Germany has emerged as a leading study abroad destination for Indian students looking for quality education and exciting career prospects. With its world-class universities, cutting-edge research facilities, diverse culture, and booming economy, Germany Scholarship for Indian Students offers Indian students a unique experience to fast-track their careers. we provides a comprehensive guide on Germany scholarships for Indian students – covering aspects like benefits, eligibility, application process, amount of funding and more.
Why Choose Germany for Higher Studies?
Here are some key reasons why Germany has become the hot favorite among Indian students for higher education:
- Affordable Education – Compared to countries like USA and UK, studying in Germany costs significantly less. Public universities charge zero to negligible tuition fees for bachelor and masters programs.
- High Academic Standards – Germany is home to some of the best universities in the world. QS World University Rankings 2022 featured 47 German universities with Technical University of Munich securing #56 rank globally.
- Innovation Hub – Germany has one of the most robust R&D landscapes globally with over 5000 R&D institutes. These enable students to engage in world-class research.
- Job Avenues – Strong industry-academia linkages ensure students get abundant internship and job opportunities during and after studies. Unemployment rate is ~3% compared to India’s 7%.
- Post-study Work Permit – International grads can stay back in Germany for 18 months to look for jobs after graduation. This period can be extended.
- Cultural Diversity – Students from 200+ countries study in Germany. This multicultural environment helps gain valuable global exposure.
Considering these advantages, it is no surprise that 34,000 Indian students chose Germany for higher education in 2021.
List of Top Germany Scholarships for Indian Students
Scholarships provide financial aid to meritorious international students to fulfill their study abroad dreams. Here are some prominent Germany scholarships that Indian students can apply for:
1. DAAD Scholarships
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is a prestigious funding organization that offers a wide range of scholarship programs for international students to pursue UG, Masters, Ph.D. and research in Germany.
Benefits – DAAD scholarships cover your entire cost of studies and living expenses in Germany. This includes:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend of €750 for UG/Masters students & €1,200 for Ph.D. scholars
- Health insurance
- Accommodation
- Study materials & excursions
- German language course
- Travel subsidy
Eligibility – Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, extracurricular profile and a proposal letter. Specific eligibility criteria depends on the program. However, the minimum required GPA is 16/20 for UG and 2/1 for Masters.
Application Deadline – Varies for different programs – generally between August to December annually.
2. KOF Scholarships
Offered by the Swiss non-profit Klaus J. Jacobs Foundation, these scholarships are for Indian students interested in pursuing their Masters in Germany.
Benefits – The scholarship covers your tuition fees, university admission costs, monthly stipend, travel, health insurance and access to alumni network.
Eligibility – You must have an undergraduate degree with minimum 70% marks. English language proficiency and leadership skills are also assessed during selection.
Application Deadline – Usually in May annually
3. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
This foundation provides 130+ scholarships per year to international students pursuing their Masters or Ph.D. across subjects like development studies, engineering, public health, economics and more.
Benefits –
- €850 monthly stipend + book allowance
- Rent subsidy
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
- German language classes
Eligibility – You must have an exceptional academic record with relevant extracurricular engagement and research proposal.
Application Deadline – March 1 annually
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD)
Funded by the European Commission, this prestigious exchange program provides full scholarships for pursuing 1-2 year international master degree offered by a consortium of European universities. 130+ EMJMD programs are available including 25+ in Germany.
Benefits –
- Full tuition fee coverage
- €1000 – €1500 monthly stipend
- Insurance coverage
- Travel expenses
Eligibility – Bachelor degree with high academic record. Some programs also need 1-2 years work experience.
Application Deadline – Generally October – January annually
5. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship
This foundation offers ~240 scholarships annually to international students pursuing their UG, Masters or Ph.D from German universities across diverse subject areas.
Benefits –
- €650 monthly stipend for living costs
- Health insurance coverage
- Study and research allowance
- Travel expenses
- German language training
Eligibility – Strong academic and extracurricular background. Relevant research proposal and political/social engagement.
Application Deadline – Generally in March annually
6. Baden Wurttemberg Scholarships
Offered by the German state of Baden Württemberg, these scholarships are awarded to high achieving international students to pursue research-focused Masters or Ph.D programs at universities in the state.
Benefits –
- €750 monthly stipend for living costs
- Accommodation allowance
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
- Research funds
Eligibility – You must have excellent academic background with relevant research experience and proposal.
Application Deadline – Usually between February to May annually
7. Einstein International Postdoctoral Fellowship
This is a prestigious fellowship funded by the Einstein Foundation Berlin to support postdoctoral research at Berlin universities and research institutes.
Benefits –
- Generous monthly stipend – €46,000 to €48,000 annually
- Extensive research funding
- Travel & relocation expenses
- Accommodation
- Family allowance
- German language training
Eligibility – Completed Ph.D. within last 4 years with outstanding academic and research credentials.
