Scholarships for Indian students in Germany
Germany, a powerhouse of education, welcomes students to its shores as a gateway to world-class learning. Renowned for its affordability and high standards, it consistently ranks as one of the best European countries for international study. Besides its picturesque landscape, magnificent castles and vibrant culture, Germany stands out for its abundant scholarship opportunities. As a result, the number of Indian students has increased significantly in recent years, who benefit from reduced financial responsibilities while promoting a strong sense of community.
Students experience the beauty of this nation, which has it all—from the world-famous Oktoberfest celebrations to the acclaimed Berlinale film festival. They enjoy a high standard of living in a safe and effective environment. With excellent infrastructure and a wide range of specialised programs, it offers several fully funded scholarships with many other benefits. Scholarships for Indian students in Germany make it the best choice for aspiring students seeking affordable education abroad.
A Detailed Guide of Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students
As we begin to explore all the opportunities for Scholarships in Germany, remember that it is a complex process. Seeking expert advice from our admission consultants at IMS will accelerate your journey towards achieving your goals. Let us help you turn your dreams into reality.
Scholarships to Study in Germany – TYPES, TIPS, and TACTICS
1. Government-funded scholarships for Indian students in Germany
These scholarships are widely accessible and cater to all eligible applicants without exception. They are essential in ensuring that students from around the world can afford higher education in Germany.
DAAD Scholarship–Scholarship for Indian Students in Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world’s largest funding organisation of its kind, offering scholarships to study in Germany. As of 2024, DAAD offers 92 scholarships, all of which vary and, hence, have diverse application and procedural requirements.
| Basic Requirement | Eligibility | Tentative Funding |
| Language proficiency (German or English) | Undergraduates, graduates, doctoral/PhD students, postdocs, faculty | €934 (graduates), €1,300 (doctoral/PhD) |
Additional Information –Scholarship for Indian students in Germany
i.These scholarships are also awarded for study and research visits to universities and non-university research institutions in Germany. In some programmes, internships are also funded.
- These scholarships are grants, not loans, so they do not have to be paid back. They cover tuition and living expenses, usually through a monthly scholarship payment and a flat-rate travel allowance. DAAD often also provides health, accident, and personal liability insurance.Depending on the scholarship programme, additional benefits may include a one-off research allowance, family benefits, or funds for language courses.
iii. To apply to a German higher education institution and start your scholarship, you must submit proof of your language skills (e.g., DSH or TestDaF for German; TOEFL or IELTS for English). A C1 level is often required, but this varies by degree program.
- DAAD scholarships are mainly for applicants pursuing full-time, in-person courses in Germany.
Other popular government Scholarships in Germany include the Deutschlandstipendium, Erasmus Scholarship Program, etc.
2. Non Government funded–Scholarship for Indian students in Germany
These scholarships are granted by organisations other than the German government. Recipients might find different benefits and requirements tailored to specific academic programs or research opportunities.
Heinrich Böll Stiftung Foundation Scholarship-Scholarship for Indian Students in Germany
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is a German-based green think tank that opposes traditional socialism, liberalism, and conservatism while being a major player in the global Green political movement. Scholarship awardees are expected to demonstrate academic excellence, political and social engagement, and adherence to the foundation’s core values of justice, self-determination, human rights, democracy, ecology, and sustainability.
| Basic Requirement | Eligibility | Tentative Dates |
| Proof of German language level (B2/DSH 2), excellent grades, social/political engagement, justification for applying, master’s: first graded proofs, PhD: dissertation topic and progress | Indian students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD/Doctoral degrees in any field at higher educational institutions in Germany. (Open to all subjects and nationalities.) | March 1 (spring session), September 1 (autumn session) |
Additional Information–Scholarship for Indian Students in Germany
i.Number of Scholarships: More than 1,000 scholarships granted annually.
