If you are from Peru and want to study in Germany, you can compete for several kinds of support. The most realistic options are government-funded programmes, university scholarships or fee waivers, and Erasmus Mundus for joint master's degrees. Most awards are competitive, so a strong profile and complete documents matter a lot.
What scholarships you can realistically target
There is no single scholarship for every Peruvian student. Your best options depend on your level of study, grades, English or German level, and your field.
- DAAD scholarships - Germany's main academic exchange service offers many programmes for master's, PhD, and short study stays.
- Erasmus Mundus - joint master's programmes in Europe, often with a full scholarship for selected students.
- University scholarships - some universities offer tuition waivers, stipends, or merit awards.
- Foundation scholarships - political, religious, or private foundations sometimes support international students.
- Research or project funding - more common at master's by research and PhD level.
For the latest and safest information, always check the official site of the scholarship provider, the university admissions page, or the DAAD scholarship database.
DAAD and other government-funded options
DAAD is often the first place to look. It lists many scholarships for international students, but each programme has its own rules. Some are for full degrees, while others are for research visits, language courses, or short academic stays.
- Usual requirements: a strong academic record, degree certificates, transcript, motivation letter, CV, language proof, and sometimes work experience.
- Common extras: recommendation letters, research proposal, and proof that your study plan fits the programme.
- Language: many master's programmes need English proof such as IELTS or TOEFL. Some programmes in German need TestDaF, DSH, or another accepted certificate.
- Competition: usually high, especially for full funding.
Application windows change by programme. Many DAAD scholarships open once a year, often many months before the start date. Some open in late summer or autumn for studies starting the next year. Check the DAAD database and the specific programme page early.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships
Erasmus Mundus is a strong option if you want an international master's degree with study in more than one country, sometimes including Germany. These programmes are separate from normal university admission and have their own selection process.
- Usual requirements: a completed bachelor's degree or final-year status, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, references, and language proof.
- Sometimes required: a good academic ranking, relevant background, and a clear reason for choosing the programme.
- When they open: many Erasmus Mundus calls open between autumn and winter for the next academic year, but dates vary a lot.
These scholarships are highly competitive, but they are realistic if your grades are strong and your documents are clear. The programme page is the only place to trust for current dates and document rules.
University scholarships and fee waivers
German public universities often have low or no tuition fees, but you still need money for living costs, insurance, and semester fees. Some universities offer scholarships, tuition waivers, or emergency support. Private universities may offer more fee discounts, but rules differ a lot.
- Merit scholarships: for students with strong grades or special achievements.
- Need-based support: sometimes for students with financial need, but funds are limited.
- Fee waivers: more common at some private institutions or for specific master's programmes.
- Faculty awards: some departments support top students or research projects.
Check the university's scholarship page and the programme page. Some awards are only for enrolled students, while others are open before admission. Deadlines are often once or twice a year, but this varies.
Foundation, private, and subject-specific scholarships
Many foundations in Germany support talented international students. Some focus on social engagement, political values, religion, leadership, or specific fields like engineering, business, or environmental studies.
- Usual requirements: excellent grades, motivation, social or voluntary engagement, and clear goals.
- Often needed: language skills, a strong CV, letters of recommendation, and an interview.
- Important point: some foundations expect you to show interest in social issues, not only good marks.
These scholarships may open once or twice a year, or on a rolling basis. The foundation's own website is the best source for dates and criteria.
How to build a stronger application
A good profile can help you compete even if the scholarship is selective. Keep your documents ready and make sure they are consistent.
- Transcript and degree: show your academic results clearly.
- CV: list study, work, internships, volunteering, and skills.
- Motivation letter: explain why Germany, why this programme, and why you fit.
- Language proof: prepare the test the programme asks for.
- References: choose people who know your academic or work quality well.
- Portfolio or research proposal: add this if the programme asks for it.
For many awards, a complete and well-organised application is as important as grades. Use the exact document list from the scholarship or university page. If anything is missing, your application may not be considered.
When to start and what to check first
Start early. Many scholarships open 6 to 12 months before studies begin, and some require time to get transcripts, translations, or language results. If you are still studying in Peru, you can often apply in your final year if the programme allows it.
- Check the DAAD scholarship database for national and subject-based options.
- Check the university's admissions and scholarship pages for local support.
- Check the Erasmus Mundus programme page for each master's.
- Check the scholarship provider's own site for deadlines and eligibility.
- Check the German embassy or the national immigration authority for visa and stay rules after you get an offer.
Do not wait for one scholarship only. Apply to several options that fit your field and level.
Common questions
Can a student from Peru get a full scholarship in Germany?
Yes, it is possible, but these awards are very competitive. DAAD and Erasmus Mundus are the best-known full-funding options, while universities and foundations may offer partial support.
Do I need German to get a scholarship?
Not always. Many master's programmes are in English, and some scholarships accept English proof only. If your programme is in German, you usually need a German certificate.
Can I apply before I finish my degree in Peru?
Sometimes yes. Some programmes accept students who are in their final year, but you must check the exact rule on the scholarship or university page.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
This helps you get discovered by the right universities faster, without replacing the official scholarship or admission application process.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.