Scholarships to Study in Germany for Indian Students
Dreaming of studying in Germany but concerned about costs? Don’t worry Germany offers generous scholarships for Indian students, even though tuition is often free at public universities. From government-funded to university-specific and private options, there are plenty of opportunities to study in Germany with financial support.
In this guide, GCQ Study Abroad outlines the top scholarships available for Indian students, their eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.
Why Scholarships Matter Even in Tuition-Free Germany
While most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees, students still need to cover:
Living expenses (€850–€1,200/month)
Health insurance
Student semester contribution (€150–€350/semester)
Travel and visa costs
That’s where scholarships come in — helping reduce or fully fund your cost of living and study.
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Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Germany
1️⃣ DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service)
The DAAD is the largest funding body offering scholarships for international students.
Popular DAAD Programs:
DAAD EPOS: For postgraduates in development-related fields
DAAD Study Scholarships: For graduates pursuing Master’s in all fields
DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme: For future public policy professionals
WISE (Working Internships in Science and Engineering): For undergrads
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding | €861/month (Master’s), €1,200/month (PhD) + travel allowance |
| Duration | 12–24 months |
| Deadline | Usually Sep–Oct (varies by program) |
🌐 Apply at: www.daad.de
2️⃣ Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships
This is a political foundation scholarship focused on leadership, democracy, and social engagement.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Students | Master’s or PhD candidates under 30 |
| Funding | €934/month + health insurance + travel + German courses |
| Requirements | Strong academic & social engagement |
| Deadline | July 15 every year |
3️⃣ Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
Open to international students pursuing Master’s or PhD programs in Germany.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fields | All subjects, especially environmental and social sciences |
| Funding | €934/month + other allowances |
| Deadline | March 1 & September 1 each year |
4️⃣ Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
A merit-based scholarship funded jointly by the government and private sector.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | €300/month |
| Eligibility | High-performing students in any degree program |
| Application | Through your German university directly |
| Duration | 2 semesters (renewable) |
5️⃣ Erasmus+ Scholarships
If your program includes a semester or full year in another EU country, Erasmus+ may fund your mobility.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount | Up to €1,000/month + travel support |
| Duration | 3–12 months |
| Application | Through your German host university |
6️⃣ Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarship
For students with strong social or political commitment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Degrees | Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD |
| Funding | Up to €934/month + health + family allowance |
| Requirement | Good German language skills (B2+) |
Documents Commonly Required for Scholarship Applications
Academic transcripts & certificates
Letter of motivation or SOP
Letters of recommendation
Proof of admission (or application) to a German university
Language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or TestDaF)
CV (in Europass format)
Passport copy
📌 Deadlines and documents vary by scholarship. Always check official websites.
GCQ Pro Tip: Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
✅ Apply 6–9 months in advance
✅ Target programs that match your career goals
✅ Highlight your academic achievements and social involvement
✅ Craft a compelling SOP tailored to each scholarship
✅ Keep your CV and references strong and updated
🎯 GCQ offers editing support for your SOP, CV, and scholarship applications.
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How GCQ Study Abroad Can Help
While we don’t issue scholarships ourselves, GCQ offers expert guidance and application support:
✔️ Shortlisting scholarship opportunities
✔️ SOP & LOR writing assistance
✔️ CV formatting (Europass)
✔️ Application timeline planning
✔️ DAAD and university portal navigation
✔️ University shortlisting that fits with funding options
🚀 Study in Germany Without the Financial Burden
Scholarships are more accessible than you think — especially with the right help. Whether you’re applying for a DAAD-funded Master’s or looking for university-specific aid, GCQ will walk with you through every step of your scholarship journey.
👉 Book a Free Counseling Session
👉 Download Our Germany Application Checklist
👉 Contact Us for a Personalized Roadmap
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