Application Deadline – By mid January annually
8. Hamburg Scholarships
Funded by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, these scholarships are awarded to pursue Masters in diverse disciplines at Hamburg universities.
Benefits –
- €735 monthly stipend
- Semester ticket
- Health insurance
Eligibility – Outstanding academic background with extracurricular excellence
Application Deadline – July 15 annually
9. Berlin Scholarships
The Berlin Scholarship program provides merit-based funding to exceptional international students from developing and emerging countries to pursue Masters study in Berlin, Germany.
Benefits –
- €750 monthly stipend
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Access to alumni networks
Eligibility – Minimum 2 years work experience with outstanding academic and professional profile.
Application Deadline – Generally between March to June annually
10. Studienstiftung Des Abgeordnetenhauses Scholarships
Exclusively for international students to pursue their full degree Masters program at Berlin universities across diverse disciplines.
Benefits –
- €1320 monthly stipend
- Family and child allowance
- Extensive mentoring and workshops
- German language training
Eligibility – Outstanding academic and personal profile. Relevant extracurricular engagement.
Application Deadline – By end of July annually
This covers some of the most prominent Germany scholarships for Indian students. Many federal states, foundations and individual universities also offer scholarships – so research thoroughly for funding options.
Eligibility Criteria
While specific eligibility criteria vary across scholarships, some general requirements must be fulfilled by Indian students to apply for Germany scholarships:
- Academic Excellence – Strong academic credentials in relevant undergraduate degree with high GPA/marks. Some scholarships need 1st class or distinction.
- English Proficiency – Most scholarships need IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 80+ scores. Some programs conducted in German require strong German language skills.
- Research Experience – Relevant research proposal and experience preferred, especially for Ph.D scholarships.
- Extracurricular Excellence – Outstanding performance in extracurricular activities reflecting your social engagement, leadership skills and personality strengths.
- Future Plans – Convincing career goals statement explaining how the program aligns with your academic/professional ambitions.
Application Process
The application process for Germany scholarships involves:
- Find Opportunities – Identify scholarships you are eligible for depending on your academic profile and interests.
- Review Guidelines – Check deadline, required documents, selection criteria from scholarship website/prospectus.
- Prepare Documents – Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume, research proposal, motivation letter, language proficiency scores etc.
- Online Application – Fill the online application form before deadline. Double check entries.
- Interview – Some scholarships require you to attend an interview to assess your profile, subject knowledge and communication skills. Prepare well.
- Selection – Applications are evaluated by selection committee based on eligibility, academic merit, research potential and future goals.
- Visa Application – Once selected, apply for student visa at your nearest German consulate by submitting required documents.
- Acceptance – Accept the scholarship offer by the specified date and complete pre-departure formalities.
- Travel to Germany – After obtaining your German student visa, book your tickets, accommodation etc and fly to Germany to join your new university!
Application Timelines
- 12-18 Months Before – Shortlist universities and programs you plan to apply for. Start preparing for English language tests, if applicable.
- 12 Months Before – Write GRE/GMAT if required for your program. Check scholarship deadlines.
- 8-10 Months Before – Prepare your resume, research proposal and other documents. Get letters of recommendation ready.
- 4-6 Months Before – Submit university applications before deadlines. Start your scholarship applications.
- 2-3 Months Before – Complete any pending scholarship/university applications. Appear for visa interview.
- 1 Month Before – Finalize travel and accommodation. Accept your scholarship offer and complete joining formalities with the university.
Preparing 16-18 months in advance and applying systematically well before deadlines gives you the best chance for your study abroad dream!
Popular Subjects to Study
Some popular subjects that Indian students can consider studying in Germany with scholarships:
- Engineering – Germany is a global leader in engineering disciplines like mechanical, automobile, industrial, aeronautical, mechatronics, environmental engineering etc. Reputed institutes include RWTH Aachen, TU Munich, TU Berlin, TU Darmstadt etc.
- Information Technology – IT degrees from Germany equip students with cutting-edge computing and programming skills augmented by practical projects and internships. Target universities like TU Kaiserslautern, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, TU Ilmenau etc.
- Management & Commerce – Pursue globally recognized management and business administration degrees. Leading business schools include ESCP Europe, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Mannheim Business School etc.
- Physical & Biological Sciences – Study cutting-edge courses in physics, chemistry, biology, biomedical science and more aided by world-class labs and research infrastructure across German universities.
- Medicine – German medical universities like Heidelberg University, LMU Munich, Charite Berlin etc rank among the best globally for clinical medicine degrees, allied healthcare sciences and biomedical research.
- Humanities & Social Sciences – Gain multi-disciplinary exposure through diverse humanities and social science degrees spanning literature, languages, media studies, psychology, political science, economics, law, international relations etc.
