Are there scholarships for international students for online degrees?

Hi Naledi,

yes, international students can sometimes get scholarships or tuition reductions for online degrees at private German universities. But for a fully online Bachelor’s from South Africa, it is usually more realistic to think in terms of partial tuition reductions, not full funding.

For online Data Science / AI-related Bachelor’s programmes, these options are especially relevant:

• IU International University: Data Science, B.Sc. – IU offers monthly payment models and several funding options. According to IU, selected applicants can receive a 50% IU scholarship, for example in categories such as Women in Tech, first-generation students, single parents, people with disabilities or career changers. IU also participates in the Deutschlandstipendium, which provides 300 € per month and is not limited to on-campus study.
• Tomorrow University: AI & Sustainable Technologies, B.Sc. – not a pure Data Science Bachelor, but a relevant online AI/data-focused alternative. Tomorrow University publishes scholarships, early-bird reductions and flexible payment plans. Previous academic credits may also reduce duration and tuition if they are recognised.

Does being non-EU or based in South Africa exclude you? Not automatically. Many university-internal scholarships are based on profile, motivation, academic background, diversity, social situation or field of study rather than EU citizenship. However, each university sets its own rules, so always ask whether the specific scholarship is open to international distance-learning students outside Germany.

When should you apply? Ideally, ask about scholarships before you sign the study contract. Some scholarships are applied for during the admissions process, some shortly after admission, and some – such as the Deutschlandstipendium – may require that you are enrolled or about to enrol for the next semester. Do not wait until tuition payments have already started.

Typical documents:

• school-leaving certificate and transcripts
• proof of previous study or training, if available
• CV
• motivation letter explaining why you chose the programme and why you need or deserve funding
• proof of English, if required
• for need-based or profile-based scholarships: additional proof, for example financial situation, first-generation status, disability, family situation, awards, volunteering or professional background

Your South African residence can still matter financially because you pay tuition in euros. So also calculate exchange-rate risk, international payment fees and possible bank charges. For a fully online degree, you usually do not need to budget for German rent, visa or relocation costs unless you plan to move to Germany later.

Important: DAAD and public scholarship programmes are worth checking, but they are often more relevant for postgraduate study, research, exchange or study stays in Germany. For a private online Bachelor’s, the most practical route is usually: university scholarship, tuition discount, monthly payment plan, credit transfer and personal savings.

If you have short-term questions or would like help contacting a university’s admissions team, you can ask our virtual study advisor Sophie for support 24/7.