Germany is known for its affordable education fees worldwide, making it an attraction for international students. However, there are other costs associated with tuition fees when you are studying abroad. Getting a scholarship while studying abroad can be a game-changer for international students. In this blog, you will learn everything you should know about scholarships for Indian students in Germany.
Table of Contents:
- Why Study in Germany?
- Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
- Masters Scholarships in Germany
- Tips for Successful Scholarship Application
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Study in Germany?
- Cost of Living: Germany is quite affordable compared to other European countries. On average, a student spends €992 per month / €11,904 per year as an international student.
- Tuition Fees: Public universities are funded by the government in Germany hence, they do not charge any tuition fees. However, the universities charge a semester fee of €100 – €350.
- Career Opportunities: Germany is home to many top organizations that collaborate with students often, which leads to more career opportunities. Germany’s economic growth has also contributed to a successful job market.
- Top Global Ranking Universities: According to QS World University rankings of 2025, 5 German universities are ranked in the top 100. German universities are also renowned for high-quality education and diverse programs.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
Indian students have doubled in Germany in 5 years to approximately 49,000. With the number of rising students, it is a testament to the German country as a popular destination. Getting a scholarship eases the financial burden for the students. Here are some of the top scholarships for Indian students in Germany:
Expatrio Scholarship
Expatrio scholarship is open to students from all over the world. Expatrio typically picks three main winners for its scholarship. The first winner gets the prize of €12,000, while the second and third winners receive €6,000 and €3,000, respectively. The requirements for the scholarship are:
- Assessment based on video submission answering – Why are you passionate about the field of study you are pursuing in Germany?
- The video should be in mp4 format and not longer than 2 minutes
- The video should not include any copyrighted content
DAAD Scholarship
DAAD scholarship is awarded to students pursuing Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral research in Germany. The scholarship covers monthly stipends of €992 for graduates and €1,300 for doctoral/Ph.D. students. The requirements for the scholarship are as follows:
- Applicants should have good academic performance and achievements
- A recognized school leaving certificate
- Proof of language proficiency of instruction or working language (s)
- Relevant internships or work experience
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship is open to Master’s and Doctoral students studying at universities, universities of applied sciences, and universities of the arts in Germany. However, the scholarship value depends on the student’s nationality and level of studies. The deadline for scholarships is March 1st and September 1st of each year, and the application portal opens before six weeks. The scholarship details are as follows:
| Particulars | Scholarship Value | Requirements |
| Student Scholarships | €992 per month, health insurance, and other allowances |
|
| Doctoral Scholarships | €1,400 per month, a €100 monthly mobility allowance, and other individual allowances |
|
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships
Friedrich Ebert Foundation scholarships are for doctoral students accepted into a state or state-recognized German university. The scholarship awards a monthly stipend of €992 for students in state or state-recognized degree programs. It awards €1,400 per month for up to three years for doctoral students. The requirements are as follows:
- General personal information
- Details about professional & family background
- Motivation to become a FES scholarship holder
- Information about your socio-political commitment
- Doctoral studies applicants must submit an exposé of their dissertation project
- Two academic references
- Detailed CV
- Relevant certificates
- Proof of enrollment
Bayer Foundation Fellowships
The three Bayer Foundation fellowships are given to medical students and students pursuing a Master’s or PhD in scientific disciplines (pharmacy, data science, medical engineering, and more). The fellowships are awarded up to €10,000 per applicant to cover international research projects, internships, and other activities for up to 6 months. The requirements of the scholarship are as follows:
| Scholarship | Requirements |
| Otto Bayer Fellowships for Drug Discovery Sciences | Must be studying in an MSc or PhD program in natural science, pharmacy, or data science |
| Jeff Schell Fellowships for Agricultural Sciences | Must be MSc or PhD students in a natural science or data science program |
| Carl Duisberg Fellowships for Medical Sciences | Must be students of human or veterinary medicine or be studying for an MSc or PhD in medical engineering, applied medical sciences, public health, or data science in medicine |
Masters Scholarships in Germany
As an international student, if you plan to pursue a Master’s program in Germany, you will find various scholarships to support your study abroad journey. Some of the most popular master’s scholarships in Germany include:
| Scholarship | Details & Requirements |
| ESMT MBA Scholarships |
|
| HHL Leipzig Scholarships |
|
| Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Scholarships |
|
Tips for Successful Scholarship Application
If you are applying for a scholarship, there are some things you need to keep in mind for a successful application. Some of the top tips for a successful scholarship application are as follows:
- Start Early: Starting as early as possible would possibly help you achieve the best scholarship.
- Researching: Research different websites and online portals thoroughly. You can find the best scholarship based on your goals and needs by researching.
- Prepare Documents: Several documents are required when applying for a scholarship as an international student, so ensure you have all your documents ready beforehand.
- Multiple Scholarships: Apply to multiple scholarships as it increases your chances of getting them. Keep track of your applications and deadlines, and apply carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a scholarship for my PhD in Germany?
For a PhD scholarship in Germany, you should contact your potential supervisors. You must prepare a strong application with a research proposal along with your CV, letters of recommendation, and more.
Can I get a computer science Master’s scholarship in Germany?
Yes, scholarships like DAAD, Erasmus+, and more are available for a master of computer science program in Germany. However, you should check the eligibility criteria for the scholarship and then apply for it.
How to get a DAAD scholarship for a Master’s in Germany?
To secure a DAAD scholarship for a Master’s in Germany, you need to check the availability of the program on the DAAD official website. Ensure you meet the required entry requirements and have all the required documents.
How to get a scholarship to study in Germany?
Check that you meet all the eligibility requirements for the scholarship. Prepare documents such as a CV/resume, academic transcripts, motivation letters, etc. Apply as early as possible to get a scholarship to study in Germany.
Do I need to know German to study in Germany as an Indian student?
Germany offers several English-taught programs to Indian and international students. However, having a basic knowledge of the German language would help you in your daily life.
