Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students
Germany offers various scholarships in Germany for Indian students, making it a top destination for higher education due to its world-class universities and high-quality research. Although most public universities offer free education, these scholarships are important in covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. The most famous scholarships that Indian students apply for include the DAAD scholarship, Erasmus+, and Deutschlandstipendium.
We have created a list of scholarships that Indian students can choose from. This list includes government-funded scholarships, non-government-funded scholarships, degree-specific scholarships, German university scholarships, and many more. So, let’s discuss these scholarships for Indian students in Germany in more detail.
Top Government-Funded Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students
The German government provide various scholarships for Indian students which offer invaluable financial support to help students achieve their academic goals. These scholarships also provide non-financial support such as access to academic networks, workshops, internships, and opportunities for professional development.
DAAD Scholarship
DAAD scholarship is one the most awarded scholarships – awarded up to 1 lac students including German and international students.
Which Indian students can apply? Indian graduates, doctoral students and post-doctorate students can apply for this scholarship.
How will this scholarship benefit you? As a graduate student, you will receive around €992 monthly for 10 and 24 months and €460 annual study allowance.
PhD students can receive €1300 monthly for 2 to 12 months while postdocs can get it for 2 to 6 months with a research allowance of €460 if the funding period is over 6 months.
Additionally, you will benefit from a travel stipend, liability insurance, and health and accident insurance.
What are the eligibility criteria? The eligibility criteria include good academic performance, a school leaving certificate, proficiency in working language(s) or academic language(s), proof of internship and relevant work experience if applicable.
What is the deadline to apply? There is no fixed deadline, but it can vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin, status, and type of scholarship.
Deutschlandstipendium
Which Indian students can apply? Indian students who demonstrate high commitment, talent, and achievement can apply for this scholarship if they are admitted to or planning to enrol in participating universities in Germany.
How will this scholarship benefit you? You can get €300 per month for at least 2 semesters (1 year) which can be prolonged to the entire standard duration of your study depending on your eligibility and funding availability after those two semesters. Furthermore, you can also get access to development programs, professional meetups and internship opportunities.
What are the eligibility criteria? You must fulfil the requirements of your university as they are awarded by the participating universities themselves. Further requirements include good academic grades, social involvement and personal accomplishments. The scholarship is awarded based on merit, regardless of a student’s income or nationality, and does not impact BAföG grants.
What is the deadline to apply? The universities have their deadlines but the application portal is usually open from July to August for some universities. Please visit the official websites of the individual universities to know the exact dates.
Erasmus+ Scholarship
Which Indian students can apply? Students from India interested in an exchange program in Germany, hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, are doctorate candidates, or are enrolled in a short-cycle program, are eligible to apply.
How will this scholarship benefit you? This scholarship covers one-time travel and monthly living expenses in Germany during study periods or traineeships. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral students can receive grants for up to 12 months. However, the grant varies depending on the destination or higher education institution. Moreover, students get exemptions from paying tuition, enrollment and examination fees among many other benefits.
What are the eligibility criteria?
- Eligibility criteria vary by program but the general requirements include grades (GPA), a motivation letter and German or English language skills.
- Studying abroad should be relevant to your degree and help your learning and personal growth.
- You must be enrolled in a higher education institution, participate in the Erasmus+ programme, and study towards a recognized degree or qualification.
- You have finished your first academic year.
- Your home university has established an Erasmus partnership or agreement with the host institution.
What is the deadline to apply? The deadline varies by country. You can get up-to-date information from the home institution’s international office.
Top Non-Government-Funded Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students
Some of the Non-government-funded scholarships in Germany for Indian students are quite generous. Recipients also get other allowances and are exempt from paying health insurance or enrollment fees etc. A few popular scholarships are given below in detail.
Which Indian students can apply? Indian students studying and living in Germany who are devoted to promoting social democratic values can apply for this scholarship. Students, trainees and doctoral candidates across all fields (except medicine) enrolled in state or state-recognized universities are encouraged to apply.
