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

Germany Winter Semester 2026/27: applications via Heidelberg programme admissions, typically March-May 2026; Winter Semester 2027/28: open October 2026

Heidelberg University International Scholarship

Heidelberg University is Germany's oldest university (founded 1386) and consistently the country's top-ranked institution. The International Scholarship offers a monthly stipend of EUR 850-1,200 (LKR 293k-414k) plus tuition waivers (where Baden-Württemberg's EUR 1,500/semester international fee applies) to selected international Master's students. Around 50-80 awards are made annually across Heidelberg's faculties — particularly strong in medicine, biology, chemistry, physics, philosophy, and Asian studies. Sri Lankan applicants admitted to Heidelberg's English-taught Master's programmes (or with German B2+ for German-taught) are eligible — but applications go through the academic faculty, with each programme nominating its top international candidates for central scholarship consideration.

Heidelberg University

University-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Value

EUR 850-1,200/mo + Tuition Waiver

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Duration

Up to 2 Years (Master's)

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Awards

~50-80 per Year (all faculties)

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Heidelberg Master's Admission

You must hold (or be applying for) admission to a Heidelberg University Master's programme. Both English-taught (e.g., Medical Informatics, Health Economics, South Asian Studies) and German-taught Master's qualify. PhD candidates apply through separate Heidelberg Graduate Academy scholarships.

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Outstanding Academic Record

Selection is highly competitive. Most successful candidates have a first-class Bachelor's degree (or equivalent — typically 70%+ on Sri Lankan grading, or 3.5+/4.0 GPA) from a recognised university. Publications, research projects, or competition awards strengthen the application.

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International Fee Status

Open to international students (non-EU/EEA citizens). Sri Lankan citizens applying from Sri Lanka are eligible. EU/EEA students apply via separate Heidelberg awards.

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Language + English Proficiency

German-taught Master's require German C1 (DSH-2 / TestDaF 4x4). English-taught Master's accept IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL iBT 100+. Sri Lankan applicants with English-medium degrees can request the MOI-letter waiver where Heidelberg permits.

account_tree Application Process

Apply to Heidelberg Master's first

Submit your Heidelberg Master's application via the university's online portal (or uni-assist for some programmes). Application deadlines vary by faculty — some close as early as 15 March, others as late as 15 July.

Indicate scholarship interest

In your Master's application, indicate that you wish to be considered for the Heidelberg International Scholarship. Some faculties have a separate scholarship form; others use the standard admissions application materials for scholarship consideration.

Faculty nomination + central review

Each Heidelberg faculty nominates its top international applicants to the central International Office. The Office reviews nominations against the international scholarship pool and makes final awards in May-July for Winter Semester start.

Acceptance + German visa

Successful applicants receive a scholarship confirmation alongside their Master's offer. Use the offer + scholarship + blocked-account proof (or scholarship confirmation in lieu) to apply for the German national visa at the German Embassy in Colombo.

Why Heidelberg?

Heidelberg University was founded in 1386 — Germany's oldest university and one of Europe's most distinguished research institutions. 33 Nobel laureates count among its alumni and faculty, including Robert Bunsen and Karl Jaspers. Heidelberg is consistently #1 or #2 in Germany (after Munich) by international rankings, with particular strength in medicine, life sciences, physics, philosophy, theology, and Asian studies. The town of Heidelberg itself is one of Europe's most beautiful — preserved medieval old town in the Neckar valley.