postgraduate courses connected with development and global challenges.
The funding package can be substantial. Current DAAD information lists €992 per month for graduates and €1,400 per month for doctoral candidates from February 2026, together with health, accident and personal liability insurance and a travel allowance in eligible cases. Additional benefits, such as rent or family allowances, may also be available under certain circumstances.
Why nurses should consider EPOS
A nurse with several years of professional experience can potentially use this route to move from bedside nursing into:
Global health
- Public health
- Health policy
- Health systems management
- International development
- Healthcare administration
- Research and education
However, EPOS is not a general scholarship for every nursing degree. You must select an eligible postgraduate course from the official EPOS list.
Apply Link
DAAD EPOS Scholarship for Nurses
https://www.daad.de/en/information-services-for-higher-education-institutions/further-information-on-daad-programmes/
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
Although Erasmus Mundus is a European Union program rather than a Germany-only scholarship, it deserves a place on this list because some participating master’s programs include German universities.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters bring together universities from different countries. Students may study at more than one institution during their degree. The European Commission states that students from around the world can apply and that **full scholarships are available for the best applicants** in participating programs.
For nurses, the most relevant programs can include advanced practice nursing, global health, public health, health sciences, healthcare policy, and other interdisciplinary healthcare fields. Applicants should search the current Erasmus Mundus catalogue because the available programs change.
One example of the relevance of Erasmus funding to nursing is the European Master of Science in Advanced Practice Nursing, which has appeared among Erasmus Mundus-related projects.
What can a scholarship provide?
Depending on the individual Erasmus Mundus program, scholarship support can include major study and living costs. The exact conditions are determined by the specific master’s consortium.
Apply Link
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters?
4. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung International Student Scholarship
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) provides scholarships for international students who want to study in Germany. The program is open to students from many countries and academic disciplines.
KAS states that it supports international students for master’s degrees, doctorates, and research stays. Its international scholarship information currently lists a monthly scholarship of **€992** for eligible international students.
For nurses, this scholarship can be particularly useful when applying for an eligible master’s degree related to healthcare, public health, health administration, health policy, or another relevant discipline.
KAS is generally interested in academically strong candidates who are also socially engaged. Therefore, simply having good grades may not be enough. Applicants should demonstrate leadership, community involvement, professional commitment, or other meaningful activities.
Suitable candidates
- You may want to consider this scholarship if you:
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree
- Have strong academic results
- Want to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in Germany
- Have social or community engagement
- Are interested in contributing to society after graduation
Apply Link:
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung International Student Scholarships https://www.kas.de/en/web/begabtenfoerderung-und-kultur/international-talent-development
5. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship is another major funding opportunity for international students. The foundation supports graduate and doctoral students from different academic disciplines.
The foundation specifically states that international students who completed their first degree abroad can apply for support before starting a master’s program in Germany.
This makes it potentially useful for nurses who have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field and want to pursue a master’s program in Germany.
The foundation does not restrict its scholarship to nursing. Instead, students from all disciplines can be considered, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
International applicants should pay particular attention to the language requirements. The foundation says international applicants generally need good German skills, with B2/DSH-level requirements applying to eligible applicants.
Apply Link
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
https://www.boell.de/en/application
6. Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship
The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation offers scholarships to international students pursuing master’s degrees in Germany, as well as scholarships for doctoral candidates.
Its official information says international students in all disciplines may apply for study scholarships, subject to the requirements of the individual scholarship program.
For international students, the current support program lists a **monthly base scholarship of €934**, with possible additional support depending on circumstances.
A nursing graduate could potentially use this funding for an eligible master’s program in health sciences, public health, healthcare management, nursing science, or another related area.
The foundation also considers academic performance and social or political engagement. Therefore, applicants should prepare more than academic transcripts. A convincing motivation statement and evidence of engagement can strengthen an application.
Apply Link:
Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship Information https://www.rosalux.de/en/foundation/studienwerk
7. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) provides scholarships and academic support to talented students. International students can also be eligible under specific conditions.
The foundation emphasizes academic performance, social engagement, and commitment to its values. Its international scholarship information also highlights the importance of German language skills.
For nurses, the program can be relevant when pursuing an eligible master’s or other qualifying academic program in Germany.
Applicants should understand that FES is not a nursing-specific scholarship. Instead, nursing graduates compete with applicants from many other disciplines.
What makes FES interesting?
A nurse who has volunteered in community health programs, worked with disadvantaged communities, participated in health education campaigns, or demonstrated leadership may be able to present a strong overall profile.
Your application should explain not only what you have studied, but also what you have contributed to society and what you hope to accomplish after your studies.
Apply Link
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship Information
https://www.fes.de/studienfoerderung/information-in-english
What Documents Do Nurses Need for German Scholarships?
Although every scholarship has its own requirements, applicants should normally prepare a strong application package.
Common documents include:
Academic documents
You may need:
* Bachelor’s degree
* Nursing diploma
* Academic transcripts
* Secondary-school certificate
* Course descriptions
* Academic grading information
Professional documents
For experienced nurses, useful documents can include:
* Nursing registration
* Employment certificates
* Professional experience letters
* Clinical training certificates
* Continuing education certificates
* Research publications, if available
Personal documents
Most scholarship applications require some combination of:
* Passport
* Curriculum vitae
* Motivation letter
* Recommendation letters
* Proof of language proficiency
* University admission or application documents
Professional experience
Professional experience can be especially important for scholarships such as DAAD EPOS, where development-related postgraduate study is aimed at qualified professionals from eligible developing and emerging countries.
Final Thoughts
If you are a nurse planning to study in Germany, do not limit your search to the words “nursing scholarship.” Search for health sciences, public health, global health, healthcare management, nursing science, health policy, and development-related postgraduate program as well. This broader approach can reveal funding opportunities that a simple nursing-scholarship search may miss.