- Design, Arts & Architecture – Germany has a thriving arts, design and architecture landscape. Pursue creative degrees at leading design schools like UDK Berlin, Bauhaus University Weimar and prestigious arts academies.
Choose a subject aligned with your academic strengths, interests and career aspirations.
Cost of Studying in Germany
Germany offers world-class education at very affordable costs, especially in public universities where Indian students spend on an average:
- Tuition Fees –
- Bachelor – €65 to €350 per semester (~ ₹60,000 per year)
- Masters – €65 to €650 per semester (~ ₹60,000 to ₹200,000 per year)
- Public universities charge nominal to no fees for bachelor and masters programs.
- Accommodation –
- On-campus – €150 to €400 per month (~₹14,000 to ₹35,000)
- Shared flats – €200 to €600 per month (~₹18,000 to ₹55,000)
- Living Expenses – €700 to €900 per month (~₹65,000 to ₹85,000) on food, transport, utilities, books etc.
- Health Insurance – €80 to €150 per month (~₹7,500 to ₹14,000)
Total costs range between €800 – €1200 per month (~₹75,000 – ₹1,10,000). Scholarships help massively cut down these costs.
Top Universities in Germany for International Students
Here are some of the best universities in Germany for international students across popular fields of study:
- Engineering – RWTH Aachen University, Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University, Technical University of Berlin, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- Computer Science & IT – Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Technical University of Munich, Free University of Berlin, TU Berlin, Heidelberg University
- Natural Sciences – Humboldt University of Berlin, LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, Free University of Berlin, Technical University of Munich
- Management & Commerce – Technical University of Munich, University of Mannheim, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, ESCP Europe, Free University of Berlin
- Medicine – LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, Charite – Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Technical University of Munich, University of Freiburg
- Social Sciences & Humanities – Humboldt University of Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, University of Heidelberg, LMU Munich, Technical University of Berlin
- Engineering – RWTH Aachen University, Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University, Technical University of Berlin, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- Fine Arts & Design – Berlin University of the Arts, Bauhaus University Weimar, University of Fine Arts of Hamburg, Hochschule für bildende Künste Hamburg, State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart
The unique culture, education system, research infrastructure and job prospects make Germany a very attractive study destination.
Job Avenues in Germany
- Over 1,500 international companies like Volkswagen, Bosch, SAP, Siemens, Lufthansa, BMW, Adidas and more operate in Germany making it a leading job market.
- Most Indian students can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during studies and full-time during semester breaks.
- After graduation, international students can stay back for 18 months to find suitable employment under the post-study work permit. This may be further extended.
- The average salary after MS in Germany ranges between €43,000 – €65,000 annually. Engineers can earn higher between €52,000 – €75,000.
- Germany has massive shortages in STEM professionals. Engineering, IT and healthcare graduates are in great demand.
- For humanities graduates, multinational companies, think tanks, government agencies, media houses, museums and cultural organizations offer diverse openings.
- Knowing German greatly boosts your employability in Germany. Many postgraduate programs offer free German language electives.
With abundant jobs across sectors, internationally recognized degrees, work permits and career growth opportunities, Germany is a sound investment for Indian students to create a successful future. The wide range of scholarships make an educational experience in Germany more accessible.
FAQs on Germany Scholarships for Indian Students
Q. Which all scholarships can Indian students apply for in Germany?
A. Major Germany scholarships open for Indian students include DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, KOF Swiss Excellence Scholarships, Heinrich Böll, Baden Württemberg, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Einstein Foundation Fellowships, Hamburg Scholarships, exchange service daad and more.
Q. What is the deadline for Germany scholarships?
A. Deadlines vary across different scholarships – ranging from March to December annually. Most postgraduate scholarships germany deadlines are between May to October.
Q. What are the language requirements study germany ?
A. English taught programs need IELTS/TOEFL scores. Certain scholarships like DAAD may need German language certificates like TestDaf or DSH based on the course.
Q. How much funding do Germany scholarships provide?
A. Most scholarships cover complete tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance and living expenses between €850 to €1500 monthly along with other allowances.
Q. Which exam do I need to study in scholarship Germany?
A. Major entry exams include GRE/GMAT for management, business, humanities, social sciences degrees; TOEFL/IELTS for English proficiency; GATE for engineering; NEET for medicine.
Q. What is the cost of studying in Germany?
A. Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees cost between €18,000 – €25,000 annually. With scholarships the cost reduces vastly. Living expenses range €700 – €900 per month.
Studying in Germany provides Indian students world-class education, research opportunities, exciting careers, and a chance to live in one of the most advanced nations worldwide. A wide range of generous scholarships make this dream accessible. With proper planning and diligent efforts, you can secure these scholarships and fulfill your Germany study abroad aspirations.