How will this scholarship benefit you? As an international student in Germany, you can receive €992 per month. Furthermore, you are exempt from paying health insurance and can get a monthly allowance of €160 if you have a child. PhD students are also eligible for a monthly stipend of €1,400, extendable up to three years.
What are the eligibility criteria? You have to be studying at a state or state-recognised higher education institution in Germany and must exhibit good educational qualifications, while also demonstrating good German language proficiency (usually DSH level 2 or TestDaF level 4 or Zertifikat C1 (or other certificates ) even if the language of instruction is in English.
What is the deadline to apply?
Master’s: Before or during the first semester (by 30 November for winter, 31 May for summer).
Bachelor/Diploma/State Exam: After the first semester, but no later than three semesters before the end of the standard study period.
Medicine: After the fourth semester or physics exam, up to the end of the sixth semester.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Which Indian students can apply? This scholarship is granted to Indian graduates and doctoral students who want to study in Germany.
How will this scholarship benefit you? Through this scholarship, recipient students receive €934 monthly and an exemption from health insurance, among other allowances. Doctoral candidates receive a €100 mobility allowance in addition to a €1400 monthly scholarship amount.
What are the eligibility criteria? Students and doctoral candidates must have good academic grades throughout the academics and social responsibility with strong political interest. Further requirements include a school leaving certificate, a third-party recommendation letter attesting to your social engagement, two recommendation letters from your university lecturers, passing an interview and proof of German language proficiency such as DSH 2 or Level B
In addition, PhD candidates must present proof of admission to doctoral studies, a CV and a motivation letter.
What is the deadline to apply? The deadline for online application is March 1st or September 1st.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
Which Indian students can apply? This scholarship program is for Indian students and graduates who want to pursue further studies in Germany, whether postgraduate, master’s, or doctoral, or complete a research stay consisting of at least four semesters.
How will this scholarship benefit you? The benefits include a monthly scholarship of €934 for graduates and €1,400 for PhD students, with two and three-year funding periods, respectively. Additional subsidies cover health insurance (up to €120/month), a family allowance (€276/month), and a children’s allowance (€194/month). PhD students can also apply for funding for research stays abroad, but not for congresses. Course fees directly related to studies can be refunded up to €1,500 per semester, excluding regular enrollment fees.
What are the eligibility criteria? You must already hold a university degree (e.g., a bachelor’s degree) with good grades, proficiency in the German language (B2-level), and intend to study for at least four semesters. Further requirements include active involvement in volunteer activities, Support for democracy and human rights, a well-rounded education and a strong interest in political issues, being open to personal growth, and practising tolerance.
What is the deadline to apply? Contact the KAS office in India or visit the official website for specific dates and deadlines. If you are already studying in Germany as an international student or staying, the application deadline is July 15th each year.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships
Which Indian students can apply? This postdoctoral fellowship targets PhD students who want to gain research experience abroad, gain valuable skills, and advance in their careers. This fellowship is awarded for 1 to 2 years and occurs in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
How will this scholarship benefit you? The funding provides recruited researchers with allowances for living and mobility. Family, long-term leave, and support needs allowances are available if applicable. It also includes financial support for research, training, and networking activities.
What are the eligibility criteria? You must have a PhD degree or defended PhD thesis by the application deadline, a maximum of 8 years of post-doc experience in research (excluding career breaks), and haven’t resided or worked for more than 1 year in the last 36 months in the recipient’s country before the deadline.
What is the deadline to apply? Proposals will now be accepted through September 11, 2024. The following call will open on 9 April and close on 10 September 2025.
Bayer Foundation Fellowships
Which Indian students can apply? Bayer Foundation fellowships target outstanding master’s, PhD, and medical students from all disciplines (medicine, data science, pharmacy, agriculture science) for international research projects, internships, and more.
