International students at Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) now have a remarkable funding opportunity to support their studies for the 2026 academic year. Announced on December 10, 2025, FU Berlin has opened applications for the DAAD-funded STIBET I Scholarships, designed specifically to improve access to higher education for international learners facing additional responsibilities or challenges.
Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through the Federal Foreign Office (AA), this competitive program will award 10 scholarships, each offering €250 per month from March to December 2026, helping students navigate living costs and academic commitments.
This article breaks down everything international students need to know—from eligibility and application deadlines to required documentation and the selection process.
What This Scholarship Offers?
Selected students will receive:
- A monthly grant of €250
- Funding duration: 10 months (March 1 – December 31, 2026)
- Support aimed at improving access for students facing:
- Refugee backgrounds
- Parenting responsibilities
- Caregiving roles
- Disabilities or chronic illness.
The scholarship is not merit-based, meaning academic grades are not considered. Instead, the focus is on your personal circumstances, commitment to your studies, and ongoing enrollment at FU Berlin.
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if you are an international student who meets one or more of these conditions:
- You have a refugee background, or
- You have a child under 12 years, or
- You are a caregiver, or
- You have a disability (minimum 50%) or chronic illness affecting academic performance
Additional Requirements
Applicants must also:
- Have obtained their higher education entrance qualification outside Germany
- Not hold German citizenship
- Be regularly enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or State Exam program at FU Berlin
(PhD and exchange students are not eligible) - Have consistently attended courses
- At least 1 completed course per semester, or
- 2 attended courses if currently in the first semester
- Maintain enrollment throughout the funding period (March–December 2026)
Important Funding Conditions
- If you receive another public scholarship, DAAD may top-up your funding up to a full grant of €861/month.
- Total combined income (scholarships + part-time work) must not exceed €1,311 per month.
If you’re unsure about income limits or compatibility with other scholarships, FU Berlin encourages applicants to reach out for guidance.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the DAAD STIBET I Scholarships at Freie Universität Berlin is January 11, 2026.
Why This Scholarship Matters?
This DAAD-funded scheme is more than just financial support. It recognizes the diverse challenges many international students experience and provides a reliable, equitable lifeline that allows them to continue their studies with greater stability.
If you are studying at FU Berlin and meet one of the eligibility criteria, this is a high-impact opportunity you should not miss.