- Tentative Funding Amounts: EU nationals/students not educated in Germany may receive up to €812/month plus €300 study costs allowance. Additional allowances may include family, childcare, and health insurance.Non-EU nationals/students not educated in Germany may get up to €934/month plus various individual allowances, possibly health insurance. The amount of funding varies for each applicant depending on their personal assets and earnings or parental income.
iii. Special target groups: Such Non-Government Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students include international graduate and doctoral students, especially those from the global south and conflict regions worldwide. Additionally, the foundation encourages applications from women in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and supports students in STEM disciplines focusing on environmental science and ecology. Furthermore, scholarships are available for students pursuing economics, arts, administrative sciences, management, and journalism studies. The foundation actively seeks to support minorities and refugees in their academic pursuits, fostering diversity and inclusive education.
Another popular one is the Bayer Foundation Scholarship, which can also be counted as a good option under non-governmental Scholarships for MS in Germany and other degrees. You must also look at the Konrad—Adenauer-Stiftung scholarship, as it seems worth considering.
3. German University funded-Scholarship for Indian students in Germany
The purpose of university-funded scholarships is to attract talented students, support their education, and strengthen the university’s academic community. Hence, in this case, the financial support provided to students is directly funded by the university itself.
RWTH Aachen University Scholarships–Scholarship for Indian students in Germany
Situated in Aachen, Germany, this is the biggest technical university in the country. It consistently receives the most third-party funding among German institutions, placing it among the top few in the country. This university offers a wide range of scholarships to international students, including the Scholarship for Particularly Involved International Students, Exchange Scholarship, etc. So, let us take a look at “How to get a scholarship to study in Germany for RWTH Aachen University.”
| RWTH Aachen University Scholarship Name | Funding (Variable) | Eligibility |
| Exchange Scholarship | 1,000 Euros for one semester | Exchange students from international partner universities |
| Scholarship for Particularly involved students | 6 months (summer semester), 300 Euros/month stipend | International students at RWTH Aachen- involved in international contexts in their studies or university activities. |
Additional Information–Scholarship for Indian Students in Germany
i.Exchange Scholarship
-Partner Universities in India include IISC Bangalore (Indian Institute of Science Bangalore), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, IIT Madras(Indian Institute of Technology Madras) and Indian Institute of Technology Mandi. For this semester of exchange at RWTH Aachen University, Bachelor’s and Master’s students must be nominated by their home institution.
-This scholarship supports one student from each participating university for a semester at the university. It covers some accommodation and living costs, but not travel expenses. Students can join a one-month intensive language course in September to prepare for their stay, with costs not covered.
-This scholarship cannot be combined with other German or international publicly or privately funded scholarships, such as DAAD or those from your home university or country. Double funding is not permitted.
- Scholarship for Particularly involved students
Under the DAAD STIBET I program, the International Office awards scholarships to active students funded by the Federal Foreign Office. Recipients are chosen based on their academic achievements and involvement in international activities at the university.
-Students eligible for this scholarship must complete a full degree program and hold foreign citizenship, having earned their university entrance qualification from a non-German school abroad. They should have completed at least two semesters at RWTH with strong academic performance. Apart from their studies, candidates must demonstrate exceptional international engagement at RWTH, show intercultural competence, and possess good knowledge of German and English.
-Involvement can include mentoring international students or participating in initiatives and associations with a global focus.
-To apply (May 1 to 31), submit the following to the online portal: certification of social involvement during studies, certificate of enrollment, current transcript of records, resume, recommendation letter from an RWTH teacher or advisor, copy of passport and residence permit (if applicable), and work contract (if you have a part-time job). Provide proof of any changes in employment status.
Other university-funded scholarships include Heidelberg University’s Hans Peter Wild Talent Scholarship and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences’ Merit Scholarship.
Overview – Scholarships for Indian Students to study in Germany
Although navigating the world of scholarships might be intimidating, doing so is necessary to lessen the financial load of your education. You can apply for many scholarships; a small tip: apply for more than one scholarship well before the deadline so you do not miss out on great opportunities.
Take the Next Step:
- Contact Your IMS Consultant: Get personalised advice on the best scholarships that match your profile.
- Register for a Profile Review and Assessment: Gain insights into your eligibility and increase your chances of securing financial aid.
Don’t miss the opportunity to make your educational dreams more affordable. Start your scholarship journey now!