How will this scholarship benefit you? Applicants receive as much as €10,000 in support for fellowships lasting 2 weeks to 6 months. The fellowship funding can cover various necessary expenses, including travelling and visa costs, living expenses, special project-related costs, Training for field studies, and other essential costs required to carry out the project.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Otto Bayer Drug Discovery Scholarships: Open to master’s and doctoral students from all scientific fields, including pharmacy and data science.
Jeff Schell Scholarships in Agricultural Sciences: Master’s and doctoral students from any scientific discipline can apply however, their research is relevant to the crop science industry.
Carl Duisberg Scholarships for Medical Sciences: This scholarship is available to master’s and doctoral students in fields related to medicine, healthcare, and technology.
Note: Applicants who are Bachelor’s students or postdoctoral researchers are not eligible for any of the 3 fellowships.
What is the deadline to apply? The application phase was from February 12 to April 8, 2024. The announcement for the 2025 application call is still awaited.
StipendiumPlus
Which Indian students can apply? To qualify for the funding programs, you must have a residence permit or permanent residency in Germany or be enrolled at a state or state-recognized university in Germany as a student or doctoral candidate under Section 8 eligibility requirements of BAföG.
How will this scholarship benefit you? The student funding offers a basic stipend of €812 per month, supplemented by allowances for health insurance (up to €94), nursing care insurance (€28), childcare (€160 per child), and study-related expenses (€300).
The doctoral scholarships provide a higher monthly stipend of €1,450. This scholarship includes health insurance coverage of up to €100, a family allowance of €155, research costs of €100, along with a childcare allowance starting from €155.
What are the eligibility criteria? Applicants must be enrolled as students or doctoral candidates at a German state or state-accredited university and have above-average academic results.
Doctoral scholarship applicants must demonstrate strong scientific research abilities through prior academic achievements, with timely completion of qualifying studies. Furthermore, the proposed doctoral project aims to contribute to research significantly.
What is the deadline to apply? The deadline varies so applicants must check online for the specific guidelines of gifted education organizations.
Humboldt Research Fellowships:
Which Indian students can apply? This scholarship supports Indian scholars and highly qualified scientists from all disciplines to conduct research in Germany.
The Postdoctoral researchers can apply for funding within four years after completing their PhD and get support for 6 months to 2 years. Moreover, a more experienced researcher who completed their PhD 12 years ago can apply for 6 months to 1.5 years of funding.
How will this scholarship benefit you? The scholarship provides a monthly fellowship of €2700 for postdocs and €3200 for experienced researchers, along with travel, medical insurance, and mobility allowances. It also includes additional support, such as allowances for learning German, family (spouse or child) allowances, and assistance for child care, pregnancy, or disability.
What are the eligibility criteria? PhD or equivalent completed within 4 (post-doc) or 12 years (experienced researcher). Master students who completed their degree within 16 years having strong publication records are also eligible. Further criteria include academic publications, host confirmation and agreement, two expert reviews, German or English language skills and residency outside of Germany for at least a year in the 18 months before applying.
What is the deadline to apply? You must apply online at least 4 to 7 months before the selection dates, which occur in March, July, and November each year. In case of a unanimous rejection, you may submit a new application only after 18 months.
Federal German State-Specific Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students
Federal German State-Specific Scholarships offer talented Indian students unique opportunities to pursue higher education in Germany. These scholarships present a chance to experience high-quality education, immerse in German culture, and gain valuable international exposure, all while easing the financial burden of studying abroad.
Baden-Württemberg Stiftung
Which Indian students can apply? Undergraduate or doctoral Indian students from any discipline enrolled in a university in Baden-Württemberg or any partner university abroad that has a partnership with Baden-Württemberg.
How will this scholarship benefit you? You will receive €600 to €1400 monthly for 3 to 11 months. The exact amount depends on distance, cost of living, and possible tuition fees. Other than financial assistance, you will gain access to a global network of scholars from various fields and cultures.
