The Reichstag building in Berlin with the German flag flying above the glass dome at dusk.

Germany Winter Semester 2027/28: scholarship applications typically close mid-May 2027; admission applications close 15 July

Freiburg International Scholarship

The University of Freiburg's International Scholarship supports outstanding international Master's students with a monthly stipend of EUR 750-1,000 (LKR 259k-345k) and a waiver of the Baden-Württemberg international tuition fee (EUR 1,500/semester). Freiburg is a top-tier German research university (Excellence University status), particularly renowned for renewable energy, environmental sciences, forestry, medicine, and law. Located in the Black Forest region near the French and Swiss borders, Freiburg consistently ranks as Germany's 'greenest' city. Sri Lankan applicants — especially those interested in environmental science, sustainability, or biological sciences — find Freiburg an attractive smaller-city alternative to Berlin or Munich.

University of Freiburg

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Value

EUR 750-1,000/mo + Tuition Waiver

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Duration

Up to 2 Years (Master's)

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Awards

~30 per Year

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Freiburg Master's Admission

You must hold (or be applying for) admission to a Master's programme at the University of Freiburg. Both English-taught Master's (Environmental Governance, Renewable Energy Engineering, etc.) and German-taught programmes qualify. PhD candidates have separate Freiburg funding routes.

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Strong Academic Record

First-class or strong second-upper Bachelor's degree (typically 70%+ on Sri Lankan scale, or 3.3+/4.0 GPA). Awards are competitive — Freiburg looks for top 10-20% of the international applicant pool by academic record.

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Non-EU International Status

Open to non-EU/EEA international students. Sri Lankan citizens are eligible. EU/EEA citizens have separate Freiburg funding routes (most EU students do not pay the Baden-Württemberg international fee in the first place).

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Language Match for Programme

For German-taught programmes: DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4. For English-taught programmes: IELTS 6.5+ (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 88+. Sri Lankan applicants with English-medium degrees can request the MOI-letter waiver where Freiburg permits.

account_tree Application Process

Apply for Freiburg Master's

Submit your Master's application via the University of Freiburg's online portal (or uni-assist for some programmes). Application deadlines for Winter Semester are typically 15 July (German-taught) and earlier for English-taught (e.g., 31 March for some programmes).

Submit scholarship application separately

Complete the Freiburg International Scholarship application via the International Office portal. Required: motivation letter for the scholarship, full CV, transcripts, two academic recommendations, language certificates, and confirmation of Master's application.

Selection by International Office

The Freiburg International Office reviews scholarship applications and selects awardees. Decisions are typically made in June-July for Winter Semester start. The committee considers academic record, financial need (secondary factor), and motivation.

Acceptance + German visa

Successful applicants receive scholarship confirmation alongside Master's admission. Use both letters plus a blocked-account proof (or scholarship as proof of funds where accepted) to apply for the German national visa at the German Embassy in Colombo.

Why Freiburg?

The University of Freiburg was founded in 1457 — one of Germany's oldest universities. It carries Excellence University status (one of only 11 German universities so designated) and is consistently ranked in the European top 50. Freiburg is particularly distinguished for environmental and forestry research, renewable energy, medicine, and law. The city is famously the greenest in Germany, with a tram network, extensive cycling, and the Vauban district as a global sustainability case study.