Scholarships for Indian Students In Germany

Germany is one of the most popular study abroad destinations among Indian students. The major reason being the umpteen number of scholarships for Indian students in Germany. The country offers plenty of scholarships, grants, fellowships and bursaries dedicated to provide financial support for Indian students to study in Germany. Scholarships in Germany are funded by the government, universities, corporations, private organisations and state-funded institutions. Eligible international students are awarded scholarships based on their academic merit, performance, research potential and financial need. 

Scholarships in Germany for Indian students can be classified into government scholarships, non-government scholarships, and university-funded scholarships. In this blog, we will explore popular scholarships like DAAD and ERASMUS in each of these categories, offering detailed information on the eligibility criteria and scholarship amount.

Types of Scholarships

Germany grants several scholarships to Indian students through various organisations. Indian students can apply for these scholarships and receive financial aid given they meet the eligibility criteria. The major types of scholarships in Germany are as follows:

1. Government Scholarships: The German government provides numerous scholarships for Indian students. These scholarships are provided based on the financial condition of the students. Some of the popular Government-Funded scholarships in Germany are DAAD Scholarship, Erasmus Scholarship Program etc.
2. Non-Government Scholarships: Several organisations in Germany offer scholarships to Indian students. The eligibility criteria for these scholarships vary depending on the host institution. Some of the notable scholarships in this category include  Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships, Bayer Foundation Awards, Friedrich Ebert Foundation scholarships etc.
3. University-Funded Scholarships: Several German universities provide scholarships for Indian students to study in Germany. These scholarships are available for all academic levels such as UG, PG and PhD. Every university will have a different set of eligibility criteria and scholarship value. A few of the popular University-Funded scholarships include Exchange Scholarship by RWTH Aachen University, International Ambassador Scholarship by Heidelberg University, Merit Scholarship by Hamburg University of Applied Sciences etc.

Government-Funded Scholarships

These scholarships are funded by the government. These scholarships are granted for eligible students upon consideration of their financial circumstances among other criteria. Generally, the scholarship amount in this category ranges from EUR 150 to 800 per month. Here are the popular government scholarships for Indian students in germany:

1. DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) grants the popular DAAD scholarships for International Students to study undergraduate, postgraduate as well as Ph.D degree programs in Germany. This organisation offers over 215 scholarships and funding opportunities to international students. An average of 100,000 students, including local and international students, receive financial aid under this scholarship program. This is one of the fully funded scholarships in Germany. 

Eligibility: All students with an excellent academic record are eligible.

Scholarship Amount:  The DAAD scholarships have different scholarship amounts that vary with the selected course, duration and institution. On average, the amount ranges between EUR 850 - 1200. 

2. ERASMUS scholarships

ERASMUS Scholarships in Germany are funded by the European Commission. It’s the largest scholarship grant available for students to pursue their masters in Europe. There are over 4,000 higher education institutions from 37 countries that are part of the ERASMUS+ scholarship program.

Eligibility: Students with a good academic record who are applying for universities in the European Union.

Scholarship Amount: The average amount of scholarship is around EUR 9960 along with health coverage.

Non-Government Scholarships

Indian students can apply for Non-Government scholarships that are offered by various institutions in Germany. These scholarships are highly beneficial for students who are in need of financial assistance to reduce their tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses.Here are some of the popular Non-Government scholarships for Indian students in Germany:

1. Heinrich Böll Scholarships

The Heinrich Böll Foundation grants around 1,200 scholarships for students pursuing their Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Germany. These scholarships are provided to students as per the guidelines set by the Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and the Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt).

Eligibility: Both German and International students with an excellent academic background in their respective fields. 

Scholarship Amount: Students receive an average of € 750 to € 1000 per month depending the program they are enrolled in.

2. Humboldt Research Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers

These scholarships are exclusive to students who have completed their Doctoral studies and are pursuing their Postdoctoral research in Germany. The Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation provides around 400 - 500 research grants every year to students doing research in various fields like law, anthropology, history, political science, sociology, geography, area studies, and economics.

Eligibility: Students and researchers from all nationalities pursuing postdoctoral programs.

Scholarship Amount: Students receive € 2,650 per month for a duration of 6 - 24 months for covering their transportation costs, monthly expenses, and health insurance.

3. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships

KAS Scholarships are granted to International students applying for master’s and PhD degree programs in Germany. Students who have completed their bachelor’s/master’s degree in their home country can apply for these scholarships. 

Eligibility: Students under the age of 30 with outstanding academic scores are eligible.

Scholarship Amount: Graduate students receive a monthly stipend of € 850 for 2 years. Ph.D students can receive up to € 1,200 per month.

4. Bayer Foundation Scholarships

Bayer Foundation Scholarships are awarded to students who aspire to research in fields of study such as medical science, agricultural science, and drug discovery science. 