What are the eligibility criteria? You must be a student at any university in Baden-Württemberg or any partner university abroad having a partnership with Baden-Württemberg. You must have an excellent academic record and be willing for 1-2 exchange semesters.
What is the deadline to apply? The deadline date can vary depending on the university. We advise you to contact the international office at your university.
Berlin – Elsa Neumann Scholarship
Which Indian students can apply? Indian students enrolled in a doctoral degree program and supervised at one of the four Berlin universities can apply for the Elsa Neumann Scholarship.
How will this scholarship benefit you? The financial support includes €1,350 per month and an additional €100 for material costs. You can also get extra funds for family support and travel expenses. It can support your PhD studies for up to 36 months or 12 months to complete your dissertation.
What are the eligibility criteria? Eligibility criteria include enrollment and supervision at a Berlin university. Your research project should make an important contribution to the field. You must demonstrate good academic achievements and must not have been rejected for the same scholarship before.
What is the deadline to apply? There are usually two application deadlines per year, in April and November. The funding begins on April 1st or October 1st of each year.
The Lower Saxony Scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium)
Which Indian students can apply? The Lower Saxony State Scholarship offers financial support to help cover educational costs for bright and motivated Indian students pursuing an undergraduate or consecutive master’s degree at a university in Lower Saxony.
What are the eligibility criteria? The candidates are evaluated based on talent, and performance. Furthermore, you must be a first-generation student with an educationally disadvantaged background, and face challenges due to displacement or difficult circumstances.
How will this scholarship benefit you? The Scholarship offers financial support typically around €500.
What is the deadline to apply? The universities in Lower Saxony State have their own selection criteria and application deadline so check the university’s official website or international office for up-to-date information.
Bavaria – Marianne-Plehn-Program
Which Indian students can apply? Indian students who have been awarded a doctoral scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation and are pursuing their PhD at a university in Bavaria are eligible to apply for the Marianne-Plehn-Program. The program supports outstanding doctoral students with academic excellence.
How will this scholarship benefit you? The Marianne-Plehn-Program provides financial support through the German Academic Scholarship Foundation which covers your essential living and study costs and a 25% part-time job at a university in Bavaria to develop practical experience in teaching and administrative tasks that will help you in future academic or professional career. You will also gain access to a broad range of networking opportunities through the Elite Network of Bavaria.
What are the eligibility criteria? Firstly, you must hold a doctoral scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. You can apply for the Marianne-Plehn-Program program within 12 months of starting your scholarship. After acceptance, you must begin part-time employment within six months. However, you cannot combine this program with other scholarships or additional jobs.
The applicant also needs confirmation from a department at a Bavarian university that they will host your 25% part-time position that includes teaching tasks and should provide clear benefits to your dissertation and qualifications.
What is the deadline to apply? There is no fixed deadline. However, the applications must be made within 12 months of starting your doctoral scholarship with the German Academic Scholarship Foundation.
Bavaria – Max Weber-Program
Which Indian students can apply? Indian students studying at a Bavarian tertiary institution and achieving excellent grades can apply for the Max Weber Program. You must have completed at least two semesters. You can apply directly or through nomination by faculty.
How will this scholarship benefit you? The scholarship provides €1,290 (semester allowance) and financial support for stays abroad. A wide-ranging program is available for personal and academic development. It also includes opportunities for networking and skill-building through various activities.
What are the eligibility criteria? You must be a student at Bavarian tertiary institution with high academic performance and completed at least two semesters. You should be under 23 years old having intellectual abilities, dedication, communication skills, social skills, and extracurricular engagement.
What is the deadline to apply? The deadline for nominated students is January 15. However, the applicants can apply anytime after completing two semesters.
Note: Germany also provides various scholarships for the MBA program which are more affordable than the MBA in India. Click MBA in Germany 2024/ 2025 for more information.
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