Phd Stipend in Germany for International Students

Doing a PhD in Germany is a big dream for many international students because German universities are famous for good research and almost no tuition fees. But before you start applying, it’s very important to understand the PhD stipend in Germany. 

Most PhD students in Germany get some kind of funding. This is either a university job (RA or TA position) or a scholarship like the DAAD scholarship. Money you get every month depends on what kind of funding you have.

Usually, PhD stipends in Germany range from around €1,200 to €2,500 per month. If you get a DAAD scholarship, it gives you a fixed amount every month. But if you work as a research assistant, you may earn more and also get extra things like health insurance, pension, and holidays.

The cost of living in Germany also matters a lot. Rent, food, and travel costs can be different in every city. So, your monthly expenses and savings depend on where you stay. In this guide, we will explain how PhD funding in Germany works, different scholarship options, and how much money you really need to live comfortably as an international student.

What Is a PhD Stipend in Germany?

A PhD stipend in Germany is the monthly financial support given to PhD students during their research period. It helps cover your living expenses, such as rent, food, transport, and health insurance. In Germany, most PhD students get paid; but the amount and benefits depend on how you are funded.

There are mainly two types of PhD funding in Germany:

1. Employment contract (RA/TA position)
2. Scholarship or fellowship

A typical PhD stipend in Germany ranges from €1,200 to €2,500 per month, depending on the funding type and university.

Overview of PhD Stipend in Germany

Average PhD Stipend in Germany

The average PhD stipend in Germany in 2025 is usually between €1,200 and €3,000 every month. The amount mostly depends on your study field and type of funding. In Germany, PhD students get money in two ways, one is a university job (like research or teaching assistant) and the other is a scholarship such as the DAAD scholarship.

If you have a university job, you get a regular salary based on the TV-L E13 pay scale. But if you are on a scholarship, you get a fixed amount every month which is usually lower and has no extra benefits.

The PhD stipend in Germany also changes by subject. Students in engineering, computer science, or medicine mostly get higher pay because those areas have more funding and industry support.

Average PhD Stipends in Germany by Field

DAAD PhD Stipend and Funding Programs

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is one of the largest scholarship and funding organizations in world. It supports thousands of international students and researchers every year to study and do research in Germany. For PhD students, DAAD scholarships are one of the best ways to get financial support if you don’t have a university work contract.

The DAAD PhD stipend helps cover your living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs during your research in Germany. It also gives students a chance to work with top German universities and professors. The monthly amount is usually around €1,200 to €1,400.

Some of the most popular DAAD PhD funding programs are listed below:

• DAAD Research Grants: Doctoral Programmes in Germany: For students who want to complete their full PhD in Germany.
• DAAD Graduate School Scholarships Program (GSSP): Supports international PhD candidates at structured graduate schools.
• DAAD Sandwich Model: For students doing a joint PhD between their home country and a German university.

DAAD PhD Funding Programs Overview

Living Costs in Germany for PhD Students

Before starting your PhD, it is very important to know the living costs in Germany. Even though most PhD programs in Germany are tuition-free, you still need money every month for your rent, food, insurance, and daily expenses. Total cost depends on the city, lifestyle, and whether you live alone or in shared housing.

PhD student in Germany needs around €1,000 to €1,200 per month to live comfortably. Biggest part of your monthly spending is usually rent, which can range between €500 and €800 depending on the city. Cities like Munich, Frankfurt, or Berlin are more expensive, while smaller towns are cheaper.

You will also spend around €200–€300 on food, €100–€150 on health insurance. Many universities offer a semester ticket that gives free public transport within the region, which helps save some money.

How to Apply for PhD Funding in Germany

Getting PhD funding in Germany is not hard if you follow the right steps. Most international students get support through university jobs. Check how to apply for PhD funding in Germany.

Find a Supervisor or Research Group

Start by searching for a professor. You can find them on university websites or through research institutes like Max Planck or Helmholtz. Write short and clear email with your CV and look for interest to see if they are open to supervising you.

Apply for a PhD Position

Once you find a supervisor you can apply for PhD positions through DAAD or DFG. You can directly apply on university portal. Some universities release a list of PhD jobs with stipends or work contracts.

Submit All Documents

Prepare and send all required documents: your research proposal, CV, academic transcripts, language test scores and reference letters.

Apply for Student Visa

Apply for a German student visa or researcher residence permit at the German Embassy in your country. You will need your admission letter and proof of funding.

Open Bank Account and Register for Stipend Payment

When you arrive in Germany, open a German bank account and register with your university for stipend or salary payment. You will also need to register your address (Anmeldung) in the city you live in.

Following these steps will help you start your PhD journey in Germany smoothly and make sure your funding and documents are all in place.