Eligibility: Students of all nationalities with excellent academic record can apply for these scholarships.

Scholarship Amount: Students receive an average of € 6,400 per year for 2 years.

5. The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung scholarships are awarded to academically well-performing students with an interest in social and political issues. 

Eligibility: Students of all nationalities with a good academic record and a sense of civil responsibility are eligible to apply.

Scholarship Amount: An average amount of up to 1000 EUR per month is provided to the eligible students.

6. Mawista Scholarship

Mawista scholarship is granted by a german-based health insurance company to help students pursue their higher education while taking care of their child. 

Eligibility: Any student who wants to pursue a degree in Germany with a child is eligible to apply.

Scholarship Amount: Eligible students will receive around 500 Euros per month.

7. Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) For Developing Countries

Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) is funded by the European Union. These scholarships are available for International students who want to pursue postdoctoral research in Germany. 

Eligibility: Academically qualified students pursuing postdoctoral research in Germany can apply for these scholarships.

Scholarship Amount: The fellowship grant can reach up to EUR 15,000 per year.

University-Funded Scholarships in Germany

German universities have plenty of scholarship programs meant to lend a helping hand for International students with financial need. Here are the popular scholarships for Indian students in germany, funded by universities:

1. Jacobs University Scholarships

Jacobs university provides several merit-based scholarships for International students aspiring to study in Germany. Students applying for these scholarships should have an impressive statement of purpose and application as it’s highly competitive. Applicants should apply well in advance during the admission cycle to ensure they procure a good scholarship. 

Eligibility: All students with outstanding academic performance are eligible to apply.

Scholarship Amount: Student receives € 20,000 for annual tuition fees along with € 6,000 for room and board expenses for the 9 month academic year.

2. Heidelberg University Scholarships

Heidelberg University has dozens of scholarship programs for international students. These scholarships include Hans-Peter Wild Talent Scholarship, International Ambassador Scholarship, International Student Financial Aid (ISFA) etc.

Eligibility: Each scholarship has a different eligibility criteria. But overall, applicants are required to have a good academic record. 

Scholarship Amount: Students receive a grant ranging from EUR 10,000 to 16,000 per academic year depending on the specific scholarship they’ve been awarded.

3. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Scholarships

Hamburg university has several scholarships for international students applying for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. These scholarships include Merit scholarship and Degree Completion Grants. 

Eligibility: Students with a solid academic track record are eligible to apply. In case of Degree Completion Grants, all final-year students are eligible.

Scholarship Amount: Students with merit scholarships get EUR 200 to 720 per month. Students with Degree Completion Grants receive EUR 10,200 along with allowance for the academic year.

4. RWTH Aachen University Scholarships

There are plenty of scholarships available in this university for international students. These scholarships include Scholarship for Particularly Involved International Students, Exchange Scholarship etc.

Eligibility: Each scholarship has a different eligibility criteria. Nonetheless, all scholarships require an excellent academic record.

Scholarship Amount: For Exchange Scholarships, the students are entitled to EUR 1000 per semester along with allowances. For other scholarships, there is a tuition fee waiver of 25% to 50%.

5. Humboldt University International Research Fellowship

Humboldt University grants fellowships for international students pursuing research in Anthropology, Economics, History, Law, Political Science, Sociology, Area Studies etc. 

Eligibility: All students with outstanding academic scores interested in pursuing research in the above mentioned fields are eligible to apply.

Scholarship Amount: Eligible students receive a fellowship amount of €2,670.

6. Leipzig Graduate School of Management Scholarship

There are numerous scholarships offered by Leipzig Graduate School of Management for students who are enrolled in various MSc courses.

Eligibility: All academically strong students who are enrolled in MSc courses. 

Scholarship Amount: Grant amount for these scholarships can reach up to EUR 15,000.

7. Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Doctoral Tuition Waivers

Frankfurt School of Finance provides this scholarship to doctoral students studying english-taught courses at the university. 

Eligibility: All students pursuing courses in the disciplines of Business Administration, Finance, Accounting and Mathematics can apply for this scholarship.

Scholarship Amount: Eligible students receive a waiver in tuition fees.

Degree specific scholarships in germany

Scholarships in Germany are available for all levels of degrees be it bachelors, masters, or doctorate programs. Here are some of the notable scholarships in every type of degree in Germany:

1. Bachelor’s Scholarships in Germany

Scholarship benefits for bachelor’s degrees in Germany vary depending on the host institution. Students can receive either partial or full scholarships for undergraduate programs. Some of the popular scholarships for undergraduate students in Germany are:

• Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Scholarship for SC 2021 (For Indian nationals)
• Domestic and International state grants at Munich Business School
• DAAD Bavarian Government Scholarship at Hochschule Hof, Germany
• Hani Zeini Scholarship
• Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
• Jared J. Davis Grant
• QS Undergraduate Scholarship
• Women Techmakers Scholars Program
• Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award
• Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
• Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program
• CCSE Undergraduate Scholarship

2. Master’s Scholarships in Germany

Master’s scholarships are highly beneficial for international students pursuing their postgraduate studies. These scholarships cover part or the entire tuition cost. Here are a few of the popular scholarships for MS in Germany:

• Heinrich Boll Scholarships in Germany for international students
• Goethe Goes Global - masters scholarships
• Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarship
• K. C. Mahindra Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
• Harvey Fellowship
• Inlaks Scholarships
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship
• GyanDhan Scholarship
• Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarship
• Education for Sustainable Energy Development (ESED)
• FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship
• International Scholarship Program

3. MBA Scholarships in Germany

MBA scholarship in Germany is offered by both government and private organisations. These MBA scholarships have various eligibility criteria depending on the host institution and field of study. Here are some notable MBA scholarships in Germany:

• IU International University of Applied Science Scholarship
• Early Application Scholarship
• German Language Scholarships
• GMAT/GRE Scholarship
• Dean’s Excellence Scholarship
• DAAD Scholarship for MBA
• Women in Business Scholarship
• Asia Scholarship
• HHL Women in Business Scholarship
• Mannheim School of Business Scholarships
• DAAD scholarship
• Frankfurt School MBA Scholarships

4. PhD Scholarships in Germany

PhD scholarships or fellowships are provided to students doing research in their area of study. These scholarships typically cover living and travel expenses along with stipends. Here are some well known PhD scholarships in Germany:

• DAAD Scholarships for research studies
• Stipendienlotse scholarships for students opting for doctoral studies
• PhD Completion Scholarship
• BIF PhD Fellowships
• Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship for International Doctoral Students in Germany
• Amelia Earhart Fellowships for Women
• Max Plank Society Research Scholarships in Germany
• National Overseas Scholarship
• Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Award
• Horowitz Foundation Grants
• DAAD Scholarships in Germany for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses
• Heisenberg Fellowship/Professorship Program

How to Apply For Scholarships in Germany?

There are plenty of scholarship opportunities for Indian students to study in Germany. You need to follow the correct procedure when applying for scholarships. 

• Do a thorough research of all the available scholarships.
• Review the eligibility criteria and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements.
• Gather all the required documents necessary to apply for the scholarship.
• Visit the official website of the host institution and fill out the application form.
• Check the deadline and ensure that you apply well in advance of the deadline.
• Submit your language test scores like IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL if required.
• Get LOR (Letter of Recommendation) and SOP (Statement of Purpose).
• Be prepared for interviews or any online assessments.
• Keep track of the status of your scholarship application.

Tips For Getting a Scholarship in Germany

Germany has tons of scholarship programs for Indian students. Despite that, there is high competition among students to get these scholarships. It’s up to you to take all necessary steps to ensure that your application gets shortlisted. Here are some tips to increase your chances of getting a scholarship in Germany. 

• Identify a few scholarships you are eligible for and apply for more than one scholarship.
• Make sure you apply well before the deadline.
• Double check your application to avoid any mistakes. 
• Prepare a noteworthy scholarship essay.
• Seek guidance from expert counsellors.
• Showcase your academic achievements along with other volunteering, community, and internship experiences.

Conclusion

Indian students have numerous opportunities to secure scholarships in Germany. Since it’s highly competitive, students need to do a thorough research of the scholarships available and prepare themselves to ensure that their application gets shortlisted. Students need not worry about the cost of studying in Germany once they secure a scholarship. Scholarships also help students with managing their cost of living in Germany and making their study abroad experience affordable.

More Blogs About Studying In Germany:

• SOP for Germany
• Study in Germany without IELTS
• Cheapest Universities in Germany

FAQs

1. How can I get a German scholarship for Indian students?

As an Indian student, you can analyse the scholarship programs available and apply for scholarships for which you are eligible. Submit your application along with your academic credentials and showcase your achievements.

2. How can I get a 100% scholarship in Germany?

To get full scholarships in Germany, you need to research the various scholarships available and their eligibility criteria. Prepare a strong application and showcase your academic excellence and achievements.

3. How can I study in Germany for free from India?

Indian students can enrol in public universities in Germany that offer free of cost courses or get fully-funded scholarships to study free in Germany. There are tuition fees waivers and part-time work opportunities to help mitigate costs.

4. How much percentage is required for scholarship in Germany?

The required percentage to get a scholarship in Germany varies with universities and programs. Usually, a good academic score around 70% to 80% or higher is required.

5. Is it difficult to get a scholarship in Germany?

It is not too difficult to get a scholarship in Germany. The chances of getting a scholarship depends on the host institution. Scholarships like DAAD are comparatively easier to get.

6. Can Indians apply for DAAD?

Yes, Indians can apply for DAAD scholarships.